The VMC Planting Process Overview We’re constantly on the lookout for people who want to have a conversation. Initial connection with Vision Ministries can lead to these conversations, which usually culminate in an assessment process. Even informal/organic new initiatives will have some kind of assessment, and all funded church plants have a more comprehensive and robust assessment process. Our primary assessment approach includes completing the documents we call Vision to Reality, parts 1 and 2. At the end of this process, a decision is made by the plant and VMC whether to continue to partner. If we’re on the same page, we sign the The Agreement (see Appendix B), which includes indicating the degree of agreement with the VMC Statement of Faith, Ministry Values, and The Mission of the Church documents. Differences must be indicated and discussed with VMC to determine whether the church and ministry will be able to work together. From there, we develop a plan for training and coaching, and funding (as determined on a case-by-case basis). VMC also has a Full Service (IN TRUST) Church Planting Package available, which can be used during the “incubation” of the plant, formally under the auspices of VMC (i.e., before it has been incorporated and received Canada Revenue Agency charitable status). It includes all of the following “systems”: Charitable receipting by VMC (in a sense, on behalf of the church plant) On-line bookkeeping system Basic insurance coverage A “VMC in trust for” bank account in the name of the plant Payroll system Optional benefits packages A system for providing licenses to marry for planters in all provinces Note that this Full Service Planting Package is partly funded by a fee of 5% of funds for which receipts are given. Accountability and Coaching While new church plants are by nature diverse, they all have a vulnerability that can benefit greatly from helpful coaching and accountability.
The VMC Planting Process Overview We’re constantly on the lookout for people who want to have a conversation. Initial connection with Vision Ministries can lead to these conversations, which usually culminate in an assessment process. Even informal/organic new initiatives will have some kind of assessment, and all funded church plants have a more comprehensive and robust assessment process. Our primary assessment approach includes completing the documents we call Vision to Reality, parts 1 and 2. At the end of this process, a decision is made by the plant and VMC whether to continue to partner. If we’re on the same page, we sign the The Agreement (see Appendix B), which includes indicating the degree of agreement with the VMC Statement of Faith, Ministry Values, and The Mission of the Church documents. Differences must be indicated and discussed with VMC to determine whether the church and ministry will be able to work together. From there, we develop a plan for training and coaching, and funding (as determined on a case-by-case basis). VMC also has a Full Service (IN TRUST) Church Planting Package available, which can be used during the “incubation” of the plant, formally under the auspices of VMC (i.e., before it has been incorporated and received Canada Revenue Agency charitable status). It includes all of the following “systems”: Charitable receipting by VMC (in a sense, on behalf of the church plant) On-line bookkeeping system Basic insurance coverage A “VMC in trust for” bank account in the name of the plant Payroll system Optional benefits packages A system for providing licenses to marry for planters in all provinces Note that this Full Service Planting Package is partly funded by a fee of 5% of funds for which receipts are given. Accountability and Coaching While new church plants are by nature diverse, they all have a vulnerability that can benefit greatly from helpful coaching and accountability.
From-Vision-to-Reality-Part-One.docx