Our model of church planting begins with identifying men who we believe are called by God to plant churches. In Sovereign Grace, we are committed to serving potential church planters through the evaluation of their gifting and character. This assessment begins in the local church, where a man’s sense of call can be evaluated and nurtured by elders who have worked with the potential church planter and know what is required for ministry.

Early in the assessment process, a body of teaching geared to prospective pastors comes into play, including “Am I Called?” from the Perspectives series, and The Summons audio messages. Particular attention is given to the areas represented in the “calling equation,” a series of biblical criteria that can serve as markers of a call to ministry. The grace of God to serve as a church planter will be seen in:

Character +
Capabilities +
Conduct in the Home +
Confirmation in the Church

Evaluation of these areas, with specific emphasis on the preaching gift and leadership gift, often produces a profile that clarifies the calling on a man’s life. Regardless of the outcome, we have found that men who enter the assessment process are served as they seek to honor God with their lives.