What would happen if every church in the Denton Baptist Association became a sending church? Like the Send Network, the Denton Baptist Association does not plant churches. Rather, churches plant churches. That is more than a phrase — it is a deeply held Baptist conviction. However, most churches are unclear about how to send out a church plant successfully.
My greatest prayer for the Denton Baptist Association, as it relates to church planting, is that we develop a culture of church planting. I believe that if churches cultivate church planting cultures within their congregations, then we will have a continuous stream of called and well-equipped planters. Further, our hope is to raise up our future Denton County planters from DBA churches.
In order to become a sending church, it starts with the heart to become a sending church. Frameworks are in place and resources are available, but the heart must be willing. Once a church expresses interest in becoming a sending church, I recommend that we meet to discuss how the Spirit is leading. I will then direct leaders to a Sending Lab or a Residency Builder through the Send Network.
The basics of being a sending church are to support the plant and planter. To pass an assessment and be endorsed, a planter must have a sending church that will agree to pray for them, pastor the planter, provide some financial support, and agree to receive denominational funding to be dispersed to the plant. The Send Network can help your church develop strategies to coach your planter, commission your planter, and then care for your planter.
Next Steps:
1. If this article resonates with you, please reach out.
2. Watch for details about future mobilization workshops like a Sending Lab or a Residency Builder.
3. Please pray that God would give your church a heart for church planting and a vision to become a sending church.
4. Please pray that the Lord would bring you a planter to send out.
5. Finally, please pray that we would develop a culture of church planting in Denton County.