Following a week of preparation and meeting with a potential NCCd Campus planter/pastor and family, I wanted to take a few posts to unpack my thoughts. This is part 2 in the series. My last post focused on the the idea that What We Intend To Do Is Good, this post focuses on:
How We Intend to Do This Is Also Good
First: We start with an assessment process
Anyone who wishes to plant an NCCd campus must pass an assessment process that is very much like the A-29 assessment process. The process includes numerous questionnaires covering theology, personal testimony, practical ministry, mission and vision, as well as calling. There are references to be completed, a resume of life and work experiences, personality testing, entrepreneur testing, and a phone interview. If all of this goes well, there is face to face time and a two hour husband and wife assessment.
If the potential planter does not pass the assessment process, at any time/stage the process will end.
Second: If the potential planter PASSES the assessment process, then the information attained in the process will be used to formulate a training strategy for the planter. Some may need theological strengthening, or preaching work, or perhaps just experience and guidance. (Of course, the potential planter must make a decision on coming to Macon and partnering with NCCd before training begins)
Third: When the potential planter and family are committed to the process and living in the area, training begins. The period of training will depend on the amount and type of training needed. Much will depend on how the potential planter responds to the training and increased weight of leadership. Training will mean intimate involvement in the operation, working, and pastoring of New City Church downtown. At the same time, the potential planter will begin working in the city in which he will plant and he will begin leading the Missional Community(ies) in that city.
Fourth: At some point (as soon as possible) in the training process, a date for Launch will be set. The MC will serve as the Launch team. The goal will be the casting of vision and multiplication of the MC. The readiness of the potential planter - now PLANTER - and the health and readiness of the core (the MC) will determine the final Launch date.
Fifth: LAUNCH (and yes I skipped finding the place for the Launch gatherings and a host of other details). A few things that the PLANTER didn't have to work hard on or worry about during the core building phase and Launch:
Casting a new vision - our MCs get it.
Finding musicians - man this was hard for a season! We currently have 3 bands who understand that they will one day rotate between campuses,
Membership - We will launch our version of membership this winter. The class materials will be handed to the planter - with a core of members.
Lack of Experience - Likely there will still be a lack here BUT, the Planter will have had hands on training with a planter AND he will continue to receive coaching and support from NCCd elders who have been in the battle and want to see the planter's victory.
Sixth: There are still unknowns regarding future structures - but we have ideas. The plant/campus will remain a New City Church - and will be active in planting other churches. The campus planter will be an elder - serving with other New City Church downtown elders and raising up his own elders
The system - though we still have much to learn and put in place is a good one. It equips the planter and readies the people for a plant. It takes away many of the areas that are time consuming and troublesome for many planters... it doesn't guarantee a successful and thriving plant, but it sure seems that it will help a lot.
So - I'll end it here with this... if you are interested in planting in Middle Georgia as a New City Campus - You'll get an MC Core, 3 awesome worship bands, proven elders, support from a guy near you working hard with you, and more...
e-mail me keith@newcitydowntown.org
