Handout from the 11-19|20-2013 Regional Cohort Gatherings for church planters on the East Coast Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

1. Church Planter
Cohort Gatherings
Wed Nov 19, 11:00am - 2:30pm NY/NJ Metro Cohort
Thu Nov 20, 11:00am - 2:30pm Greater Boston/New England Cohort
Contact & Quick Info | links are clickable in blog post and pdf at www.jasoncondon.com
Jason R. Condon
Associate Superintendent & Director of Church Planting,
East Coast Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
• jasonrcondon@gmail.com
• (860) 479-2020
• www.jasoncondon.com
(Cohort handouts and resources posted here)
• facebook.com/jasoncondon
• eastcoastconf.org
• covchurch.org
Quick-Start Guide to ECConf Church Planting
• "Understanding Church Planting on the East Coast
Conference" (or www.jasoncondon.com/2012/04/
handout-understanding-church-planting.html) -
seminar handout introducing concepts & strategy
• "What Are We Looking For in A Church Planter?"
(or bit.ly/Qfbiue ) - an overview of what we value in a
church planter and his or her ministry
• "Church Planter Identification Process"
(or bit.ly/TfnyKr) - an overview of how we assess
church planters and pursue church planting within the
East Coast Conference and the Covenant
Welcome!
• Our Purpose: “ encourage, equip, and multiply church planters
for a sustaining church planting movement”
• Open in Prayer
• Quick Intros: 1) name, 2) ministry setting, 3) why you’re here today
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %1 of %8

2. Two Special Guests Today | Howard Burgoyne & Dave Cairns
Howard Burgoyne | Superintendent for the East Coast Conference
• eastcoastconf.org/staff
• Notes
Dave Cairns | Executive Director for Pilgrim Pines Conference Center
• pilgrimpines.org
• Notes
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %2 of %8

3. Updates | Covenant Church Planting Prerequisites & Protections
Formalizing Pre-Requisites for Covenant Agreement Signing
One of the decisions we’re finalizing as Directors of Church Planting across the Covenant are a common set of
prerequisites before signing new Covenant Agreements. We’re closing in on some parameters along these lines:
Covenant-wide (finalizing)
• Thirty Adults: Gather an initial Launch Team of 30 adults
• One-Third of Funding: Fundraising pledges of $50-60k,with $15-20k actually received
• One Mission Friend: “Mission Friend” church(es) in place as either Parent, Partner or Support Church:
Parent Church Partner Church Support Church
DEFINITION: Provides initial core of at
Provides substantial portion of initial
least 30 Launch Team members and
Launch Team members and some of
“third stream” funding of $50-70k over
the “third stream” funding over 3-4
3-4 years. Significant relational
years, equivalent to roughly 1/2 to 1/5
connection between both churches
of a “parent church” commitment
Commits as an entire church or through
individual members to provide tangible
support through prayer, resources,
volunteering, and the occasional
celebrated Launch Team member
FEATURES: primarily nearby mission
field, full support, fishing license for
Launch Team, baby shower for start-up
equipment, blessing and celebration.
Think “Mom & Dad”
nearby or regional mission, seek to
“tithe” members, tangible support &
encouragement, short-term
missionaries. Think “grandparents” and
“older brothers & sisters”
Opportunity for measurable healthy
missional efforts for the support church,
picture on the fridge, care packages,
project volunteers. Think “aunts and
uncles”, “first and second cousins”
OPPORTUNITIES 1: Connecticut,
Rhode Island, Greater Boston, and NY/
NJ Metro are current top candidates for
fully-parented projects
2 Probably 60-70% of the ECConf
geography, limited only by a critical
mass of regional Covenant Churches
partnering together in mission
Opportunities across entire Conference,
with even greater potential when also
joining with “partner churches” to reach
our more northern and southern areas
CAPACITY 3: At least 6-8 ECConf
churches have the missional capacity
and potential vision for this level
40-50 churches 3 across the ECConf,
all in the Healthy-Missional/Stable
spectrum, could partner in this way
One and All 3. There’s literally no church
too [fill-in-the-blank] that can’t pray, take
a love offering, hold babies, and more!
1 Based on close proximity of potential Parent Churches and likelihood of church planter candidates (the most constraints)
2 Based on regional proximity of a critical mass of potential Partner Churches and likelihood of church planter candidates (fewer constraints)
3 Based on combination of self-reporting and Conference-staff insights on ranges of healthy missional vitality of churches
ECConf-specific (refining)
Each Conference will have their own internal requirements as well. These are the general areas that Howard
(our Superintendent) and our ECConf Executive Board are developing for strong and sustainable launching:
• Interactions with Conference Staff & Executive Board • Incorporation & Governance requirements
• Licensing paperwork and Credentialing Plan • Benefits, Health, and Liability Insurance
The belief and hope is that this approach will put the incentives for healthy preparations where they’re most
helpful, while helping “prove” the initial viability of a project. It also takes some of the pressure off the
Assessment Center being as exacting on predicting outcomes.
Q&A and Discussion
• what questions do you have?
• what do you see as the challenges?
• what do you see as the benefits?
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %3 of %8

