Becoming a church planter

Do you think God has called you to serve as a church planter in New England? The BCNE is here to walk with you and help you fulfill your calling effectively.

The BCNE is dedicated to spreading the Gospel by planting churches all over New England to reach all kinds of communities. We are looking for planters who agree with the Baptist Faith and Message, who will start Kingdom-minded churches that will affiliate with the BCNE, who are committed to the value of cooperative giving and who desire to work together with other like-minded churches.

Church planting pathways

We offer two options for potential church planters to prayerfully consider:

  1. SEND Network: As part of the Southern Baptist Convention, the BCNE supports SEND Network through the North American Mission Board. SEND offers a defined pathway for church planters that includes extensive preparation, a one-year residency, and up to four years of financial support while planting a church.

  2. BCNE Church Planting Partnerships: For church planters who are interested in a more individualized approach or who want to get on the ground more quickly, the BCNE can connect you directly with local churches that want to sponsor church plants in nearby areas. Your sponsor church will work with you personally to develop a contextualized church planting plan.

Both options offer mentorship, accountability, training and fellowship. SEND Network offers higher levels of both compensation and structure. BCNE Church Planting Partnerships offer more flexibility and the ability to start planting more quickly.

Church planter funding

New England can be an expensive place to live. As a result, church planters must be willing to raise funds and even serve bi-vocationally. Some possible funding sources include:

  • The SEND Network (for those who pass an assessment, complete a one-year residency and meet other NAMB/SEND requirements).

  • Monthly funds from a sponsor church.

  • Monthly funds from outside partners (churches or individuals).

  • Monthly funds from the core group and, eventually, the new church body.

  • Bi-vocational work or spouse’s job (also a possible source of health insurance).

  • The Baptist Foundation of New England Church Planting Fund.