Planting Model
Built upon the disciple-making command of Matthew 28:19–20, the empowering witness of Acts 1:8, and the relational proclamation in Romans 10:14–15, our model is small group-driven, culturally relevant, and Spirit-led, with a primary focus on leading the lost to faith in Jesus within Seton and surrounding deep south communities. Inspired by principles of disciple-making, balanced purposes, missional blueprints, and diaspora strategies,it includes:
Disciple-Making Core: Every member is trained to share the gospel and disciple new believers, inspiring multiplication among the unreached.
Small Group-Driven: “Mini-churches” tailored to our audiences (newcomer, musician, seeker, youth, family) drive relational evangelism and leadership development to draw outsiders to Christ.
Culturally Relevant Worship: Seeker-sensitive services with multilingual elements, original music, and family friendly programs that proclaim the gospel clearly.
Spirit-Led Simplicity: Prayer and lean structures keep us mission-focused on reaching the lost.
Multiplication Focus: Groups adopt an “empty chair” to grow and plant new groups by 2029, expanding the gospel’s reach.
While recognizing that the first three years will necessarily be pastor-centric during the establishment phase, this model is intentionally designed to transition away from pastor-centric structures, decentralizing ministry to empower every disciple in evangelism, while integrating the biblical process in 2 Timothy 2:2 for sustainable growth that multiplies witnesses. To implement this model effectively, strong leadership is essential, beginning with guiding our launch team through intentional principles that foster personal and collective growth.
Our Guide to Leading Our Church Plant Launch Team
This guide outlines principles for leading a church plant launch team, emphasizing self-leadership, disciple-making, and mission-driven rhythms. The focus is on building a healthy, multiplying church through personal growth, team development, and proactive strategies.
Lead Ourselves First: Effective leadership starts with self-care. Reflect on spiritual health via prayer and journaling; live out Romans 12:1-2 by offering oneself as a living sacrifice; absorb spiritual nutrients like worship and study; model ongoing transformation to avoid pitfalls like pride or burnout.
Build a Disciple-Making Culture: Prioritize equipping every team member for ministry per Matthew 28:19-20. Cast a vision for multiplying disciples; train in skills like evangelism and group leading; encourage a mindset of producing more leaders and churches through stories and outreach.
Identify and Develop Leaders: Spot potential early based on initiative and maturity; mentor and empower through delegation and feedback; create a supportive environment for risk-taking and growth.
Establish Team Rhythms: Maintain alignment with weekly gatherings for prayer and training; monthly outreaches for practice; checkpoints to evaluate progress in faith, leadership, and outreach; celebrations of milestones to boost morale.
Foster a Culture of Transformation: Collectively embody Romans 12:1-2 by modeling vulnerability; encouraging accountability in small groups; teaching renewal practices like daily prayer and repentance.
Address Challenges Proactively: Handle conflicts through open communication; prevent burnout with rest and boundaries; overcome fears in outreach via training and reminders of God's equipping.
Stay Mission-Focused: Regularly revisit the vision of reaching the lost; pray for God's will; measure success by transformed lives and multiplication, not mere attendance.
Central to sustaining this leadership framework and our disciple-making culture is a clear discipleship pathway that equips individuals for ongoing growth and multiplication.
Discipleship Pathway
The Sea to Sky Discipleship Journey is a practical one-on-one guide for new believers and seekers. This 6–8 session booklet equips mentors ("Sky Guides") to foster intimate growth, aligning with our mission to elevate lives from uncertainty's "Sea" to freedom's "Sky." It emphasizes Bible study, prayer, action, and multiplication, ensuring every participant is trained to disciple others.
As we disciple individuals through this pathway, the physical spaces where we gather play a crucial role in facilitating relational connections and outreach, as outlined in our facility plan.
Facility Plan
Following the adaptive witness of Acts 17:16-34 to meet people in their contexts, and the flexible gathering in Acts 2:46 for house-to-house outreach, our primary gatherings will consist of weekly small group meetings hosted in multiple locations (such as homes, community centres, and coffee shops) surrounding deep south communities. This decentralized approach cultivates intimate, relational evangelism and aligns with our small group-driven model. To enhance multicultural outreach and provide larger corporate worship opportunities—drawing from the diaspora commission in Matthew 28:19—monthly gatherings in the first year (including launch) will be held at the Evan Hazell Theatre in the Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton for its diverse programming, accessibility to immigrants seeking the gospel, and facilities suited for creative worship and family engagement.
