There are four ways you can be involved in the church planting network:

Partnership

An individual in the network who is looking to start a church in the next 3 years

Membership

An existing pastor or leader who is looking to be more involved in church planting

Qualifications for Partnership or Membership with Mission1618:

Because we have a deep passion for solid new churches, we desire they be led by men who are

• called of God to be a church planter (Acts 13:1-2)
• a “workman of the word” (2 Timothy 2:15),
• a defender of the truth and
• full of integrity (1 Timothy 4:16)
• understanding of the times and relevant to their cultural calling (1 Chronicles 12:32, Acts 17:1-10),
• a biblical elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4)
• a hard worker (Colossians 3:23)
• recommended by others
• possessing the gifts, abilities, passion, skill and wisdom building blocks to be a church planter
• ardent haters of cats (some charity may be applied)

In addition they would each commit to the following:

• Starting a church if they haven’t already done so within 3 years and to do so every three years of their involvement in the network. It is acceptable to do this in a variety of models:
  - Birthing a church through their congregation
  - Partnering with other Mission1618 churches to co-parent a church
  - Recruiting a planter and paying them significantly to pioneer a church without taking existing members
  - Other agreed upon methodologies or models of church planting to further the cause of church planting in our region
• If they are less than 1 year old as a church, starting a church before their 5th birthday.
• Giving 5% of their gross income (offerings and outside support) toward the cause of church planting. This money will not be given to Mission1618 as an organization; instead, it is to be used at the discretion of the individual churches.
• For each church to be involved in coaching at least one church planter in the movement within 2 years of membership.
• Active participation in Mission1618 events, network meetings, conferences as well as interpersonal relationships with other members.

Discovery

A possible church planter who has not yet been assessed or is just looking to learn more before going into church planting.

Qualifications for becoming a person of Discovery with Mission1618:

• Must meet the qualifications for elder in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4 as well as read prayerfully the high calling of God’s Shepherds in Ezekiel 34:1-10.
• Be willing to receive instruction and be committed to work through prepared trainings for a period agreed upon by you and the leadership of Mission1618
• If the Lord leads you into Partnership or Membership with Mission1618 then be willing to go through the process as outlined above.

Participant

Anyone who wishes to just show up and learn more about Mission1618. Participants are not required to do any work ahead of time, or pay any fees. However, we would ask that participants refrain from interrupting the meeting with an agenda not associated or approved by Mission1618.