4. UPDATED: Covenant Agreement Language on Signing Page
Amendments and Termination of the Agreement
1. Amendments. Amendments to this agreement must be agreed to by all parties, documented in writing, and
on file with the Conference office for the duration of the agreement
2. Termination of Agreement. This agreement may be terminated by Pastor Chuck Planter or the [CONFERENCE
NAME] Conference and the ECC with or without reason. Specifically, this agreement is subject to termination
in the following circumstances:
a. Failure of congregation to remain in harmony with the Evangelical Covenant Church.
b. Failure of the project to maintain progress against goals as determined jointly by the ECC and the
[CONFERENCE NAME] Conference.
c. Failure of the congregation or pastor to adhere to this agreement as determined by the ECC and the
[CONFERENCE NAME] Conference.
d. Moral Failure.
3. Protections around Termination of Agreement by Church Planter or Church Plant
a. If the church chooses to leave the ECC for any reason all appropriations and grants received to date must
be repaid to the ECC & Conference.
b. If the church chooses to close all assets become property of the Conference, including equipment, and any
remaining cash after expenses are paid.
4. Protections around Termination of Agreement by Covenant & Conference
a. If termination is solely for failure to reach or maintain missional benchmarks, then the Covenant &
Conference may elect, at their discretion, to assist in the transition for the pastor and family.
b. If the Conference and the Covenant elect to terminate a project for any of the reasons listed in #2 above,
the project leadership and incorporators agree and are obligated to cooperate with the Conference in the
dissolution of the corporation, the reversion of all assets to the Conference and the Covenant, and the
resolution of all corporate liabilities and expenses
I understand that the decision for termination will be made jointly by the [CONFERENCE NAME] Conference
Director of Church Planting, [CONFERENCE NAME] Conference Superintendent, Covenant Church Planting Team
Leader, and Executive Minister of Start & Strengthen Churches.
Thankful for God’s grace through Jesus Christ, and depending on the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we
enter into this agreement as a sign of our commitment to one another to work together in God’s mission for His glory.
Signatures:
Chuck Planter Date
Awesome Covenant Church
Jason R. Condon Date
Associate Superintendent & Director of Church Planting, East Coast Conference
Howard K. Burgoyne Date
Superintendent, East Coast Conference
John Teter Date
Church Planting Team Leader, Evangelical Covenant Church
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %4 of %8

5. NEW: Covenant Agreement Addendum 3
Covenant for Self-Care
For the stewardship of the life I’ve been given and the ministry to which I’ve been called in Christ Jesus…
1. I will develop the weekly habit of observing the following spiritual disciplines (beyond sermon prep and
teaching opportunities). List at least 3:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
2. I will regularly set aside time to be present with my family for meals and family activities.
3. I will schedule and use all of my vacation time, and any other holidays and days off I am given each year, as
approved by my Covenant Agreement or Letter of Call.
4. I will attend retreats and continuing education opportunities each year as outlined by the Department of
Ordered Ministry and my Conference coach.
5. I will strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This will include regular check-ups with my Dr. and maintaining a
healthy weight (unless such conformity is deemed to be risky by my physician).
6. I will engage in some form of exercise regularly (at least 3 times a week), at a level approved by my physician.
List your intended exercise plan:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
7. I commit to a healthy nutrition plan that will allow me to maintain the proper weight.
8. I will strive to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
9. I will order my personal affairs regarding the proper documents (insurance, wills, power of attorney and
guardianship for my minor children). I will make known the location of these documents to the following
individuals. List at least two:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
10. I commit to a regular accountability relationship and/or spiritual direction. List those individuals:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
I covenant all of the above with my Director of Church Planting, and my Coach, with whom I will share a mutual
accountability relationship for our self-care as clergy.
Signatures:
Chuck Planter Date
Church Planting Pastor, Awesome Covenant Church
Coach Name Date
Church Planting Coach, [CONFERENCE NAME] Conference
DCP Name Date
Director of Church Planting, [CONFERENCE NAME] Conference
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %5 of %8

