Church planting training workshops, seminars and conferences are often referred to as "boot camps."  As you may have guessed, this terminology is taken from the military where new recruits are put through intense introductory training.    Church planting boot camps are designed to teach and equip the planter in how to be the best possible planter.  Boot camps are often intense 3 to 5 days training sessions that include experienced speakers, reading, practical exercises, and discussions.  Boot camp is typically attended after assessment.   Costs typically range from less than $100 to over $1500.

Why is training so important? Consider the following:

The average new construction home in America:

• costs over $150,000 to completion
• takes 9-12 months from conception (idea) to completion (occupancy)
• requires the integration and completion of over 400 individual actions (e.g. framing, insulation, wiring, roofing, etc.) many of which are interrelated and must be completed in a certain order
• requires the coordination of many different contractors and people (vendors/service providers)

Sound familiar?  Yes...starting a new church often requires a similar scope of work!  

Can you imagine hiring a general contractor with absolutely no home building experience?   Most people would never consider it.  General contractors typically have years of training and experience.  Yet God, in His wisdom, calls most church planters to accomplish a similar scope of work with very little experience (to ensure complete reliance on Him).   You need training.   You need help.  Why fly blind and make mistakes that are avoidable?   Bootcamp is a great place to start! Learn from others who've already walked in your shoes.

Sample 1:  The following is a sample outline of topics covered at a bootcamp (sample taken from EFCA Church Planting web site):

Day 1 - Preparation

• Personal preparation
  
• Apologetic preparation
  
• Family preparation
  
• Financial preparation
  
• Emotional preparation

• Defining mission
  
• Clarifying values
  
• Targeting focus group
  
• Focusing vision
  
• Designing ministry flow chart

• Building shared vision
  
• Building a prayer team
  
• Building a launch team
  
• Building through evangelism
  
• Building through preview services

• Dynamic worship
  
• Money and ministry foundations
  
• Expanding small groups
  
• Essential start up ministries
  
• MAP: Ministry Action Plan

Sample 2:  The following is a sample agenda for another 4 day church planting bootcamp (sample is provided from Global Church Advancement)

* Basic Training Sessions cover topcis such as the following:

• Clarifying the church planter’s vision
• Confirming the church planter’s call
• Determining the church ministry focus
• Clarifying the church purpose & mission
• Developing the church values & styles
• Designing the church strategies & structures
• Creating the church ministry models & plans
• Creating & refining a church planting proposal
• Establishing a core group & launch team
• Mentoring church ministry lay leaders & staff
• Developing gospel-centered ministries
• Leading the church to healthy growth
• Managing conflict in the emerging church
• Organizing church finances & administration
• Making the main thing the main thing

** Advanced Training Workshops cover topics such as the following:

• Coaching church planters and church leaders
• Planting churches in the emerging generation
• Developing marriage intimacy by grace
• Raising financial support & church administration
• Cultivating kingdom prayer ministries
• Raising up leaders for the harvest from the harvest
• Cultivating heart renewal by grace
• Planting & growing Hispanic churches
• Establishing a multi-site church plant
• Creating gospel-centered worship services
• Starting regional church planting networks
• Restarting a stalled church plant
• Managing conflict in the church plant
• Developing ministries of mercy in the city
• Avoiding church planting landmines
• Preaching gospel-centered messages
• Caring for people with sexual addictions
• Discovering Christ's voice in our worship
• Starting churches in smaller places

Here are a few organizations with solid church planting training programs:

Church Planting Solutions (CPS) - At $30, this is a great way to get started.

Church Coaching Solutions

Global Church Advancement

Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA)

The Church Multiplication Training Center (CMTC) 

Acts 29 Network

New Church Initiatives