Ok kids, here we go with another real-time blogging note-taking of an Orlando workshop! Hit F5 for updates...
Dave Nelson is the presenter - 2 yrs ago as lead planter he led 35 families from Michigan to Salt Lake City, Utah to plant K2 - The Church.
How we successfully launched with a HEALTHY team:
1) We nailed down our vision, mission, & values very clearly as a launch team.
Involve people in everything. K2's statement: "We're focused, we're tight, we're out there." Everyone knows that - NO DOUBT what the vision is and WHO is on the team!
2) Fight for the unity of the church. Everywhere you look churches are being divided, splitting, etc. Enemy will take you down on this point - so you fight for John 17! B1. Covenant with one another a Pledge of Connection: I accept the challenge (not 'I will' statements).
I accept the challenge to live in truth with you.
I accept the challenge to give you grace.
I accept the challenge to receive from you humbly.
I accept the challenge to cover your back.
This is serious - we are going to love each other. Community is not just something to foster, but something to fight for.
3) Keep the bar high. Commitment is what Jesus calls you to. In America, we have such a warped view of what to be disciple means.
Example: tithing - your treasure is where your heart is. Is your launch team contributing sacrificially? Does everyone understand that 10% off the gross is a good start for a church plant (challenge everyone to sacrifice at 11% or 12%!)? If you're not willing to lay your pocketbook before Jesus, then you reveal who is really lord of your life.
Everyone is on a ministry team. Creates ownership & creativity.
Everyone is in a small group - gotta be connected relationally, can't hide in the all group on Sundays.
4) Meet regularly. Everyone sees the plant as their church. Total commitment. Training on conflict, leadership, vision, spiritual warfare stuff, prayer, etc. Center on Christ.
5) Slogans are key. Short statements everyone in your church knows & understands. "Join the Crash" - group of charging Rhino's is called a crash. They can only see 30 feet ahead of them. So you fix your eyes on Jesus, run fearlessly forward with the team, and join the crash!
6) Don't ask anyone to be on this team. Cast vision to people, own it. But don't cojole or twist arms. Are you confident about this calling? Then charge ahead and God will raise up people (totally see this happening @ //catalyst!). By not asking anyone to join the team, I know that they were totally asked by God. You don't have to worry about who is on your launch team because Jesus asked them to be on it.
7) Get staff on your team asap. People follow godly leaders.
Post-launch:
1) Everything changes. The launch team is now serving in ministry - the dynamics change. Make sure everyone is prepared for this. Launching small groups is key for connecting relationally (everyone will be busy on Sundays with serving & leading ministries).
2) Fighting burn-out. People will sacrifice their time with Jesus and it will ripple through the church. Watch your people, know where they're at spiritually, shepherd them so they don't fry out.
Wow - GREAT workshop! I feel very affirmed in where we're at in our short history and have some clarity as to what's to come. Very encouraging and exciting!