Envision Launch Day
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Much of this model hinges upon the launch of public worship services. The vast majority of the work reflected in this tutorial leads up to this day. It is an exciting day. Many prayers are said before that day. It is truly an exciting prospect to consider. This section is designed to help you envision that day!
Set Goals
As noted in the Introduction of this tutorial, “Why Start Large,” it is important not to begin worship until a number of criteria are met. Starting too soon may hamper the future growth of the ministry. These criteria include:
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Sufficient evangelism and marketing to expect as many as 200 at a first worship service, which will probably settle to 100 in subsequent weeks;Set Tentative Date
The date for the first worship service is set in view of being able to accomplish the tasks outlined in this tutorial. This normally would occur at least four to five months after a full-time planter arrives in the field.
Setting the date for the first worship may well be attempting to reconcile two conflicting realities. On the one hand a significant delay may exhaust the funds that are available to support the planter’s salary and move the proposed launch date into a time of year that is less than ideal, such as Christmas or summer. On the other hand, starting too soon may hamper the ministry in the long run. Most often, the mission is well advised to delay the first worship service until the above criteria are met.
Anoter important factor for setting the launch date is the time of the year. There are times of the year when launching a misison will make growth more difficult. In most areas, summer would not be ideal. Likewise a launch around Christmas time would make finding volunteers very difficult. In the end, the windows for the launch are in late summer and early fall, and later winter and early spring.
When you have determined a tentative date, enter it in the Mission Launch Action Sheet. The document will then calculate suggested target dates for many tasks. These may be adjusted to fit the local situation, but it may give you a sense of the feasibility of your proposed date.
Register Mission
When you are reasonably sure that the proposed Launch Day is feasible, you may register with the Synod as a “New Start.” This may completed before you have become a chartered congregation or even have begun worship.
Completion of this registration will list your mission on the Synodical website immediately, and you will be listed in future editions of the Lutheran Annual. You may obtain the necessary forms from the Administrator or Assistant of the Mission Team or the District President's Office.
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