These benchmarks do not have dates associated with them (i.e., "two years after launch we will do this" or "six months after getting established in the community, we want this to happen"). We understand that our ministries will need to develop and emerge as growth happens organically -- a process that cannot be predicted. Likewise, much of this will depend on the place we feel called to; for instance, a network of house churches might work in one city while not being as effective in another place.

Because of this, our timeline is divided into phases rather than dates. It is important to note that the phases are fluid and cyclical; identifying groups of people to reach or planting new ministries is an on-going process regardless of what phase the church plant is in. We are also not locked into these phases, depending on how God moves in our contexts. For instance, there might be a need for weekly worship sooner than anticipated. Finally, the presence of a building doesn't strongly factor into these phases.

Phase I

During this phase, the core team spends time getting to know the community, recruits other core team members (approximately 8 -- 12 people), and forms connections with organizations and groups in the city (e.g. service organizations, other churches, social service agencies, local community events). This period of time allows for non-local core team members to learn about the city -- get acclimated to the rhythm of life, discover where people congregate, and learn the language of the city. This model assumes that most of the core team will be laity, and that the pastors will be bi-vocational, even with denominational support.

Phase II

Some of the relationships we make with people and with other parts of the city will prove to be fruitful while others will not. Once we know the city and have a core team of people, we will identify which areas/groups of people will be effective places to start small groups or ministries and which we should deemphasize for the time being. Once identified, we will establish ministries with these people. For example, a connection with Hispanic immigrants could turn into a ministry for helping them learn English or a connection with an art community could become an art-focused church (like Solomon's Porch). Some of these ministries may require renting space, partnering with an established church, running activities out of the intentional community house, or some other solution.

As we discern places to establish ministries, we will also identify people with leadership potential, who we can call forth to leadership in these various groups.

Phase III

As these ministries, in particular small groups and house churches, grow, they will also be forming connections and networks with people and organizations within the community. Once these groups reach ten to twelve people in size, they will have the choice to split and grow as two different small groups, or continue to grow as one group. Growth is the primary objective, whether than happens linearly or through fission. The main point is that they don't stagnate, and that they are continually growing and reaching new people.

If we don't have space from an established church, we will look for a larger gathering space to rent for worship. To help maintain a connection between these different groups, ministries, and churches, we will have quarterly (or monthly) worship celebrations. These times of worship will focus on what God has done in our midst and be context-specific. These gatherings will include a social time and a meal together so people can meet and connect with each other beyond just being in worship together. It is our hope that these worship gatherings are not the central focus of what it means to be church together and become "event oriented", but rather that they serve as a means for community with one another and with God in addition to the small groups and communities within the network.

In part, these gatherings will also serve as a way to help people refocus on our identity as a church, give people a progress report as to where we've been, and get general feedback on our future direction. In this way, the whole church network is connected together and oriented in the same direction.

Phase IV

This is as far as we can comfortably see in the future. Who knows how God will work in our midst? It could be collaborative ministries (coffeehouse, art gallery, daycare/afterschool program, recovery groups, etc.), expansion into new communities, or something else we cannot yet foresee. Much will depend on how our network will grow and emerge in the culture of the city, what needs will arise that we can address, and how God is calling us to serve the city.