Travis Bundrick, Director 918 S IH-35

Georgetown, TX 78626 512-930-0965

travis@wbatexas.org

Contents: Introduction 2 Overview 3 Identification Phase 4 Preparation Phase 6 Connection Phase 7 Evaluation Phase 9 Incorporation Phase 10 Conclusion 10 Appendix: 11

A – WBA Strategy Form……………….….. 12 B – Annual Budget Form………………..... 13 C – Status Reports………………………… 14 D – Annual Funding Request Worksheet… 21 E – Covenant……………………………… 22 F – Final Check List…………………...….. 24

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Introduction I am very pleased that you are taking the time to read through this handbook because it means that to some degree, you are exploring being involved with a new church start! So, whether you are a possible church planter, sponsor church, pastor or benefactor…welcome! It is the desire of the New Work Team and me that this handbook provide you with information and explanations related to this exciting work. If you have additional questions, please contact me at 512-930-0965 or travis@wbatexas.org . Mission

The Mission of Williamson Baptist Association is to assist member churches to fulfill their mission.

The WBA mission drives the philosophy that the association exists for the local church. We support the churches in their ministry to the community and world. Our focus is providing the churches with the kind of support that increases their effectiveness. We strive to address strategic challenges related to fulfilling the commission Jesus Christ gave His church.

Vision

Williamson Baptist Association will impact Williamson County and surrounding areas for Christ by serving pastors, staff members, and church leaders who utilize resources and opportunities provided by the association.

The ultimate result of the work of the WBA will be a lasting impact for Christ on the lives of individuals, families, and other institutions in our area. We desire to provide services, resources, and opportunities to leaders of our churches. We recognize a significant opportunity to have a positive influence in our community through our support of WBA churches.

Core Values

The Core Values of the Williamson Baptist Association are:

• Cooperation - realizing we can accomplish much more together than separately • Autonomy - respecting the autonomy and authority of each member church • Unity - relating to one another in a spirit of love as we focus on Kingdom priorities • Diversity - rejoicing that God created different people and churches for His glory • Excellence - reaching for high standards of quality in all that we do • Innovation - reforming structure and strategy to meet the changing needs of

members • Accountability - reporting all actions in a spirit of honesty and openness

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Overview of Phases

Identification Phase

Church Planters

and/or Church Sponsors

Missiology

Opportunities

Philosophy

Methodology

Assessments

Recruitment

Preparation Phase

WBA Director

Documentation

Mission, Vision,

Core Values, Strategy

Budget and Customized Scorecard

Demographics

Connection Phase

Matching

Funding

Funding Policies

Covenant

Evaluation Phase

Support and Monitored

WBA Director

Coaching

Training &

Development

New Work Team

Incorporation Phase

Becoming

Independent

Check List

WBA Vote

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Identification Phase Church Planters and/or Church Sponsors During this phase, high potential church planters will be identified and assessed for possible consideration for a new work. Identification may come from various sources such as:

• WBA partner church • WBA Leadership • WBA Director and staff • “Walk-ins” or via e-mail/phone calls/web site, etc. • Church Planting organizations or conferences • Recommendations from individuals

It is during this phase that the potential church planter will be introduced to WBA’s philosophy and phases for new works. Note: Potential church sponsors may also be identified or recruited by the association. Missiology The WBA is on mission for the Great Commission. We desire to advance the Kingdom of God in Williamson County and around the world. We want to see individual, church, and community transformation for the glory of God! We believe God has called us to partner with local churches to plant more churches to reach our world with the good news of Jesus. Opportunities There is a vast array of opportunities to start churches in Williamson County. We have a cross-section of socio-economic and ethnic groups including a substantial Hispanic, African American and Asian population. We want to see new churches that reach every demographic segment of our county. Williamson County population has grown from 248,000 in 2000 to 422,679 in 2010. Philosophy Churches start churches. The WBA does not start churches independently of other churches. We only start churches in conjunction with local churches. Each new work should be intentional about becoming independent from the sponsoring church. WBA does not fund “ministries”. Every new church must have at least one sponsoring church that agrees to support, in some form, the church planter. Any doctrinal issues concerning the church planter's qualifications, background or approach are resolved with the sponsoring church. WBA comes along side of the sponsor church and church planter to assist them in achieving their mission.

