Being connected with others in church planting is essential. No one should have to plant a church alone! The challenges, the struggles, the ups and downs, the need for input and feedback, and the joys, all make networking with others that are doing similar ministry vital and necessary.
One of the systems that has contributed to the success of Converge's church planting movement is the networking system. Every church planter is connected up with other planters through LEAD Team, LEAD Networks, or Church Planting Networks. These hands on learning environments make a world of difference for every church planter.
In addition, Converge seeks to connect church planter spouses together in ongoing sharing and learning environments. These have proven to be a huge resource for spouses who, along with their husbands, are engaged in front line ministry, extending and advancing the work of Jesus.
LEAD Teams
A LEAD Team is a gathering of relationally and missionally committed leaders from a geographical region or affinity group. Teams meet together regularly to build meaningful relationships, focus on spiritual growth, and work together to see mission accomplished through multiplying (planting) new churches, and nurturing church health. LEAD Teams provide a perfect opportunity for pastors and church planters to become a band of brothers; to walk together in the ministry journey. Prayer, Bible study, sharing of personal and ministry joys and challenges, peer to peer coaching, and much more are part of what a leader will experience in a LEAD Team. Six LEAD Teams of Church Planters and Pastors currently meet 4-5 times each year across Converge MidAtlantic for the purposes of expanding the Kingdom through church planting and of strengthening each leader and church ministry.
Specific networks available in our Converge MidAtlantic region include the following:
| Area | Head Coach | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro DC | Ron Crawford | rcrawford@nvision.org | (240) 672-7907 |
| Central/Eastern PA | Dan Nold | dan@calvarysc.org | (814) 238-0822 |
| NC/Central VA | Bill Denning | bill@riveroaksraleigh.com | (919) 848-4905 |
| Central OH | Dan Peterson | dan@convergemidatlantic.com | (330) 518-5438 |
| NE OH | Gary Schroeder | gary@convergemidatlantic.com | (330) 518-5533 |
| NW PA/W NY | Loren Little | loren@livinghopecommunity.com | (814) 587-6121 |
Additional Planting Networks and Partnerships
http://www.exponentialnetwork.com
http://www.vision360.org
Social Networks/Communities
Some CMA Blog sites
Stacy Sublett – Calvary Baptist, State College – www.stacysublett.com
Tim Holman – New Hope, Ashland – www.timothyholman.com
Jeremy Copeland – Story Church, NC – http://pastorcope.blogspot.com