Are you called to plant a Southern Baptist Church in Mississippi?
Whether you are looking to be a planter or partner in church planting, the 242 Network wants to help you do so in a healthy, fulfilling, gospel-centered way.
Planting is a process and we’re prepared to take the long journey with you.
Our experienced trainers and hub leaders will be with you every step of the way to guide, encourage, and pray as you seek God’s will to start a new church.
There are 4 stages in our planting process. Each stage is designed to help you plan, evaluate, and execute goals efficiently when planting your church.
- Assessing
- Training
- Coaching
- Networking
The entire process is covered in prayer, multiple layers of conversation with trained assessors, and discernment through the Holy Spirit.
This process is not taken lightly. Why?
Because research shows that church planters who are first trained, equipped, and mentored are 150% more effective at reaching those who are far from God with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Assessing
Assessment is an intensive two-day retreat where potential planters and their spouses meet with counselors and experienced church planters to discern and verify their call to plant a church.
Before the assessment, potential planters and their spouses must complete multiple layers of applications, competency evaluations, personal references, background checks, and financial stability checks. Pre-assessment is an online months long process during which the candidate and their spouse must be regularly checking in to ensure they are on track to complete pre-assessment at least one month before the next scheduled assessment.
During the assessment, potential planters clarify their calling to plant, their current plans for where and how to plant, the health of their marriage and family dynamics (if married), their spiritual health as individuals and leaders, and their ability to clearly communicate the truth of Scripture.
Both pre-assessment and assessment enable trainers and accessors to provide a detailed report and recommendation on next steps in the candidate’s journey towards planting.
Within a few weeks after the assessment, potential planters receive one of three scores: Red, Yellow, or Green.
- Red – The potential planter is facing significant challenges in their life, and the 242 Network feels that church planting is not the wise path for them at this time.
- Yellow – The potential planter is asked to pause and focus on key areas of growth. Once those areas have been addressed, they can reconvene with someone from the 242 Network to determine if they are now ready to plant.
- Green – The potential planter is encouraged to continue growing but is considered ready to receive further training and equipping to plant.
Training
Once a potential planter is given the green light, training begins.
Church planters are trained in a number of areas, from team building and communication to fundraising and multiplication. The training is led by different experienced and equipped trainers in a cohort with other church planters.
Why not be trained through online courses, books, and podcasts alone?
Because being trained in-person and in community with other planters provides valuable relationships, insights, and feedback that gaining knowledge through content alone cannot provide.
Coaching
Once training officially ends a planter’s partnership with the 242 Network does not.
Instead, the partnership continues through ongoing support, encouragement, and accountability in the face of the unique challenges and trials that church planting presents.
This occurs primarily through hub leaders but also through the relationships built with trainers, assessors, and other planters.
Networking
Throughout the entire process, but especially during the pre-launch, launch, and development phases of church planting the 242 Network helps build important relationships.
Relationship building continues after training ends primarily through planter retreats, state or local events, and recommended personal connections.
Ready to Start Your Planting Journey?
By submitting this form you are letting us know that you want to work with the 242 Network as a potential planter or potential partner church.
After this form is submitted, a 242 Network team member will connect with you about next steps.