Every new church should start with a detailed, written strategic plan to help guide them through the process of church planting. A strategic plan is not a straitjacket, but a plan that can allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you prepare to plant a new church. The following is an outline for a written church-planting strategic plan that can help guide you and your church-planting team. Think through each section. Create a written description for each item and compile them in the following order. 

WHY START A NEW CHURCH?

1. Describe your calling to church planting 
2. Describe what kind of church you are planting 
3. Demonstrate the need for the new church 
4. Explain what your role will be in the new church   

WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WILL IT BE?

2. Write your vision/mission statement 
3. List your core values
4. Describe your church-planting model
5. Describe your plan for discipleship 
6. Describe how the church will be governed 

WHERE IS YOUR CONTEXT?

3. Describe your target people group 
4. Describe the community needs
5. Describe the appropriate demographics 
6. Describe the location of the new church 

WHO WILL HELP PLANT THIS CHURCH?

4. Describe key ministry teams that will be needed
5. List the team members you will need
6. Include a list of potential ministry partners
7. List the name of ten to twelve intercessors who will pray
   

HOW WILL YOU PLANT THIS CHURCH?

5. Include a detailed time line for the first twelve to thirty-six months
6. Include a detailed list of things you must accomplish
7. Include a start-up budget and describe your funding strategy
8. Include salary for any paid staff 
9. List potential financial supporters (one time, monthly, annually)