Launching Forward: An Effective Core Team Development Strategy for Launching a Church Plant or Multisite Campus

Abstract

ABSTRACT

LAUNCHING FORWARD: AN EFFECTIVE CORE TEAM

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR LAUNCHING A

CHURCH PLANT OR MULTISITE CAMPUS

Ronnie Lee Parrott, Jr., D.Min.

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2016

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Eric Geiger

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to this project and argues for the need for churches to not only train church planters in preparedness for church planting, but to also train launch teams that go with the pastor to plant. This chapter provides an understanding of where multisite ministry fits in the church planting model, provides my personal history in regard to training core teams, and sets the foundation for the training strategy outlined in this project.

Chapter 2 outlines three sessions of core team training that contend for the core team to hold God’s truth of the gospel high as they begin the march toward launching a new work. The topics covered in these three weeks include (1) the truth of the gospel and the role of baptism in the local church, (2) the Christian’s devotion to walking obediently with God in reading God’s Word, worship, and biblical giving, and (3) the role of prayer in the Christian’s life. If truth is to be central to the way Christians live, then it must be internally rooted deep into their hearts in order for it to come out externally.

Chapter 3 outlines three sessions of core team training that fall under the category of “community,” focusing specifically on topics that revolve around the role and need of biblical community in the local church. These topics include (1) uniting the core team around the gospel, the mission and values of the church, and the expectations of its members, (2) the role of small groups in the member’s life, and (3) identifying spiritual gifts and helping members find a place to serve.

Chapter 4 outlines the three final sessions of core team training focused specifically on topics regarding living a life on mission for God. Understanding the biblical and theological foundation of missions is vital to the purpose of these topics. The topics covered in these three weeks include (1) a clear understanding of biblical conversion and learning how to engage others with the gospel, (2) helping the core team leverage their influence for gospel opportunities, and (3) living on guard against spiritual warfare that will come in this season.

Chapter 5 provides a clear timetable for a lead pastor or church in preparation for launching a new church community. It also provides a suggested schedule for each core team training time. This chapter outlines a necessary path for building, equipping, and launching the core team from start to finish. These items will aid the sending church or lead pastor in the process of preparing the team as a whole.

VITA

Ronnie Lee Parrott, Jr.

EDUCATION

B.S., Boyce College, 2004

M.Div., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2012

MINISTERIAL

Pastoral Intern, Highview Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky, 2002-2005

Minister to Students, Highview Baptist Church, Valley Station Campus, Louisville, Kentucky, 2005-2009

Minister to Young Adults, Cross Church, Fayetteville Campus, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2010-2011

Discipleship Pastor, Cross Church, Fayetteville Campus, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2011-2014

Pastor of North American Church Planting and the Cross Church Network, Cross Church, Springdale, Arkansas, 2014-2016