Are you interested in being part of a movement to plant churches inside the perimeter (ITP) of Atlanta?
There is a great need! But the challenge is great.

Beginning in the early 1970’s, church members moved into the suburbs, and many churches either followed, planted new churches, or slowly withered and died. Many buildings once dedicated as venues for reaching people and nurturing believers have been closed, sold, or are in serious disrepair.

In the past few years, though, the population inside the perimeter has begun a renewal of growth. It is estimated that over 850,000 people now live inside the perimeter—more than ever—yet there are fewer churches than in the 1960’s.

How will we reach the people with the gospel of Jesus? How will we re-church the city of Atlanta? What will that “look like” in this new urban setting? Who will be the workers? How will they be supported?

Urban Atlanta Church Planting wants to help find the answers to some of these questions, and we want to partner with others to see churches planted within the perimeter of Atlanta.

Here are some of the realities of planting churches ITP Atlanta:

• UACP will seek to help in any way we can as planters raise support, but many church planters will need to be “tent makers”—that is, working another job as they plant the church. Some planters may become full time at some point. Others may always have another job.
• Many new churches may never own land or buildings—and it will likely be several years for those who do.
• Especially in high rise settings, we may see “lay pastors” who start churches that meet in their own living spaces.
• Many different expressions will be needed for the many contexts that exists ITP—there will need to be a willingness to try new methods. There will be no “one size fits all”  approach.

Why partner with UACP? We offer resources and support that we believe will assist in the starting of healthy, reproducing churches. Some of these resources are…

• Assessment
• Coaching
• Residency
• Basic Training
• Monthly Church Planter Network Forum
• Possible help in creating financial partnerships

While the process for each person will be somewhat unique, partnership with the UACP will include…

Completion of UACP Potential Church Planter Information Form

Some basic information from the potential planter gets the ball rolling. You can fill it out online or email Dr. Jim Haskell and request the form. (Click on “Contacts” and then on Jim Haskell to make the request.) Click here for more information!

Orientation to UACP and Preassessment

After the Potential Church Planter’s Information Form is received, we will follow up either in person or by phone with some information about UACP. We will also help you conduct a self-assessment as a possible church planter.

Assessment Interview

If the above steps indicate the possible presence of a call and giftedness for church planting in an urban area, we will proceed to a formal assessment interview. This interview takes up to four hours and assesses the likelihood of success as a church planter based on a behavioral characteristics interview. The trained interviewer assesses thirteen qualities that have been identified as helpful—and some absolutely necessary—in the life of church planters. If married, the spouse should attend the interview. This interview helps the potential planter affirm the call and giftedness to church planting. Potential planters must pass the assessment interview to be eligible for any type of salary supplement through the Georgia Baptist Convention or the two local associations.

Partnership Support Assistance

While we are unable to directly support church planters, we will help you seek support from other potential partners—such as the Georgia Baptist Convention, local associations, churches, and/or individuals.

Basic Training and Residency

Each church planter partnering with UACP will covenant to take part in Basic Training/Residency. These resources will help the church planter and the core members of the new church develop their vision and strategy. Residency ensures that the planter learns to practice missionary behavior in the context of the church plant.

Coaching

A coach, in this context, comes alongside the planter to help the planter achieve his own goals. The coach does not set the agenda or direct the activities of the planter. It has been demonstrated that planters with such coaches are able to better achieve their goals. Each planter partnering with UACP will have the wonderful resource of a coach!

Church Planter Network Forum

Church Planters get additional encouragement from other planters and spouses who are facing similar challenges. A monthly network forum gives opportunity for prayer and peer learning as well as much needed fellowship.

Ready to Get Started?

After prayerful consideration, we invite you to get started. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!