Church Planting in the Diocese

Church planting is at the heart of God's redemptive mission and central to our calling as a diocese. Since our founding, the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic has been committed to planting a network of Anglican churches that make new outposts of his kingdom and form people as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Church plants take root in a couple of ways: an existing congregation can plant a daughter church, or an ordained leader (or one seeking ordination) can gather and train a core group to launch a new church plant. In some cases, laypersons begin gathering for prayer as we seek to identify a church planter.

OUR PROCESS

Step 1 – Initial Phone Conversation with the Director of Church Planting
If you are curious about planting with DOMA, the first step is to contact the Director of Church Planting, who will set up a time to talk with you about the process and your story, including the reasons you sense you are called to plant.

Step 2 – Church Planter Evaluation
If the diocese agrees you may have a call, and that we are a good fit for you as a planter, you will be asked to complete the online Lifeway Church Planter Evaluation.

Step 3 – Formal Assessment and Training
Once you have completed the first two steps and these initial evaluations confirm a calling to plant, you will be invited to an in-person assessment and training with Always Forward, the church planting initiative of the Anglican Church in North America. Spouses of married applicants must also take part in the assessment and interview process. DOMA will underwrite most costs for the assessment and training.

Step 4 – Diocesan Feedback and Decision
The Director of Church Planting will make a formal recommendation on whether you are ready to plant and will outline suggested next steps. Once the Bishop approves the calling to plant, you will enter a period of preparation and prayer, and take steps to relocate (if necessary), fundraise, and gather a launch team.

If you are interested in church planting with us, please contact DOMA: info@anglicandoma.org.

Read articles from our church plants in the Diocese newsletter.