PLANTING CHURCHES. CHANGING COMMUNITIES.
WHAT IS CHURCH PLANTING?
Church planting is the work of establishing a new community of believers where people can encounter Christ, grow in faith, and experience life together. It is about more than starting worship services or constructing a building. A church plant becomes a place of worship, discipleship, encouragement, and mission that serves individuals and families while bringing hope and transformation to the surrounding community.
Church planting has long been an important part of General Baptist Ministries’ mission in the United States and around the world. We remain committed to partnering with called leaders and local communities to establish healthy, self-supporting churches that share the Gospel, develop disciples, and make a lasting impact. The churches highlighted below are examples of how that commitment has taken root in communities over the years.
The Birth of a Church
DOES IT REALLY WORK?
From Church Plant to Established Churches
General Baptists have a long history of planting churches that have grown into healthy, established congregations. What began as a vision, a called leader, and a small group of believers has often developed into a lasting ministry that serves its community, makes disciples, and shares the Gospel for generations. The churches highlighted below are examples of church plants that took root, became self-supporting, and continue to make a meaningful impact today.
PREVIOUS CHURCH PLANTS
Freedom Church
Gallatin, TN
Relevant Church
Locust Grove, GA
Expedition Church
Cañon City, CO
Generation Church
Portland, TN
Iglesia Manantial de Aqua Viva
La Sabana, Honduras
New Walk Church
Zephyrhills, FL
Real Life Church
Mountain Home, AR
Aqua Viva
Juarez, Mexico
All Nations Church
Daytona, FL
City Lights Church
Chula Vista, CA
IS ANY ONE DOING IT?
Current Church Planters
Brennan and Cori Washington planted City Light Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 2024. Today, the church is reaching people with the Gospel and helping them know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference in their community.
Hansel and Ellie Morell are planting Cedar City Church in Lebanon, Tennessee, with plans to launch in fall 2026. Together, they are building a church where people can belong, grow in their faith, and be sent on mission, with a vision to reach those far from God and see lives transformed by Jesus.
HOW DO WE HELP?
Resource Provided
Assessments
Coaching
Funding
Support
Additional Networking
Accountability
WHERE DO I BEGIN?
A Clear Process for Starting a Church
Make the Initial Connection
We begin with a conversation to learn about the leader’s calling, ministry experience, family support, and interest in church planting.
TIMELINE: 45-60 MINUTES
Assess Readiness
Leadership and church planting assessments help identify the leader’s strengths, growth areas, and readiness for the planting process.
TIMELINE: 3-5 DAYS OFFSITE
Build the Plan
Together, we study the community, clarify the ministry strategy, and create a realistic budget and funding plan.
TIMELINE: APPROXIMATELY 2-5 MONTHS
Prepare for Launch
The planter receives coaching while building a team, raising support, developing ministry systems, and preparing to serve the community.
TIMELINE: 6-12 MONTHS
Launch and Grow
The church publicly launches and receives continued coaching as it reaches people, develops leaders, and establishes healthy ministry rhythms.
TIMELINE: LAUNCH THROUGH THE END OF YEAR 1
Strengthen and Release
The church builds long-term leadership, financial stability, and ministry systems before becoming a healthy, self-supporting congregation.
TIMELINE: YEARS 2-3 AND BEYOND
* Most churches move from the first conversation to self-supporting status in approximately three years or more.
Ready to take a next step?
Whether you feel called to plant a church, want to explore a church planting internship, or simply have questions about the process, we would love to connect with you. You do not need to have everything figured out. The first step is simply starting the conversation.