plantMIDWEST gatherings are designed to accomplish three things. First, we hope to attract new and potential church planters. The quarterly gathering is a type of fishnet that brings planters to the surface and allows us to establish new relationships. Second, successful quarterlies will be a means of equipping these planters with the tools needed to establish Christ exalting, missionally focused
new works. What does every planter need in his tool belt? Biblical knowledge, Godward dependence, and authentic partnership. Third, these events are intended to be a place where established church pastors can learn about planting and connect with potential planters to partner in prayer and financial support. Because of this, every plantMIDWEST quarterly must promote and protect 3 activities: Learn, Pray, and Connect.
● Learn: Pastors and potential planters are both raised up and equipped by good preaching. In Romans 16:25 Paul says we are strengthened by the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ. To gather strong planters and solid pastors, respected preachers should be sought who have a robust knowledge of Gods Word and ability to articulate in such a way that helps men see the gospel at the heart of all we do. In addition to preaching, we also encourage panel discussions with experienced planters as another means of equipping. Panel leaders should be seasoned, faithful, Spirit filled pastors and planters who are truly able to teach others also. (2 Tim 2:2)
● Pray: Without prayer churches cannot be planted. This is an important lesson we teach by example in plantMIDWEST gatherings. Martin Luther once said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible to be alive without breathing.” It is equally impossible to plant a true church without prayer, or to have a true plantMIDWEST gathering without praying. And not just 5 or 10 minutes of prayer, but a truly concerted, corporate effort of Holy Spirit dependence. At our gatherings we break up into groups of 8-10 to share both the joys and the struggles we’ve been experiencing as pastors and planters. Then we break up into smaller groups of 2-3 and pray fervently for one another. We also spend time corporately confessing sin through prayers of confession. No matter how large a gathering grows, considerable time in corporate and small group prayer must remain a key element or it will no longer be considered a true PMW gathering. (James 5:16)
● Connect: Planting a church alone is a suicide mission. Having a team of support in church planting exponentially increases the odds of a planter being successful. plantMIDWEST is a team of men partnering together to plant churches. Strong relationships is one of our keys to effectiveness. In order to foster relationships, our gatherings must provide time for planters and pastors to connect with one another. This happens 15-20 minutes before the gathering over coffee, during a complimentary lunch, and through connection cards where we gather the needs of planters and help connect them to a supporting church.
