Helping passionate leaders plant growing churches
Equipping FWB leaders for gospel work in their community Plant a churchCurrent church plantersNorth American Ministries
Church Planting SUpport
Make a Lasting Impact
Your commitment to church planting helps foster vibrant new congregations that meet the spiritual needs of communities.
Receive Comprehensive Training
With a structured training program, you’ll be equipped with essential skills and knowledge to launch your church successfully.
Join a Strong Support Network
As a church planter, you’re not alone. You’ll be integrated into a supportive community of fellow planters and mentors who share your vision.
Don’t let uncertainty stop you
church planting is hard. we've got your back.
Many aspiring planters grapple with questions about their qualifications, resources, and the financial aspects of launching a congregation. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of church planting, leading to hesitation and inaction.
At NAM, we believe you deserve to pursue your calling with clarity and confidence. Our program is designed to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you don’t navigate this journey alone.
Get to Know Our Church Planters
Free Download
What to consider before planting a church
Church planting is hard work.
Download 15 Questions to Ask Yourself and prayerfully consider your answer to each as you determine if God is calling you to plant at church.
Getting Started
The Path to Church Planting
Apply to be a Church Planter
Use the Contact Form to reach out and request a church planter application.
On-Site Assessment
The three-day on-site assessment is held at our office in Antioch, TN.
Approval
Final approval for lead planters is the decision of the board based on the recommendation from the NAM CEO and CTO (Chief Executive and Training Officers).
Orientation Training
This is a four-hour training, usually done on Zoom, for the new church planter and spouse outlining policies, procedures, and fundraising.
Boot Camp Training
This is a four-day training held at our office for the planter and spouse. Over 25 hours of classroom training is provided for getting started—best practices and the nuts and bolts of church planting. This is presented by NAM’s CTO and several guest speakers.
W.I.N Launch Training
W.I.N. Post-Launch Training
Occurring shortly after the church's launch, this evaluation-focused training assesses the launch's success and helps develop a roadmap for the next phase of ministry. It ensures a thoughtful transition into ongoing church growth and operations.
W.I.N. Refresh Training
W.I.N. Refresh Training uses elements from both the launch and post-launch trainings to guide churches at any phase of their development. Whether the church is facing challenges or seeking new growth opportunities, this training provides direction for significant next steps.
Planter Plan
An extensive step-by-step manual is provided to help walk a new church planter through the entire church planting process.
On-going Training
Several ongoing training opportunities are provided by NAM.
Coaching
Every NAM planter chooses a coach to meet with (in-person or video) at least once a month.
Support
NAM church planters are supported financially, emotionally, and spiritually by our entire denomination. NAM makes every effort to support the whole family through encouragement, meetings, and special events.
Fulfill your calling to plant a healthy, thriving church
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step? If you feel called to plant a church, now is the time to connect with NAM. Complete the request form to obtain your application and receive personalized guidance as you embark on this essential journey.
Church Planter Guidelines
Qualifications for Church Planters
Church planters must be highly motivated and self-starters with an entrepreneurial spirit. They should have high standards and must be willing to work hard
Please review the following general guidelines for church planting.
If, after reviewing the qualifications, you desire to move forward, please click the Plan A Church button to begin the formal process of being considered for planting a church.
Spiritual
These factors must be considered:
- Testimony of conversion, baptism, membership in a Free Will Baptist church in the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Must believe the doctrinal position of the denomination.
- Christian maturity. The candidate’s reputation must be above reproach in every way.
- Ministers (lead planter) must be ordained or working on ordination (licensure) in an affiliated church of the NAFWB and in good standing with his local church and association.
- Non-ordained personnel may serve on a church planting team in support roles such as (but not limited to) music, kids, etc. and may be part or full time.
Physical and Psychological
- The church planter candidate should be in good health and free of any impairment that would impede competent service.
- The church planter candidate must be psychologically stable
Marital Status
- Candidates must be qualified according to scriptural standards.
- Single and non-ministerial candidates will be examined using biblical qualifications for leaders.
Education
- The candidate must hold a high school graduate or required equivalent.
- The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree, although successful ministerial experience will be considered in lieu of formal training.
- In conjunction with formal studies, it is preferred the applicant have experience as a pastor or staff member of a Free Will Baptist church.
- The candidate must be a personal soul winner.
- The candidate must be teachable, coachable, and open to input into his ministry.
Raising Support
- The candidate must fundraise to raise start up cash and monthly faith promise commitments. Each church planter is responsible to raise enough monthly support to sustain a salary for the contracted period. Specific amounts are based on location and type of ministry.
- If the candidate is to be a joint-project church planter with a state mission board, certain requirements of financial support will be discussed and fulfilled with the candidate and the state board.
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Ready to Get Started?