1. Enlistment of planters and churches/associations open to plant. A. Respond well to the planters, churches, and associations who express interest. B. Raise awareness of the steps to planting from the sending church perspective by teaching Churches Planting Churches training throughout the state. C. Develop Church Planting Centers (churches, associations, and networks) who raise up planters to send them out. D. Provide accredited courses in Church Planting at institutions of higher learning, etc.

2. Insure readiness of each planter to plant now. A. Conduct a thorough assessment of each planter and place to determine their readiness to plant there. B. Train each planter in the basics of what it takes to plant. C. Provide mentor/coaches for each planter. A mentor/coach is defined as someone who has been where you want to go and is willing to help you get there. There is an 85% success rate of planters who are assessed well, trained well, and coached well.

3. Accountability is a critical part of the success of planting. Everyone involved will be held accountable to fulfill all elements of responsibility. A. A covenant will be developed as to what is expected of the planter, sending church, association, and any other contributing sponsor churches or entities. B. We will assist all parties in understanding expectations and consequences through consistent communication with the planter, sending churches, and associations. C. For instance, when a mobile chapel is granted to a church plant, it is for the maximum time of 30 months. After which, it will either be re-negotiated or picked up for placement in another location.

4. Create Alabama network/fellowship of church planter types who can gather periodically to create synergy. A. These may be regional in Alabama- North, Central, South, and Metro. B. We will attempt to provide at least annual opportunities for these men and their families to gather for a rally, picnic, retreat, etc.

Within 18 to 24 months we will have… 20 Interns 20 Probes 20 Assessors 20 BTJ Facilitators 20 CPC Facilitators 20 Coaches/ Mentors

STEPS TOWARD APPROVAL FOR CHURCH PLANTING

NAMB will then inform the ALSBOM Church Planting office of the planter’s interest and request how to proceed. If the planter has had no prior contact with our office he will then be sent to NAMB’S pre- assessment process. If the planter has been in contact with our office he may be sent the application link by . 3 Planter should go to and click on Mobilize Me to register as a LEAD CHURCH PLANTER. 2 Planter should meet with the Associational Missionary to secure endorsement from the association for planting. 1

Upon completion of application and response from references, NAMB will do background checks for the planter (both criminal and credit) and will notify our office of the completion. 6 Planter should encourage his references to respond quickly when notified by NAMB by e– mail (this sometimes slows the process). 5 Planter should complete the application (approximate 10 pages) online, including 4 references. 4

Upon completion of this assessment report it will be sent to NAMB for approval for pastoral assistance. After approval by NAMB, the planter will access the ALSBOM church planting web site ( ng) to complete the pastor’s assistance application for Church Planting Task Force. A letter of endorsement from the Director of Missions and sponsoring church, if applicable, must accompany the application. 8 At this point our office will plan a church planter candidate assessment interview (4 hours, must bring wife). Other inventories may be required prior to this experience. 7

9 Other items provided by our office for church plants in addition to pastors assistance are: $5,000 startup grant, 25% grant (not to exceed $25,000) for purchase of property (as funds are available), up to $50,000 low interest to assist in building the first unit for the church plant, and the possible use of mobile chapels (if available). These items may be applied for at planting planting NOTE NONE OF THESE ITEMS WILL BE APPROVED UNTIL THE ABOVE APPLICATION PROCESS IS COMPLETED WITH ASSESSMENT. 10 Each funded planter and at least one additional core member is required to have attended Basic Training Journey before being approved or within 6 months afterwards.

Enlistment Preparedness Accountability Network