STARTERS

Starters are people who wonder if they have what it takes to plant a church.

Starters are people who have settled the issue of calling and now wonder if they have what it takes to plant a church. Starters are unique because they have an internal calling to plant, often accompanied by external witnesses to their calling—but they aren’t sure if they can actually do it.

Stages of the process

IDENTIFICATION

Vineyard Church Planters are people who long to see the gospel extended and bring transformation to a new community.

Planters are folks who aren’t always content with what already exists, rather they have an entrepreneurial bent. They want to start new things. They want to challenge the status quo. They are collaborators and equippers at heart. They live for the lost and seek Gospel saturation in their city or town. If that sounds like someone in your church, you may want to begin to discern with them if church planting is what God is calling them to.

To begin this stage, invite the potential planter to take the 10 Questions, a self-assessment to help them get perspective on how their gifts and abilities align with what’s necessary for church planting. These questions are intended to be a starting point for a conversation between the two of you. Then have them begin a conversation with us by scheduling a call with us.

Then we will invite the planter to start the Discover Process with Stadia.

The Discovery Process helps determine a planter’s calling, aptitude and readiness. In addition to receiving a spiritual call to church plant, we want to make sure the planter is best suited and most prepared for the incredible task at hand. Stadia’s Discovery Process involves three Phases:

Exploration
Discernment
Discovery

1.

ASSESSMENT

The Assessment Stage helps identify a planter’s current strengths and areas of growth. In this stage, together with our partner Stadia, we get a good picture of what skills and experience they are bringing to the table as a church planting candidate.

This stage involves two parts: Pre-Assessment work, which then leads the planter to the Church Planting Assessment Center (CPAC). The Pre-Assessment work involves personality assessments like StrengthsFinder, the 16PF, Grit, and more. Together we build a profile on the planter’s temperament and personality for those assessing them at CPAC. Upon arriving at CPAC, they are given a series of projects to create and present together with a team.

Think of CPAC less like the SAT and more like showing up to a sports tryout where you get to put your skills into action to be evaluated by competent and qualified assessors.

The end result of CPAC is a recommendation for planting, most often with some further development work to do. For many planters, this is a hugely encouraging moment because they receive external confirmation of their church planting potential, which compliments the calling they’ve received internally by the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the Assessment process, the planter is encouraged to be in regular communication with you, their sending pastor, and their Area Leader for continued coaching and development.

Once you complete CPAC, you will fill out the Vineyard Church Planting Application.

2.

TRAINING

Church planting is a unique endeavor with specific skills required, and our Training Phase helps the planter prepare to launch successfully.

We have created partnerships to help train the planter in the church planting model they will be using. At this stage, they can choose to work with Stadia, ARC or KC Underground to pursue a traditional plant, large-launch, or a network of micro-churches.

In addition to this, we have specialists who can help coach and resource the planter in other specialty areas including small-town planting, Spanish-speaking churches, Asian American church planting, and many others.

They’ll also be connected to the leadership of the region they’re planning to plant in, including local pastors and Area and Regional Leaders.

3.

RELEASE

To be legally recognized as a Vineyard church and use the Vineyard name, only takes three simple steps.

First, they will fill out a Legal Packet and sign a trademark agreement and agree to give 3% to VUSA. Next, they’ll complete a background check. Finally, they will complete Release Paperwork to be signed by you, the sending pastor, and Area, Regional, and National Vineyard leaders. Once these documents have been filled out, they will sent church plant start-up funds, if applicable.

4.

SUPPORT

The Vineyard is committed to journeying with you and the planter for the long haul and providing support to help them have the best chance of success.

That’s why Vineyard Church plants receive a certified coach at no charge to the planter.

New planters also get access to Vineyard Digital for the first year, training opportunities, ongoing relational support and connection with other planters and pastors in their region, and additional strategic coaching and training with Stadia.

We’re excited to be on this journey with you! Let’s get started.

5.

Illustrations by Ouch.pics

What Vineyard Church Planting Looks Like

Stories of church planters who are transforming their communities with diverse expressions of Vineyard churches. The different models, methods, and people that make up Vineyard Churches.

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STARTERS

Stages of the process

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More on Vineyard Church Planting

What Vineyard Church Planting Looks Like

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