1 Church Planting 2015 National Report Survey of

1 Church Planting 2015 National Report Survey of Bi-vocational Planters

2 The Study was sponsored financially by: UM ANNUAL CONFERENCES Arkansas Annual Conference, UMC Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, UMC Central Texas Annual Conference, UMC Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, UMC Kentucky Annual Conference, UMC New England Annual Conference, UMC Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, UMC North Georgia Annual Conference, UMC North Texas Annual Conference, UMC Northwest Texas Annual Conference, UMC Oregon/Idaho Annual Conference, UMC Peninsula/Delaware Annual Conference, UMC South Georgia Annual Conference, UMC Susquehanna Annual Conference, UMC Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference, UMC DENOMINATIONS: Assemblies of God, Baptist Missionary Association of America, Center for US Missions, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Converge Worldwide, Evangelical Free Church of America, Free Methodist Church USA, International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod-Texas District, New Thing Network, North American Mission Board, The United Methodist Church, Path 1 Southern Baptists of Texas, Vineyard Church The Wesleyan Church.

3 THANK YOU to our Financial Sponsors! Eastern Pennsylvania

Lists of new church starts were provided by: Southern Baptist p Assemblies of God, Baptist Missionary Association of America, Center for US Missions - The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Church of the Nazarene, Converge Worldwide, Evangelical Free Church of America, Free Methodists, International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Missionary Church, New Thing Network, North American Mission Board – The Southern Baptist Church, Presbyterian Church in America, Project Jerusalem, Path 1 - The United Methodist Church, Vineyard Church, and The Wesleyan Church. 4

5 Methodology p p p The questionnaire was fielded May--August 2015. Planters were individually invited to complete the online survey by email, phone, and postcard. Lists of church plants were provided by: Assemblies of God, Baptist Missionary Association of America, Center for US Missions (LCMS), Christian and Missionary Alliance, Church of the Nazarene, Converge Worldwide, Evangelical Free Church of America, Free Methodists, International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Missionary Church, New Thing Network, North American Mission Board (SBC), Presbyterian Church in America, Project Jerusalem, Path 1 (UMC), Vineyard Church, and The Wesleyan Church.

6 Methodology Planters were asked q if they worked at a job outside of the church at any time since the new church work began q No q Yes how many hours they worked (on average) each week Responses on the following slides are categorized as follows q No outside job q Less than 20 (hours per week) q 20 to 39 hours q More than 40 (hours per week) q q

7 Survey Responses

8 Started with a church building 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 15% 6% 10% 11% Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 0% No outside job Q: “Please indicate whether the following statements about the new church work are true: The new church work started with a church building”

9 Mean weekly average attendance 27 1 st year 36 57 37 66 52 2 nd year 47 3 rd year 91 99 67 63 126 130 89 4 th year 166 0 25 50 More than 40 hours 75 20 to 39 hours 100 125 Less than 20 hours 150 175 No outside job Q: “Please provide the WEEKLY average worship attendance for each year since the new church work began. If you do not have a single gathering each week, add the total number of people in smaller groups gathered each week. (If later years are not applicable, leave those blank. )” 178 200

10 Mean commitments 9 1 st year 10 10 2 nd year 14 11 11 15 15 12 12 3 rd year 12 4 th year 22 14 20 0 5 More than 40 hours 10 20 to 39 hours 15 20 Less than 20 hours 24 22 25 No outside job Q: “For each year the church has been in existence, please estimate the annual number of NEW, FIRST-TIME COMMITMENTS to Jesus Christ through your new church work since it began. (If later years are not applicable, leave those blank. )” 30

11 Geographic area 19% 21% 13% 15% Neighborhood 6% A large section of metropolitan region 3% Zip code 13% 12% 16% 9% 7% 14% 0% More than 40 hours 20 to 39 hours 20% 40% Less than 20 hours Q: “How would you best distinguish the geographic area your new church work serves? (Select one)” 60% No Outside Job 80% 100%

12 All facilities used by church plants Home(s) Church building 26% 43% 46% 50% 39% 35% 34% 40% 20% 17% School 34% 6% 8% Office space 0% 39% 16% 14% 20% More than 40 hours 40% 20 to 39 hours 60% Less than 20 hours Q: “What facilities has the church used since it started? (Please select all that apply)” 80% No outside job 100%

