Isn't church planting risky?
  It depends how you define risk. With 80-85% of American churches plateaued or declining, some might consider it more risky to minister in that environment. It depends how God has wired you. 

Do I have to raise support?
  Just about everybody in our movement raises support. It depends how you want to live. Some prefer to work bi-vocationally, or the spouse works full time. We encourage people to work hard at raising support because it can make life easier later on down the road. Our coaches help walk you through the support-raising process. 

Do I have to use the name "Baptist" in my church name?
  We encourage you to name your church in such a way to strategically target those who don't know Christ. Sometimes "Baptist" works, other times it doesn't. We don't make a big deal about the name, but we do expect that our churches freely inform their congregations about our denomination and participate accordingly. 

Do I have to have a seminary degree?
  Nope. Sometimes people who wouldn't have the patience for seminary turn out to be great church planters. There are more important success indicators: entrepreneurial track record, spouse support, ability to connect with the unchurched, et cetera. 

Will there be a core group waiting for me?
  Sometimes, but we try to steer clear of "pre-existing" core groups because of value and agenda harmony conflict potential with the church planter (you). Instead, when groups inquire about starting a new church we usually try to hold them back until we can get a church planter. It's always best to have the church planter be "first".

What is my wife's role?
  That depends on her. One of the beauties of church planting is that the spouse can chart her own course. There are no expectations. Some wives are incredibly involved, others to a more moderate degree. 

What do you do for "bi-vocational" church planters?
  Various districts have differing packages, all designed to help planters maximize their possibilities for success. Such financial support elements may include start-up work funds, health insurance, start-up salary funds and other beneficial packages. 

Can we bring others with us?
  Absolutely! According to a Forbes magazine study, entrepreneurial ventures which were partnerships were four times more likely to succeed. Many of our church planters bring "ministry partners" with them. Value and agenda harmony issues are already settled and there is built-in emotional support. 

How will we be "coached"?
  We have qualified, experienced coaches who will meet with you face to face each month, up through your first anniversary of public worship services. They know their stuff. You will be coached well--face to face, over the phone, email and so on. 

Once I start, how long before we start services?
  We're not calendar-driven; we're "health-driven". We do not want planters to start "preparatory worship" until they have twenty (20) committed adults and we do not want "public worship" (grand openings) until at least forty (40) adults are committed. This is because most churches will be two (2) to three (3) times the size of their core group one year after they've gone public. 

What style of churches do you start?
  All kinds. As long as you are functioning in your area of giftedness and you do not vilify others in the movement whose style is different than your own; you're clear to operate with your unique style. 

What's your track record?
  Across denominations in the United States, only about one-out-of-three new churches "make it". Our track record over the past ten years is about nine (9) out of ten (10) make it. The reason is because of the strong support our movement offers for church planters, spouses et cetera. 

Where are you targeting?
  Just about everywhere. When we mobilize church planters we factor in a number of criteria: natural fit, skill and experience levels, church planter preferences and current opportunities. 

What happens if I fail?
  If you've made it into our movement, you probably won't fail. But if you do, you will be treated with dignity and we will help to find another ministry fit for you.