Perfect church-planting preparation

When Elim sensed God calling everyday people to be part of a UK-wide church planting movement in 2018, the Church Planting Academy was born. Mike Robins says it’s helping people discern and step into this calling.

Mike, tell us how the Church Planting Academy started.

It was founded primarily by Mark Pugh through Rediscover Church. Then, around five years ago he shared the vision with me.

Together we began shaping a curriculum to equip and empower people to plant healthy, sustainable churches within roughly a year.

What began as a regional initiative in the South West has since grown into a national academy. Our current cohort includes around 40 participants and we continue to expand.

Who is the course for?

It’s designed for potential planters at various stages of discernment. Some are actively preparing to plant while others are simply exploring the possibility.

Participants are taken through a series of stages, from developing Christlike character and leadership foundations to pioneering and planting.

Along the way, we also provide mentoring to those who are actively planting.

So one of the Academy’s roles is to help people discern whether they’re called to this?

Absolutely. Discernment is central to what we do.

We encourage people to be prepared “in season and out of season.” Some complete the course and realise that church planting is not what God is calling them to pursue right now – and that’s a healthy outcome.

Others sense clarity midway through the programme, while some go on to plant either during or shortly after completing the course.

story continues …