Home >> About us >> Church Plant FAQs
1. Why plant a church?
Planting new churches has been proven to be one of the best ways to reach those who do not know Jesus with the Gospel. “New church plants are highly effective in reaching the lost. In churches 0-3 years old, it takes 3 attendees to reach 1 conversion to Christ; in churches 3-10 years old, it takes 7 attendees to reach 1 conversion; in churches 10 years and older, it takes 89 attendees to reach 1 conversion. (Research from Bill Hull, Revival that Reforms)
2. What does the Bible say?
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21) “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19) “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.” (Luke 24:47) “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
3. Where did this idea come from?
Unofficially the idea has been bounced around WLC for many years. Officially it was stated as an objective of the 2002 WLC Master Plan. A Mission Plant Feasibility team was formed by the council in February of 2006 and presented their findings to the WLC Church Council. The Council made a unanimous recommendation that WLC continue with a plan to plant a new church. The Elders also made a unanimous recommendation to continue developing the plan with the intent of planting a new church. Planting a new church was included as one of the Focus on 5 initiatives our church adopted at a voter’s meeting in early October 2006. The plan that is being presented to the congregation and all subsequent details will be presented for vote at the 2007 annual voter’s meeting in January.
4. What is the Missouri Synod’s perspective on church planting?
The LCMS and the Minnesota South District encourage congregations to plant churches. We have been working in cooperation with our District.
5. Is this the same as Expanded Ministries?
No. This is separate and distinct from Expanded Ministries.
6. Will the church plant be on the Afton land?
No. The church plant will NOT be on the 44 acres of land owned by WLC.
7. So, will this be a totally separate church?
Yes. This will be a completely autonomous church from WLC.
8. Is this the right time for WLC to do this?
Yes. This is the window of opportunity to plant a church before we begin implementation of any plans for the 2nd site. The church plant will take a year of preparation and a year or so to get off the ground.
9. Where will the church plant be? Why?
Our target location is Cottage Grove. Cottage Grove is a community that is over 50% unchurched. It also has very diverse people with diverse needs. It is both old and established and also new and expanding. The Cottage Grove of the future will be significantly different than today and a new church will have a great opportunity to become an active and contributing part of that community. Planting a church in Cottage Grove will also extend arms into both Newport and St. Paul Park which are cities that are also in need of the gospel. Connecting with local agencies have confirmed that there is a great need both physically and spiritually. Cottage Grove is also close enough that we can work together on a common mission with WLC, but far enough apart that we can be independent churches.
10. Why not in Woodbury?
The Church Council set the strategic direction that the plant not be in Woodbury to avoid any possible confusion with future Expanded Ministry efforts.
11. What will this church look like?
This is much less about any walls that will be leased, bought or built and much more about a church without walls, committed to an external/community focus. We know this church will be based on serving and reaching the lost for Christ. It will not look like your traditional church – the worship style will probably be similar to Genesis and any future physical structure may be completely out-of-the-box.
12. When will the new church start?
The planning process has already begun and opportunities to get involved are happening right now. The launch of the new church could happen as early as the fall of 2007.
13. What type of support is anticipated from WLC?
There will be no capital appeal to fund a new church plant. Any funding from WLC be a part of the general budget. A core group of people, including two staff, will be sent to launch the new church. Prayer support is and will continue to be asked for. The budget details, along with the rest of the plan, will be presented to the congregation for vote in January 07.
14. Will there be support from other sources?
Yes. There are many possible sources of outside support. These include but are not limited to: Members of the new church, District support, support from the LCMS World Missions, some various matching funds, the Ablaze grant and possible support from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.
15. How will this be funded for the long-term?
Any WLC financial commitment would be limited to a maximum of 3-5 years.
16. Who are the pastor and staff of the new church going to be?
Pastor Ben Griffin and Brian Smith will lead the new congregation.
17. What will happen to Genesis?
Genesis will continue at WLC. A new pastor and subsequent worship leader will be hired. The process of searching for a pastor is planned to begin in early 2007 with the goal of having new leadership here as close to the fall of 2007 as possible.
18. How do I get involved?
What is needed most is prayer support. We are also looking for mission minded people to make a commitment to being a part of the new church. People are encouraged to ask God if they are being led to be a part of the new church. If you are interested or have any questions please contact Pastor Ben in the church office. 651-739-5144 ext. 205 or by e-mail.
19. Who do I contact with questions?
Feel free to contact Pastor Ben or any of the Planning Team members. The planning team members are:
- Ben Griffin
- Katie Griffin
- Brian Smith
- Sarah Smith
- Rick Gigante
- Denise Gigante