MIN 864: Church Planting and Growth Strategies

Course Title: MIN 864: Church Planting and Growth Strategies
Subtitle: Effective Methods for Establishing and Growing Churches
Course Name & Level: Church Planting and Growth Strategies, Doctoral Level
Number of Credit Hours: 3 Credit Hours
Keywords: Church Planting, Church Growth, Ministry Strategies

Introduction:
This course explores advanced principles and practices in church planting and growth strategies. Students will develop skills to establish and grow churches effectively, grounded in biblical principles and contemporary methods.

Course Description:
MIN 864 focuses on the study of church planting and growth strategies, providing students with tools to start and nurture churches. The course integrates biblical teachings with practical applications to enhance ministry effectiveness and community impact.

Course Purpose:
To equip students with advanced skills in church planting and growth strategies, promoting effective ministry and church expansion.

Course Objectives:
To develop proficiency in establishing and growing churches, fostering a deeper understanding of ministry strategies and their application.

Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:

• Church Planting: The process of establishing new churches in various locations, inspired by the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Church Growth: The increase in the number of members and the spiritual maturity of a church congregation (Acts 2:47).
• Ministry Strategies: Plans and actions designed to achieve specific ministry goals and objectives (Proverbs 16:3).
• Discipleship: The process of teaching and mentoring individuals to follow Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19).
• Community Engagement: Actively participating in and contributing to the local community to foster relationships and growth (Jeremiah 29:7).

Specific Topics with Descriptions:

1. Biblical Foundations for Church Planting:
   Exploring the scriptural basis for church planting, emphasizing its importance in the early church (Acts 13:2-3).
2. Developing a Church Planting Vision:
   Creating and articulating a clear vision for church planting that aligns with biblical principles (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
3. Strategic Planning for Church Planting:
   Techniques for developing strategic plans for planting and growing churches (Proverbs 16:9).
4. Selecting and Training Church Planting Teams:
   Strategies for identifying, training, and supporting effective church planting teams (2 Timothy 2:2).
5. Community Assessment and Engagement:
   Conducting community assessments to understand local needs and opportunities for ministry (Jeremiah 29:7).
6. Effective Evangelism Methods:
   Approaches to evangelism that are culturally relevant and biblically sound (Acts 1:8).
7. Discipleship and Leadership Development:
   Fostering discipleship and developing leaders within the new church (Ephesians 4:11-13).
8. Financial Planning and Resource Management:
   Managing finances and resources effectively to support church planting and growth (Luke 14:28-30).
9. Navigating Challenges in Church Planting:
   Identifying and overcoming common challenges in the church planting process (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
10. Evaluating and Sustaining Church Growth:
    Methods for assessing church growth and implementing strategies for long-term sustainability (Philippians 1:6).

Assessments with Descriptions:

1. Research Paper:
   A 15-20 page paper on a selected aspect of church planting or growth strategies, integrating scriptural references and scholarly research (Psalm 119:105).
2. Case Study Analysis:
   Analyzing a case study involving church planting or growth, providing biblically-based solutions (James 1:5).
3. Church Planting Proposal:
   Creating a detailed proposal for planting a new church, demonstrating the integration of theological principles and practical elements (Proverbs 16:3).
4. Exams and Quizzes:
   Assessing knowledge and understanding of course materials through periodic exams and quizzes (Proverbs 4:7).
5. Class Participation:
   Active engagement in class discussions, demonstrating comprehension and application of church planting and growth principles (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Research References:

1. Stetzer, Ed, and Daniel Im. Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply. B&H Publishing, 2016. eBook.
2. Malphurs, Aubrey. The Nuts and Bolts of Church Planting: A Guide for Starting Any Kind of Church. Baker Books, 2011. eBook.
3. Ott, Craig, and Gene Wilson. Global Church Planting: Biblical Principles and Best Practices for Multiplication. Baker Academic, 2011. eBook.
4. Logan, Robert E., and Steven L. Ogne. Church Planter’s Toolkit: A Self-Study Resource Kit for Church Planters and Their Teams. ChurchSmart Resources, 1995. eBook.
5. Payne, J. D. Discovering Church Planting: An Introduction to the Whats, Whys, and Hows of Global Church Planting. IVP Books, 2009. eBook.

The course centers on King Jesus, His Kingdom, His Holy Spirit, His Royal Family, and His Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:18-20.