13 Current Primary Facility 30% 28% Church building 21% 32% 11% 13% 19% 22% School 0% More than 40 hours 20% 40% 20 to 39 hours 60% Less than 20 hours Q: “What is the primary facility for the church’s CURRENT worship services? (Select one)” 80% No outside job 100%

“In how many different facilities has your new church work conducted worship services since it began? ” 100% 80% 60% 40% 39% 32% 29% 28% 27% 31% 40% 19% 20% 27% 16% 17% 0% 1 No outside job 2 Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours 3 More than 40 hours Q: “In how many different facilities has your new church work conducted worship services since it began? ” 14

Mailers as top 3 form for publicity most frequently used 100% 80% 60% 40% 12% 24% 20% 14% 0% Mailers No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “What were the top 3 forms of publicity most frequently used to communicate news of a new church in the community? (Select up to three)” 15

“Which of the following (if any) electronic communication was regularly used for communication within your new church work during the first 5 years? ” 11% 22% Blog 5% Contact Management System 28% 27% 11% 15% 12% 38% Email newsletters 54% 66% 65% 79% Facebook 87% 92% 88% 45% 48% 41% 38% Group text messages 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% Less than 20 hours 60% 80% No outside job Q: “Which of the following (if any) electronic communication was regularly used for communication within your new church work during the first 5 years? (Select all that apply)” 100% 16

“Which of the following (if any) electronic communication was regularly used for communication within your new church work during the first 5 years? ” 15% Instagram 20% Online sermons 26% 28% 26% 50% 56% 53% 8% Podcasts 16% 30% 23% 29% Twitter 43% 46% 15% You. Tube 19% 0% 61% 20% More than 40 hours 26% 40% 20 to 39 hours 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “Which of the following (if any) electronic communication was regularly used for communication within your new church work during the first 5 years? (Select all that apply)” 100% 17

18 Average church background of people attending new church work 22% 19% 14% 17% 21% 26% 25% 24% Previously completely unchurched Unchurched for many years 43% 40% 46% 43% Previously part of other existing churches 8% 9% 8% 10% 6% 6% 7% 6% Children born to people who attend your church Other church background 0% More than 40 hours 20 to 39 hours 20% 40% Less than 20 hours 60% 80% No outside job Q: “Among the people who have attended this new church work since it began, please estimate the percentage from each of the following church backgrounds. (If no one belongs to a particular group in your church, please mark 0%. Total percentages should add to 100%. ” 100%

“From the beginning, the church intentionally encouraged the development of a culture that connected with a particular ethnic population. ” 100% 80% 60% 40% 36% 25% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20% 19% 0% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “From the beginning, the church intentionally encouraged the development of a culture that connected with a particular ethnic population. ” 19

20 Number of small classes or groups for adults currently meeting every week 100% 80% 60% 43% 29% 40% 31% 35% 31% 20% 25% 19% 16% 15% 13% 1% 0% 0 -2 No outside job 3 -5 Less than 20 hours 6 -10 20 to 39 hours 9% More than 10 More than 40 hours Q: “Approximately how many small classes or groups for adults in your new church work currently meet every week? ” 6%

21 “In which location does the largest number of small classes or groups for adults meet? ” 100% 80% 64% 60% 40% 20% 74% 53% 44% 31% 27% 14% 0% The same location the church meets for worship No outside job Less than 20 hours Homes 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “In which location does the largest number of small classes or groups for adults meet? (Select one)” 44%

“Where would most church members say they are experiencing the most ‘life transformation’ in your church? ” 100% 80% 60% 42% 28% 35% 42% 20% 0% In corporate worship No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Where would most church members say they are experiencing the most “life transformation” in your church? (Select one)” 22

23 Outreach activity: Revival meetings 100% 94% 86% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Not used No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)”

Outreach activity: Children’s weekday ministries 100% 80% 72% 76% 75% 66% 60% 40% 20% 0% Not used No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)” 24

25 Outreach activity: Prayer walking 100% 80% 60% 47% 40% 20% 31% 20% 18% 37% 42% 41% 19% 0% Used only for launch of new church work No outside job Less than 20 hours Continued to be used after launch of new church work 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)”

