Flexibility

Presbyterian churches are not constrained by parish boundaries. Congregations are regulated by regional bodies (called presbyteries). Provided the relevant presbytery agrees, there is liberty to start new congregations on a geographic or relational basis without having to worry about territorial disputes. Church planting can be done in many different ways. Sometimes church planters can work in partnership with an existing congregation, using existing resources or even drawing key personnel from that congregation. This provides great administrative support and a ready-made prayer base. At other times, church planters work separately from any other church although the Presbytery will always provide one of its experienced ministers to support and supervise the work. Whether a church plant is partnered or stands alone, we enjoy great flexibility to determine the strategy and model that will be pursued.

Flexibility exists in relation to the model to be implemented, as well as the strategy to be adopted. “Model” is used here to refer to the type of church to be planted – contemporary or conservative, formal or informal, etc. “Strategy” is used to refer to the methods to be used to plant the church. Available strategies fall within the following range: branching, colonizing, pioneering, transplanting and repotting. The best way to plant a particular church will depend on the type of church envisaged, and the operational context. We can help you think through these issues.