How and Why we Plant

A biblical pattern for mission

Did you ever stop to think that the true fruit of an apple tree is an orchard? You can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the number of apples in a seed.

Is planting a new church something we can do? 

Yes, Church Planting is very achievable, especially since you will be partners with other churches in your area, plus the Northwest Conference and the Evangelical Covenant Church. In fact, this missional focus often provides an additional source of vitality for many existing churches. Remember, you can’t out-give God.

How we plant churches

The NWC and the ECC provide Assessment, Coaching, Training and Support to each new church that is planted.

Church Planting in the Covenant is a 3-way partnership consisting of the Northwest Conference, the Evangelical Covenant Church, and a parenting church (or a group of partnering churches).

Parenting or partnering churches provide the “seed” to begin a new church. These churches provide prayer, people, a portion of the financial support, and short-term hands-on ministry support (greeting, worship, children’s ministry, etc.).

The Church Planter and the new developing church then face the challenge of reaching out, making disciples, and transforming their community. During this time the help given by your church is critical in providing support on many levels.

Why we plant churches

  • Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples, and the starting of new churches is the New Testament pattern for fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

  • Lost people matter to God. It is one of the most effective ways to reach people for Christ.

  • The U.S. unchurched population is the largest mission field in the English-speaking world and the third largest globally.

  • Estimates show only 2 out of 10 Americans attend church on any given Sunday.

  • Church planting breaks down cultural and racial barriers. Nearly 50% of our new churches are among populations of color or are intentionally multi-ethnic from the start.