Should You Become a Church Planter?
*Note: This document is for informational purposes only and a general guideline for requirements. Please contact our office for specific instructions to apply.
Qualifications for Church Planter (General Information)
- Spiritual. These factors must be considered:
- Testimony of conversion, baptism, membership in a Free Will Baptist church in the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Must believe the doctrinal position of the denomination.
- Christian maturity. The candidate’s reputation must be above reproach in every way.
- Ordination. The church planter candidate must be an ordained Free Will Baptist minister (or seeking ordination) in good standing with his local church and association.
- Physical and Psychological
- The church planter candidate should be in good health and free of any impairment that would impede competent service.
- The church planter candidate must be psychologically stable, without a history of psychological malfunction.
- Marital Status
- Candidates must be qualified according to scriptural standards.
- Single candidates will be examined using biblical qualifications for leaders.
- Education
- The candidate must hold a high school graduate or required equivalent.
- The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree, although successful pastoral experience will be considered in lieu of formal training.
- In conjunction with formal studies, it is preferred the applicant have experience as a pastor or staff member of a Free Will Baptist church.
- The candidate must be a personal soul winner.
- The candidate must be teachable, coachable, and open to input into his ministry.
- Raising Support
- The candidate must hold itinerant services to raise cash and faith promise commitments. Each church planter is responsible to raise enough monthly support to sustain a salary for the contracted period of time. Specific amounts are based on location and type of ministry.
- If the candidate is to be a joint-project church planter with a state mission board, certain requirements of financial support will be discussed and fulfilled with the candidate and the state board.
Church planters must be highly motivated and self-starters with an entrepreneurial spirit. He should have high standards and must be willing to work hard. Thank you so very much for considering this important ministry. If you wish to continue the process, please move forward and consider the following questions. If we can help you, please do not hesitate to call.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Considering Starting a Church
- Is my primary reason for wanting to start a church positive or negative? Do I want to follow God’s calling and reach people for Christ, or do I just want to leave a bad situation?
- Do I share the gospel with non-believers on a regular basis, and can I point to people who have made professions of faith and are still walking with Christ as a result of my witness?
- Am I comfortable relating to non-believers and building relationships with them?
- Is my wife willing and enthusiastic about starting a new church?
- Am I willing to receive training and coaching to help me be more effective?
- What gifts, personality characteristics, and experiences do I have that would help me be an effective church planter?
- Have I seen any growth in my Sunday School class, youth group, or church?
- Have I seen any evidence my preaching and teaching are received well?
- Am I a people person (a good listener, empathetic, patient, and easy to get along with)?
- Do I have a daily time with God and operate on the strength of this relationship?
- Is my life above reproach (free from besetting sin, bills paid on time, good reputation in the community)?
- Does my life instill trust in others (keeping commitments, getting work done, honesty, consistency, following through with plans)?
- Have I been thinking about my values, philosophy, and strategies for starting a new church?
- Have I talked this decision over with spiritually mature people who know me and have they encouraged me in this direction?
- Is there a growing feeling that this is God’s call, and I must follow His leading?
Take the Next Step
If, after considering these guidelines and answering the questions, you still wish to pursue the ministry of church planting, it is time to take the next step. Complete the form below to request an application from North American Ministries.