Outreach activity: Ministry evangelism (e. g. , food banks, clothing, shelters, drug/alcohol recovery) 100% 80% 64% 65% 60% 55% 56% 32% 40% 38% 25% 20% 0% Continued to be used after launch of new church work No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Not used More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)” 39% 26

27 Outreach activity: Mail invitations to services, programs, events 100% 80% 60% 42% 35% 31% 44% 38% 55% 53% 20% 0% Continued to be used after launch of new church work No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Not used More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)” 44%

28 Outreach activity: Outreach Bible Studies 100% 80% 60% 47% 52% 61% 47% 44% 40% 35% 41% 20% 0% Continued to be used after launch of new church work No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Not used More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)” 31%

29 Outreach activity: Door-to-door evangelism 100% 73% 80% 67% 68% 60% 40% 20% 18% 17% 23% 29% 0% Continued to be used after launch of new church work No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Not used More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)” 62%

Outreach activity: Ongoing social or affinity group meetings for people from the community (e. g. , Bunco nights, Monday Night Football, Movie nights, etc) 100% 80% 60% 53% 52% 40% 43% 42% 41% 52% 38% 20% 0% Continued to be used after launch of new church work No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Not used More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)” 54% 30

Outreach activity: Service projects to meet practical needs in the community 100% 80% 79% 83% 66% 60% 61% 40% 17% 20% 27% 12% 0% Continued to be used after launch of new church work No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Not used More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following outreach activities, please indicate if it was used by the church start, either when launching the new church work or continued to be used after the launch. (Select one response for each activity)” 33% 31

32 Used a demographic analysis and assessment of the community 100% 83% 80% 78% 71% 62% 60% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): A demographic analysis and assessment of the community ”

33 Used weekly Sunday School classes 100% 80% 60% 40% 39% 25% 41% 35% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Weekly Sunday School classes ”

34 Used weekly small group discipleship program (Community groups, Life Groups, etc. ) 100% 89% 93% 90% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours 81% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Weekly small group discipleship program (Community groups, Life Groups, etc. )”

35 Used a new member class 100% 80% 64% 60% 58% 49% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): A new member class ”

Had a church covenant signed by new members 100% 80% 60% 48% 52% 40% 34% 33% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): A church covenant signed by new members” 36

37 Delegated key leadership roles to volunteer 100% 93% 85% 76% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Delegation of key leadership roles to volunteers”

Had a proactive stewardship development plan enabling the church to be financially selfsufficient 100% 80% 67% 64% 60% 55% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response More than 40 hours 38

Had leadership training for new church members 100% 80% 65% 71% 64% 60% 51% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Leadership training for new church members” 39

Had meetings and interviews with area leaders to understand the community 100% 80% 62% 66% 55% 41% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Meetings and interviews with area leaders to understand the community” 40

Partnered with another organization to plant new churches 100% 80% 66% 51% 47% 46% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Partnering with another organization to plant new churches ” 41

Financially contributed to other church plants 100% 80% 61% 66% 54% 56% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): The church financially contributes to other church plants ” 42

Communicated their commitment to being a multiplying church to the whole congregation each month. 100% 80% 67% 64% 52% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Our commitment to being a multiplying church is communicated to the whole congregation each month ” 43

Staff members or church leadership invested in new or potential church planters at least each quarter (mentor, train, etc. ) 100% 80% 65% 49% 47% 35% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the activity below occurred in the church since the start of the new church work. (Select one response for each activity): Members of our staff or church leadership invest in new or potential church planters at least each quarter (mentor, train, internship, residency, coach, etc. )” 44

Mean percentage of adults with regular responsibilities at church 100% 80% 60% 55% 59% No outside job Less than 20 hours 51% 52% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 40% 20% 0% Q: “What percentage of adults who attend your church at least once a month have regular responsibilities at your church, for example, greeter, teacher, child care, etc. ” 45

Mean percentage of adults serving in the community 100% 80% 60% 40% 34% 40% 39% 37% Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 20% 0% No outside job Q: “What percentage of adults who attend your church at least once a month are involved in ministries or projects that serve people in your community not affiliated with your church? (If you are not sure, provide a rough estimate)” 46

“Of newcomers to your church, which activity or event did most FIRST attend? ” 100% 80% 81% 74% 70% 60% 40% 20% 0% Weekend worship gathering No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Q: “Of newcomers to your church, which activity or event did most FIRST attend? ” More than 40 hours 47

