Our Vision
The Need for a Church Planting Network
Dallas County is a vibrant and diverse region with a population that exceeds 2.6 million people. This diversity includes a mix of ethnicities, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Recent statistics show that over 60% of Dallas County residents identify as Christian, but only a fraction are actively involved in a church community. With rapid urban growth, new neighborhoods, and an increasing number of unchurched and dechurched individuals, there is a pressing need to plant new, healthy churches that can meet people where they are.
The Vision
We envision a unified effort among Dallas County churches to plant new congregations that will reach the unreached, disciple new believers, and foster diverse communities of faith. We want to:
Build awareness of the need for church planting in Dallas.
Provide equipping events for both established churches and church planters.
Allow for broader networking opportunities between these groups.
Who Is Welcome To The Table?
Non-Partisan: We are not aligned with any political agendas.
Doctrinal Unity: We avoid extreme doctrinal positions.
Practice Integrity: We avoid extreme practice issues.
Geographic Focus: We focus solely on Dallas County.
Seven Key Commitments
Plant Dallas will commit to:
1. Prioritize Relationship Building: Focus on developing strong relationships with local pastors and church leaders. Building trust and credibility early on will create a foundation for long-term collaboration and engagement.
2. Start Small and Gradual: Don’t rush to implement multiple programs or events. Begin with regular gatherings to cast vision, pray, and build relationships. As momentum builds, expand but not right away.
3. Embrace a Co-Creation Approach: Involve other pastors and church leaders in shaping the mission, vision, and values of the network. This will foster a sense of ownership and commitment among participants.
4. Maintain a Network-of-Networks Mentality: Encourage planters to connect with their respective tribes (e.g., denominations, networks) rather than positioning the network as the only option. This approach fosters collaboration and avoids competition.
5. Celebrate and Recognize Milestones: Highlight and celebrate new church plants, answer needs within the network, and recognize achievements. This builds morale, strengthens community, and keeps planters engaged.
6. Be Patient with Growth: Understand that it may take 2-3 years before you see significant momentum. Consistency and persistence are crucial, so focus on building relationships and momentum steadily over time.
7. Encourage Collaboration at Every Level: Regularly bring together network leaders, denominations, and church planting organizations to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. This helps build a more extensive, supportive ecosystem for church planting in the city.