3, 2, 1...Launching Services

New Church Plant: Launching Services

Dr. Rob Mckee

Before you launch, it's essential to research demographic data to learn about the age, income, and ethnic makeup of the community. Invest a few days connecting with local leaders, business owners, and residents to understand the community. The community research will help you tailor your church's message and outreach efforts for the best results.

Establish and publish the vision. Your vision and mission should be simple and easy to communicate to potential members and supporters. Answer the questions: What is the purpose of your church? What are the values and beliefs that will guide your church activities? Two common strategies are used to launch services: Launch Team or Small Group Networking.

Launch Team Strategy

A common practice for church planters is to build a team of helpers to assist in their launch. When planters use the launch team approach, a group of dedicated volunteers partners with the founding pastor to create a sense of momentum. The launch team requires the commitment of members from established churches who have the blessing of their pastor. Ministerial ethics in building a launch team is essential. It is impossible to build a Christ-centered church without Christ-centered ethics.

Small Group Strategy

The small group approach uses smaller personalized or already established gatherings to build a coalition team before launching. For example, some planters join various community groups to become the group's spiritual leader or use the group's membership to launch bible studies. The small group strategy does not place a high priority on renting spaces or quickly establishing services. The goal of the small group strategy is to build relationships first.

The Right Location For Launch Services

Once a team is established, leaders must strategically choose a location, develop a marketing plan, and schedule a launch event. Choosing the right location for your church is crucial to its success. Church planters must consider the convenience and appeal of their target audience. Look for a space that is easily accessible, visible, and large enough to accommodate your needs. Common launching options include schools, community centers, hotels, theaters, or existing churches during off-times.

Marketing The Launch Service

A new church marketing plan should introduce leaders, promote the church's mission and advertise a target launch date. Advertising campaigns should include both macro and micro efforts.

Macro methods of outreach include techniques such as..

• ..social media advertising – (Facebook Ads)..mass mail marketing.

• ..google keyword promotion campaigns.

• ..serving at community events (parades, booths at local fairs, or volunteering).

Micro methods of outreach include anything with a personal touch, like..

• ..handing out flyers door-to-door.

• ..giving surveys in crowded areas that lead to bible studies.

• ..hosting free community events in apartment complexes.

• ..launching organic Bible studies in local coffee shops.

• ..holding street services.

Hosting a launch event is a great way to build momentum for your initial church services. The more preparation that goes into the event, the better chance of success. The goal of a launch event should be garnering contacts with an actionable plan to follow up with every guest. It might be helpful to partner with other local pastors to send volunteers to staff the launch event, help with music, connect with guests, pray with people at the altar, and create an exciting atmosphere of worship.

This Was Great But What’s Next?

Launch Service Sunday is a big day in itself. Church planters should have another event scheduled within a week to promote during the first service to capitalize on the momentum. A secondary event does not have to be an expensive endeavor. Here are a few ideas:

1. New Bible Study launch during the week.

2. Small groups.

3. New sermon series.

4. Fellowship day at the park.

5. A weekend dedicated to kids ministry.

6. Friends Day.

7. Family prayer meeting and fellowship night.

8. New member's orientation dinner and fellowship.

The most dangerous time for a church is when it accomplishes an audacious goal. The momentum gained by the launch service may be lost without an upcoming event to attract return visits. When planning the next big event, it is essential to consider ministry to the entire family demographic. For example, if your launch service attracts young couples without kids, they will not be drawn to return for an event that only ministers to children. The early services should focus on events that connect families and establish the pastor in a ministry role. With preparation, launch services can initiate a culture of momentum.