Which of the following describe your typical weekly worship gathering? (Select all that apply) Led by worship leader(s) from the front of a gathered group 71% 58% Refreshments (coffee/snacks) served 83% 88% 71% 78% 74% All ages (birth through seniors) together in a single worship environment 34% 39% 55% 50% 21% 26% Multiple age-specific worship environments for different groups 34% 32% 14% 20% 12% 8% Led by worship leader(s) within a gathered group 0% More than 40 hours 79% 20 to 39 hours 20% 40% Less than 20 hours Q: “Which of the following describe your typical weekly worship gathering? (Select all that apply)” 60% No outside job 80% 100% 48

49 Received initial funding from an affiliated denomination (local, state, or national office) 100% 80% 73% 77% 76% 61% 60% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the following funding sources were used to start the new church work (including the pastor’s or church staff’s salary): Affiliated denomination (local, state, or national office)”

50 Received initial funding from one or multiple sponsoring (mother, partner) church(es) 100% 80% 61% 60% 58% 45% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the following funding sources were used to start the new church work (including the pastor’s or church staff’s salary): One or multiple sponsoring (mother, partner) church(es)”

Used a personal financial support network created by the church’s lead pastor or church’s staff 100% 72% 80% 60% 57% 44% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the following funding sources were used to start the new church work (including the pastor’s or church staff’s salary): Personal financial support network created by the church’s lead pastor or church’s staff ” 51

Received initial funding from a single individual or non-profit foundation 100% 80% 60% 40% 29% 37% 29% 13% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the following funding sources were used to start the new church work (including the pastor’s or church staff’s salary): A single individual or non-profit foundation” 52

Received initial funding directly from the church’s pastor or church staff 100% 80% 60% 44% 46% No outside job Less than 20 hours 62% 61% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 40% 20% 0% Q: “Please indicate whether the following funding sources were used to start the new church work (including the pastor’s or church staff’s salary): Directly from the church’s pastor or church staff ” 53

Mean total dollars received from outside sources by year $10 321 $25 460 1 st year $10 835 $62 087 $63 047 $25 011 2 nd year $54 582 $43 275 $8 334 $21 302 3 rd year $7 836 $21 038 $25 600 $21 841 4 th year $0 $10 000 $28 434 $32 575 $20 000 More than 40 hours $30 000 20 to 39 hours $40 000 $50 000 Less than 20 hours $60 000 No outside job Q: “For each year of the new church work’s existence, please indicate the amount of TOTAL dollars received from OUTSIDE SOURCES. This does not include funds given by church’s members. Rough estimates are acceptable. If later years are not applicable, leave those blank. ” $70 000 54

Mean total dollars received from church members and attendees by year $17 201 $29 199 1 st year $26 542 2 nd year $70 706 $61 426 $47 235 $36 612 3 rd year $111 135 $101 702 $61 994 $49 676 4 th year $140 832 $142 799 $87 600 $188 041 $0 $50 000 More than 40 hours $100 000 20 to 39 hours $150 000 Less than 20 hours $200 000 No outside job Q: “For each year of the new church work’s existence, please indicate the amount of TOTAL dollars received from CHURCH MEMBERS AND ATTENDEES. Rough estimates are acceptable. If later years are not applicable, leave those blank. ” $217 498 $250 000 55

56 Among those started in 2012 or earlier, year church became financially self-sufficient 41% 20% 16% 19% 1 st year/from the beginning 7% 3 rd year 16% 18% 15% 4 th year 9% 12% 14% 18% 28% Not self-sufficient 32% 28% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 39% 40% Less than 20 hours 60% 80% No outside job Q: “During which year (if at all) did the church become financially self-sufficient, meaning no financial support is being received from outside sources. ” 100%

Denominational/Network Support: Demographics and/or research expertise 41% 53% 48% 53% Offered and received 47% 38% 39% 36% Not offered 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “For each of the following other forms of support please indicate whether the resource was offered to the church and/or received from a denomination or network. (Select one response for each statement)” 100% 57

Denominational/Network Support: Church leader mentoring, coaching, and/or supervision 58 61% 76% Offered and received 86% 72% 27% 15% Not offered 6% 16% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “For each of the following other forms of support please indicate whether the resource was offered to the church and/or received from a denomination or network. (Select one response for each statement)” 100%

