17 Months from Start to Launch: The Story of One Church Plant
We have had an incredible journey these last five years as a new church. God continues to amaze us. I am consistently asked the story of starting Grace Community Church. Specifically other planters want to know what we did prior to launch. I’ve been asked enough that I thought it was worth sharing here.
The vision for Grace was placed on my heart 10 years before this process began, so we either had a head start or we were behind the curve; however you look at it. There were three of us sharing the vision, but the other two moved and I wasn’t in full-time ministry at the time, so the dream basically died…at least to me.
That’s when our timeline began in May of 2004:
May – I had an almost prophetic encounter with another pastor who encouraged me to revive the 10 year dream God had placed on my heart.
May-June: I took about 6 weeks to pray…
July: Approached my co-pastor to see his interest (He wasn’t interested at the time.)
July-August: I kept praying during these months for clarity…
September – My co-pastor and I started dreaming together, he wasn’t completely on board yet, but he was willing to see what God wanted to do…
Oct-Dec – I personally met with potential core members to share the vision, while my co-pastor and I kept shaping the vision…
Jan – Feb – Core pastor agrees to be a part…we invited potential core team to an organizational meeting, committed core to vision, solidified core…
March – June – Core learnings – The core team divided responsibilities, then traveled to different churches, learning all they could about what a successful church might include.
July – Core Training – We met to make clear our vision and primary strategy.
August – Practice/Preview services – With these services, although we didn’t promote them, we invited anyone who wanted to attend.
September 11, 2005 – Launch church – The rest is our history post-launch…
That’s our timeline. How does that compare to your church plant?
Any questions? Please ask.
