Our Approach

The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) approaches each church plant thoughtfully and goes through a extensive assessment process before entering into a partnership agreement. This is because we walk with each church plant through every step of the process from gathering a core team to establishing denominational membership.

Three Main Processes

1. Pre-Assessment

The first conversation takes place with our regional (conference) director of church planting. This conversation will begin to assess readiness for church planting, compatibility with the Evangelical Covenant Church, and viability of the specific planting project.

2. Assessment Center

Before a project begins, each potential planter participates in an assessment process that looks at personality, emotional health, ministry potential, strategic viability, compatibility, and timing. This discernment process culminates with a four-day event where a group of twelve experienced church planters will work together with the planters to determine the next steps in the planting process.

3. Training Center

Planting teams (planter plus three others) attend a three-day gathering where they will receive a birds-eye look at church planting best practices and the ECC planting strategy. This is the beginning of an ongoing training and coaching relationship that is core to the high success rate of ECC church plants.