1. Developing a Gospel Lens for Ministry
The objective of this first session is to lay out the idea of a theological vision, a term which Richard Lint uses to refer to as the “middle ware” that translates doctrinal foundations to ministry expressions. A theological vision connects doctrinal beliefs with outward, hopeful ministry expressions. Helping church planters understand, work through, and define theological vision is the core work of what GCN tries to do during the Incubator.

2. Gospel Thread – Grand Narrative of the Bible
This module focuses on understanding how the work of Jesus Christ changes everything we are and do, as individuals, as a community, and as ministers of God’s grace, as opposed to “just trying harder” to apply biblical principles to our lives. Though the gospel is the life-giving message of redemption that we always preach, as well as the dynamic that causes on-going redemption in our lives and communities, few pastors understand how to consistently apply it to their life and work.

3. Grace Renewal in the Church and Believers
It’s not enough just to understand the gospel; we need to be constantly experiencing the renewing work of Jesus Christ, making us new and sending us as people in his redemptive mission. This is one important area of caring for the church planter’s personal life that cannot be ignored. An effective leader knows how to do self-leadership and self-care before he or she leads others. This module helps participants experience gospel renewal centered around repentance from the reality of indwelling sin (idolatry) as well as joyfully resting in the Father’s adoptive love. It also helps the leaders understand his or her unique leadership style for effective kingdom work.

4. Sharing the Gospel in Relevant Ways to your Church Plant
This module focuses on understanding the unique globalized, urban context in which we live and how that understanding can help us communicate and develop ministry forms which are meaningful to the people we are reaching. Far from ‘capitulating’ to culture or ‘watering down’ the gospel, contextualization aims to make Christ alive and dynamic in the given situation where you are planting your church.

5. Planting Urban Churches – Framework and Models
There is a lot of talk today about “being missional”. Practically, what does that mean for a new church? This module helps participants understand the unique characteristics of ministry in the global city and helps them develop a balanced, missional culture in their church so that the good news of Jesus is expressed in every element of church life and reaches out in holistic ministry.

6. Outreaching and Connecting with Local Community