Building a church planting team (part 2)

In my last post, I recounted the difficulties we’ve had building a church planting team, and then gave three things we expect from anyone who would be interested in joining us.

For this post, I would like to share the two positions I think need to be filled first. Understand that this isn’t a hiring as much as it is a partnership.

Children’s Pastor. This could be a man or a woman who would agree with our vision and core values. The Children’s Pastor should have at least 3 years of successful experience in children’s ministry or teaching. The Children’s Pastor would be responsible for recruiting and developing teachers for children from birth thru fifth grade.

Worship Pastor. This could be a man or a woman who would agree with our vision and core values. The Worship Pastor should have at least 3 years of successful experience in music ministry. Experience in leading corporate worship is preferred. The Worship Pastor would be responsible for recruiting a worship team and developing a vision for leading a multicultural neighborhood in worship, especially regarding a style that would reach the most people.

While both of these positions would work closely with the Lead Pastor, they will both be given freedom and grace to do their best.

Don’t forget. We are all in this bi-vocationally. No salary will be provided.

*These job descriptions will evolve over time as the church grows.

Building a church planting team

Recruiting people to join us has been one of the most difficult tasks I’ve encountered. I was even told in one meeting that I’m a terrible recruiter. His reason was valid: It’s because I want ten family units (singles or couples) to commit as wholeheartedly as I have. I want people to quit their jobs, sell their homes, leave their family and friends, and relocate to one of the largest cities in the United States.

I’ve learned over the last year that my ideals for recruiting are unachievable.

Instead, I am understanding that many people may only come to help build the church for a season, whether it be a summer, 6 months, or 2 years. I also believe that many of our team already lives in Chicago, and that God, in his time, will bring us together.

So what are we looking for in those that may be interested in joining us?

No fundraising. I am doing some of this already, but we don’t expect anyone else to. This coincides with our bi-vocational philosophy of ministry. Everyone on the team will work secular jobs as their ministry. Of course, we will all play vital roles in the church body, but no one will be receiving a salary. This is one of the key elements of our philosophy.

Generosity. We expect team members to open their homes to each other and to the neighborhood. Yes, there are boundaries, but we are often too interested in being comfortable and neglect to take care of each other. The New Testament church shared everything they had. I’ve been in some generous churches, but never one that truly had everything in common. Francis Chan noted that he didn’t need a life insurance plan because he knew that his elders would take care of his wife and kids if something happened to him. Are you willing to share what you have with those that need it? If so, we are looking for you.

Community-oriented. We’re not going to wait for the lost to come to us. We’re going to them–where they are. This includes the refugee center, the community centers, the schools, the local shops, the local restaurants, and anywhere else the neighborhood gathers. We will volunteer and be active participants in every aspect of the neighborhood.

Still reading? 

Pick which option best describes you. I am praying about joining Church in Chicago.

I would like to know more about how to join the church plant team. (email jeremy@churchinchicago.com)

I know someone who may be interested in getting more information about the church plant team.

I will actively share news about Church in Chicago with my friends via Facebook or Twitter.

Chicago bound

In case you missed it, click here to read our latest news regarding Chicago.