6. NEW: Covenant Agreement Addendum 4
30-60-90 Project Revitalization Process
With a shared commitment to a thriving and flourishing church plant, and a belief in the faithful stewardship of
kingdom resource, we put in place this process. When a church planting project falls significantly short of healthy
missional benchmarks (qualitative, quantitative, of both), the following process is in place with the prayerful hope of
fully restoring the project to its missional vitality.
A. Missed Benchmarks & Missional Renewal
When the DCP or Coach determines that any crucial benchmarks have been missed for two (2) consecutive
months, they and the church planter will prayerfully and purposefully initiate the following project
revitalization process
B. 30 Days | Action Plan for Healthy Recovery of Project
1. Planter has 30 days to create an action plan that has a credible chance for success
2. The DCP, Coach, and a select group of church planting peers will meet with the planter to develop, review,
and approve the initial action plan
3. Progress Milestone
a) If a suitable plan is not developed and approved, the church planting project will conclude
b) If a plan is approved, planter and project will continue with next stage of the process
C. 60 Days | Measurable Progress toward Missional Goals
1. Having successfully completed the first 30 days of the plan, the planter now has 60 days to demonstrate
significant progress towards the specified benchmarks and missional markers
2. The DCP, Coach, and select group of church planting peers will review implementation, provide
encouragement and resourcing, and determine if suitable progress is being made
3. Progress Milestone
a) If measurable progress is not on track to reach renewed goals, the project will conclude
b) If measurable progress is on track, planter and project will continue with final stage of process
D. 90 Days | Full Recovery of Healthy Missional Vitality
1. Having successfully completed the previous 60 days of the plan, the planter now has 90 days to reach and
maintain the outlined requirements of the renewed project goals
2. The DCP, Coach, and select group of church planting peers will review implementation, provide
encouragement and resourcing, and determine if renewed project goals have been reached
3. Progress Milestone
a) If the renewed goals are not reached and maintained, the church plant project will conclude
b) If the renewed goals are achieved and maintained, the planter and project will have successfully
demonstrated healthy missional leadership and the continued growth and sustainability of the church
planting endeavor to which God has called them
Signatures:
Chuck Planter Date
Church Planting Pastor, Awesome Covenant Church
Coach Name Date
Church Planting Coach, [CONFERENCE NAME] Conference
Jason R. Condon Date
Associate Superintendent & Director of Church Planting, East Coast Conference
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %6 of %8

7. Mark Your Calendar
Coming Events | subscribe now at eastcoastconf.org/calendar
DEC
NO Cohort Gatherings
JAN
2015 Cohorts: Schedule & Format TBD
• Likely moving to different weeks for NY/NJ Metro
%
and Greater Boston/New England (vs. back-to-back),
plus adding in Mid-Atlantic Cohort
• will include Jason staying in area for two full days to
allow for various meetings, site visits, planning, etc.
• Questions or Comments?
Covenant Midwinter | Denver CO
• Mon Jan 26 – Fri Jan 30
• covchurch.org/midwinter
• All Church Planters encouraged to attend
• REGISTER NOW
• Covenant Orientation: Many of you have
coursework to start or continue. Midwinter is an
excellent option (and makes for free registration)
• Guests Exploring the Covenant: I have
limited free registration codes for those interested
MARCH
COMS Interviews | Berlin CT
• Due March 1: Paperwork Deadline
• Tue March 17 – Wed March 18 (with participants
only scheduled on-site for approx. 2 hours)
• Committee on Ministerial Standing (COMS) is
necessary for entering credentialing process, 3 year
check-ins, care issues, & final-prep for Ordination
Coaches Training | Chicago IL
• March 19 – 20 (Tentative Dates, may adjust slightly)
• Full Reboot. Recruiting at least 6 new coaches
who have 2+ years of fruitful planting experience
APRIL
125th ECConf Annual Meeting | Worcester MA
• Thu April 9 – Sat April 11
• All Church Planters expected to attend (some
special features and announcements in the works!)
Option: Exponential Conference | Tampa FL
• Mon April 27 – Thu 30 (+ potential bonus days)
• Question: Combine with Church Planter Retreat?
• anyone already registered?
MAY
Assessment Center | Minneapolis MN
• Spring: Thu May 28, 12pm – Sat May 30, 12pm
(Fall 2015: Thu Nov 5, 12pm – Sat Nov 7, 12pm)
• Invitation Only for church planter candidates
sufficiently advancing in assessment process. Should
be engaged in assessment process at least six months to
be considered for an invite
JUNE
Covenant Annual Meeting | Kansas City
• Thu June 25 – Sat June 27
• www.covchurch.org/gather
Pilgrim Pines Summer Season | Swanzey NH
• June 24 – Aug 8: Camp Squanto Youth Camp
• Jun 27 – Aug 14: Mayflower Family Camp
• pilgrimpines.org
JULY
CHIC Student Conference | Knoxville TN
• Due Jan 14: $100 Student Early Bird Deposit
• Sun July 12 – Fri July 17
• chic2015.org
Full Calendar for East Coast Conference
• Visit www.eastcoastconf.org/calendar
• Subscribe through Google Cal, iCal, or other app
• Entries labeled “Church Planting” are specifically
for church planters, rest for ECC pastors in general
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %7 of %8

8. Notes:
Church Planter Cohort Gatherings | NY/NJ • Greater Boston/New England Nov 19 & 20, 2014 | page %8 of %8