Denominational/Network Support: Church leader peer network 40% 58% Offered and received 73% 61% 44% 31% Not offered 18% 29% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “For each of the following other forms of support please indicate whether the resource was offered to the church and/or received from a denomination or network. (Select one response for each statement)” 100% 59

Denominational/Network Support: Training for church’s pastor and/or team 63% 70% Offered and received 81% 70% 24% 21% Not offered 13% 20% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “For each of the following other forms of support please indicate whether the resource was offered to the church and/or received from a denomination or network. (Select one response for each statement)” 100% 60

Denominational/Network Support: Church planter assessment program 61% 73% 79% 69% Offered and received 21% 20% Not offered 12% 18% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “For each of the following other forms of support please indicate whether the resource was offered to the church and/or received from a denomination or network. (Select one response for each statement)” 100% 61

62 Denominational/Network Support: Accounting or bookkeeping 20% 28% Offered and received 38% 30% 68% 63% Not offered 55% 62% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “For each of the following other forms of support please indicate whether the resource was offered to the church and/or received from a denomination or network. (Select one response for each statement)” 100%

Denominational/Network Support: Legal work or counsel 20% 21% 27% 28% Offered and received 70% 64% 58% 56% Not offered 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours 80% No outside job Q: “For each of the following other forms of support please indicate whether the resource was offered to the church and/or received from a denomination or network. (Select one response for each statement)” 100% 63

64 Had a sponsoring church 100% 80% 67% 73% 61% 60% 52% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Q: “Did the new church work have a sponsoring/partnering/mother church or churches? ” More than 40 hours

Sponsoring church loaned lay people for specific time period 100% 80% 60% 40% 36% 35% 26% 23% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the new church work received the following types of assistance from sponsoring church(es) during the first 5 years of existence. (Select one response for each activity): Loaned lay people for specific time period” 65

The sponsoring church pastor preached occasionally at the new church work 100% 80% 60% 40% 27% 23% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20% 17% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 0% Q: “Please indicate whether the new church work received the following types of assistance from sponsoring church(es) during the first 5 years of existence. (Select one response for each activity): The sponsoring church pastor preached occasionally at the new church work” 66

Sponsored churches was permitted to meet in the sponsoring church building 100% 80% 60% 40% 30% 20% 24% Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 0% No outside job Q: “Please indicate whether the new church work received the following types of assistance from sponsoring church(es) during the first 5 years of existence. (Select one response for each activity): Permitted the new church work to meet in the sponsoring church building” 67

68 Sponsoring church provided mentorship for the church’s pastor or church starting team 100% 80% 65% 60% 58% 57% Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours 51% 40% 20% 0% No outside job More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the new church work received the following types of assistance from sponsoring church(es) during the first 5 years of existence. (Select one response for each activity): Provided mentorship to the church’s pastor or church starting team”

69 Sponsoring church provided administrative support 100% 80% 62% 55% 54% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the new church work received the following types of assistance from sponsoring church(es) during the first 5 years of existence. (Select one response for each activity): Provided administrative support (could include clerical, accounting, written policies, etc. ) ”

Sponsoring church provided financial oversight 100% 80% 60% 49% 48% 40% 37% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether the new church work received the following types of assistance from sponsoring church(es) during the first 5 years of existence. (Select one response for each activity): Provided financial oversight” 70

71 21% of sponsoring churches had an average attendance of less than 100 Less than 100 16% 14% 18% 13% 251 -500 18% 5% 6% 501 -750 19% 10% 0% 29% 17% 15% 6% More than 1000 39% 24% 20% More than 40 hours 40% 20 to 39 hours 60% 80% Less than 20 hours No outside job Q: “What was the average attendance of the primary sponsoring church’s weekly worship service(s) at the time your new church work launched? (Select one)” 100%

72 Had a paid staff funded by outside sources 100% 80% 60% 56% 58% 46% 40% 21% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Q: “Did the new church work start with a paid church staff funded by outside sources (not funded by church members)? ” More than 40 hours

“How many people were on the staffed church team when the new church work began? ” 100% 80% 65% 74% 66% 61% 60% 40% 20% 0% 1 No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “How many people were on the staffed church team when the new church work began? (Select one)” 73

