Throughout the Southeast Conference, people have been longing for the witness and proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it is known in and through the United Church of Christ. The UCC's commitment to inclusivity, its celebration of diversity, and its proclamation of a Gospel grounded in the call to social justice and peace are striking chords in many settings for new church starts.

In response we have developed a comprehensive system for developing new churches.

Recruitment
We have found that the key to effective Church Development is LEADERSHIP, LEADERSHIP, LEADERSHIP. Having the right leader in the right context is essential for success. We take seriously our task in finding the right people for our new church starts by recruiting potential leaders from our local seminaries, TAP Program and Youth Ministries. If you are interested in starting a church, click here.

Assessment
Birthing a new church takes a specific skill set. We use a number of tools to assess if our potential new church start leaders have the natural gifts and skills necessary to do this work. We require that all candidate complete the DISC Profile, the TEAM Profile, psychological evaluation, background check, verbal and written interviews. 

Training
We offer a number of training courses that are critical for New Church Development pastors to attend with their lay leadership.  These courses are offered through our partnership with the Center for Progressive Renewal.

Some of the courses include:

• n How to Market Your Ministry  |  n Church Administration
  n Building Leaders in Your Congregation  |  n Worship/Liturgy 
  n Boundaries - Are They Important?  |  n Marks of a Hospitable Church
• n Self Care  |  n UCC Polity, Constitution and Bylaws 
  n Leadership Skill for Church Start Pastors  |  n Technology in Ministry 

Coaching
Launching a new church can be lonely and intimidating work. We never want our leaders to feel like they are out in the world without a vital support system. We are actively partnering pastors together in coaching relationships designed to help the new church start pastor both feel supported and provide a safe place for processing the development of his or her church plant. Coaching relationship last up to one year.