74 Had a full-time paid lead or senior pastor 100% 93% 80% 62% 60% 40% 36% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether leadership roles in the INITIAL church starting team were paid positions, whether it be full-time (40 hours a week or more), half-time (20 -39 hours a week) or part-time (less than 20 hours a week). ”

75 Had a part-time children’s ministry leader 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 18% 7% 8% Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours 3% 0% No outside job More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether leadership roles in the INITIAL church starting team were paid positions, whether it be full-time (40 hours a week or more), half-time (20 -39 hours a week) or part-time (less than 20 hours a week). ”

76 Had a part-time worship ministry leader 100% 80% 60% 40% 28% 20% 15% 11% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “Please indicate whether leadership roles in the INITIAL church starting team were paid positions, whether it be full-time (40 hours a week or more), half-time (20 -39 hours a week) or part-time (less than 20 hours a week). ”

77 Had a part-time administrative assistant 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 13% 9% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 1% <1% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Please indicate whether leadership roles in the INITIAL church starting team were paid positions, whether it be full-time (40 hours a week or more), half-time (20 -39 hours a week) or part-time (less than 20 hours a week). ”

78 “What is your highest level of education? Do not include formal theological education. ” 20% 15% Some college/university 7% 8% 31% 34% Graduate degree (Masters and/or doctorate 45% 50% 0% More than 40 hours 20 to 39 hours 20% 40% Less than 20 hours Q: “What is your highest level of education? Do not include formal theological education. (Select one)” 60% No outside job 80% 100%

“What is your highest level of completed theological education? ” 27% 41% Master's degree 51% 58% 31% 34% Some theological course work 45% 50% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% Less than 20 hours Q: “What is your highest level of completed theological education? (Select one)” 60% 80% No outside job 100% 79

“Which of the following types of church starting training had you taken prior to the new church work? ” Bible College course(s) 20% 37% 42% Conferences on starting new church works 51% 52% 55% 38% 42% 45% 48% Seminary course(s) 9% 11% Several month internship 11% 24% 39% 44% Week long Boot Camp or Basic Training 0% More than 40 hours 31% 30% 80 20 to 39 hours 20% 40% Less than 20 hours 59% 54% 60% 80% No outside job Q: “Which of the following types of church starting training had you taken prior to the new church work? (Select all that apply)” 100%

81 “What level of involvement did you contribute to the church in the first 5 years? ” 18% Worked 60 hours a week or more 29% 24% Worked 40 to 59 hours a week Worked 20 to 39 hours a week 5% Worked less than 20 hours a week 1% 3% 0% More than 40 hours 7% 24% 11% 37% 42% 38% 50% 39% 18% 20 to 39 hours 40% Less than 20 hours Q: “What level of involvement did you contribute to the church in the first 5 years? (Select one)” 60% 80% No outside job 100%

82 Church planter received financial compensation in the first 5 years 100% 91% 80% 81% 60% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Q: “Did you receive any financial compensation for your work in the church in the first five years? ” More than 40 hours

83 Church planter felt compensation was adequate to meet their family’s basic needs 100% 80% 75% 59% 60% 37% 40% 25% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours Q: “In your opinion, was the financial compensation received adequate to meet you and your family’s basic needs in the new church work’s location? ” More than 40 hours

“Did you work at a job outside of the church at any time since the new church work began? If so, how many years? ” 6% Yes, less than one year 15% 22% 29% Yes, 1 to 3 years 40% 44% 65% Yes, 3 years or longer 45% 34% 0% 20% More than 40 hours 40% 20 to 39 hours 60% Less than 20 hours Q: “Did you work at a job outside of the church at any time since the new church work began? If so, how many years? ” 80% 100% 84

85 “What was/were the reason(s) for working an outside job in addition to working as a pastor? ” 88% Financial necessity 91% 81% 24% To better identify with the population I was reaching 32% <1% 0% More than 40 hours 20% 20 to 39 hours 40% 60% Less than 20 hours Q: “What was/were the reason(s) for working an outside job in addition to working as a pastor? (Select all that apply)” 80% 100%

Church planter had previous ministry experience as a pastor or church staff prior to starting the new church work 100% 95% 87% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours 80% 81% 60% 40% 20% 0% More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I had previous ministry experience as a pastor or church staff prior to starting the new church work ” 86

87 Church planter had previous ministry experience as a bi-vocational church leader 100% 74% 80% 60% 40% 39% 43% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20% 0% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I had previous ministry experience as a bi-vocational church leader. ”

88 Church planter had previous church starting experience as a lead church starting pastor 100% 80% 60% 40% 24% 12% 20% 22% 25% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I had previous church starting experience as a lead church starting pastor ”

Church planter had a definite calling from the Lord to a specific people for the new church work 100% 80% 62% 57% 62% 70% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I had a definite calling from the Lord to a specific people for the new church work ” 89

90 Church planter had geographic roots relatively nearby the new church work’s setting 100% 80% 60% 56% 52% No outside job Less than 20 hours 64% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 40% 20% 0% Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): My geographic roots are relatively nearby the new church work’s setting”

Church planter participated in a church planter’s assessment by a denomination, network, or sponsoring church prior to starting the church 100% 86% 75% 74% 60% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I participated in a church planter’s assessment by a denomination, network, or sponsoring church prior to starting the church ” 91

Church planter met at least monthly with a supervisor who guided them in starting the new church work 100% 80% 60% 51% 50% 37% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I met at least monthly with a supervisor who guided me in starting the new church work ” 92

Church planter met at least monthly with a church starting mentor who guided them both in the church starting work and their own personal spiritual formation 100% 80% 60% 52% 47% 37% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I met at least monthly with a church starting mentor who guided me both in the church starting work and my own personal spiritual formation” 93

Church planter met at least monthly with church starting peers for accountability and support 100% 80% 60% 48% 42% 40% 36% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I met at least monthly with church starting peers for accountability and support ” 94

Church planter were actively engaged in a plan of personal spiritual formation during the duration of the new church work 100% 80% 67% 77% 68% 70% 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 60% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): I was actively engaged in a plan of personal spiritual formation during the duration of the new church work ” 95

Church planters claim their expectations of the new church work met the reality of the church starting experience 100% 80% 63% 62% 51% 49% Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours 40% 20% 0% No outside job More than 40 hours Q: “For each of the following items, please indicate if it was true for your situation. (Select one response for each statement): My expectations of the new church work met the reality of the church starting experience ” 96

Church planter: average when started the new church work 50 42 40 38 42 45 30 20 10 0 No outside job Less than 20 hours Q: “How old were you when you started the new church work? ” 20 -39 hours More than 40 hours 97

98 Planter ethnic background (U. S. ) 100% 82% 80% 86% 77% 60% 40% 20% 6% 4% 7% 16% 0% Hispanic/ Latino No outside job Q: “What is your racial or ethnic background? ” Less than 20 hours White/Caucasian 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours 66%

99 Average number of years lived in the town/city in which the new church work was started 15 12 9 10 7 6 5 0 No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 -39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “How many years had you lived in this town/city before you started the new church work? (Skip if you can’t remember)”

100 Spouse’s involvement in new church work 35% My spouse devoted his/her work to a particular church ministry within the church start (e. g. , prayer, teaching, needs ministry, children’s ministry) 43% 44% 39% My spouse assisted wherever necessary, working almost as many hours as me as the lead church pastor 28% 31% 30% 0% More than 40 hours 20 to 39 hours 20% 40% Less than 20 hours 60% No outside job Q: “Please select the best description of the level of involvement for your spouse in the new church work. (Select one)” 80% 100%

“What was the average number of hours per week that you devoted to personal family activities during the first 5 years of the new church work? ” 100% 80% 60% 40% 38% 41% 33% 31% 20% 0% 10 -19 hours a week No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “What was the average number of hours per week that you devoted to personal family activities during the first 5 years of the new church work? (Select one)” 101

Had a parent or in-law living more than 300 miles from the church’s location 100% 80% 60% 49% 57% 49% 42% 40% 20% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Did your parents or your spouse’s parents live more than 300 miles from the church’s location at any time during the first 5 years of the new church work? (Select one)” 102

Had health insurance through the new church work 100% 80% 60% 56% 44% 40% 26% 20% 11% 0% No outside job Less than 20 hours 20 to 39 hours More than 40 hours Q: “Did you and your family (if married) have health insurance where the majority of the premiums were paid for by the church, the sponsoring church, the denomination or a church starting network? (Select one)” 103