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Methodology The WBA has no pre-determined method or model for a new work. We realize that God uses all types of personalities, styles, models and churches to reach all types of people. The WBA is open to any method that is biblical, ethical and Christ centered. Assessment Each potential church planter will be required to complete an assessment approved by WBA. This assessment will include such things as behavioral tendencies, personality, skills, character and the like. The assessment will usually be conducted by a panel of trained assessors approved by WBA. Recruitment Recruitment occurs after the assessment and is contingent upon:

• Results from the assessment • Agreement with WBA’s philosophy • Other relevant information

Recruitment does not guarantee sponsorship or funding. However, it does provide for an individual to be placed on the WBA potential church planter list and enables the WBA to become more intentional in its efforts to assist the potential planter and possible sponsor churches.

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Preparation Phase WBA Director During this phase, the potential church planter will meet with the Director of WBA or his designee to assist him in preparing for the next phase. Documentation: The following items must be complete and in writing before moving forward to the next phase:

• The mission, vision and core values for the new work (Appendix A) • A basic overview of the strategy and approach of the new work (Appendix A) • A proposed budget for the new work (Appendix B) • A “score-card” of measurements that match the approach or model to be used to

evaluate the progress of the new work (the planter will have templates to choose from such as Missional, Attractional, Hispanic, International, Cowboy, etc.) (Appendix C)

• Possible sites and related demographics if relevant • An Annual Funding Request Worksheet (Appendix D)

There is no time limit for this phase. Once these documents have been completed, the potential church planter will move to the next phase.

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Connection Phase During this phase, commitments will be asked of the church planter, sponsor church and WBA. Matching In most cases, the potential church planter will have already connected to a sponsor church or churches. However, if this has not occurred, WBA will attempt to connect high potential church planters with possible church sponsors. In addition, if a WBA church desires to start a new work, but has not discovered a church planter, they may request the services of WBA to achieve such. Funding Partner Churches contribute to the WBA Mission Advance Fund to support new church starts. Each sponsoring church generally contributes a monthly amount to supplement the funding. At times state conventions have generously funded new church starts as well. Once a church sponsor has been enlisted, a date will be set for the potential church planter to come before the association’s New Work Team to request funding. The planter will have the opportunity to cast his vision for the new work and answer questions from the Team. It is strongly recommended that the pastor of the primary church sponsor, or their designee, attend the funding meeting. The New Work Team will decide the amount of funding, if any. If approved for funding, the planter will agree to abide by these policies: Funding Policies The Director of WBA will conduct reviews three times a year (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters). Renewals will be based on achievement of goals agreed upon in the previous funding meeting. Measurements may reflect such things as attendance, giving and goals from the customized “score card” designed in the preparation phase. Funding will be based on total budget, attendance, per capita giving, and other sources of income. The Director of WBA and sponsoring pastor, or his designee, will review any significant changes to the budget of the church planter before the plant commits to the expenditure. Funding will be provided on a decreasing scale based upon new work growth and income increases which enable new work to support a larger portion of the agreed upon budget. Failure to achieve agreed upon goals and measurements for two semesters will result in a probationary term for the succeeding semester. Failure to achieve agreed upon goals and measurements for three consecutive semesters may lead to reduction and/or may result in termination of funding.

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Exceeding agreed upon goals and measurements three consecutive semesters may result in additional funding for transitional issues as available. Financial support of the WBA general fund and Mission advance fund is required of all new works while on funding. The total support required is 4% of receipts from the church offerings with 2% designated to the WBA general fund and 2% designated to the Mission Advance Fund. Failure to give in such a manner will result in the holding of WBA funds to the new work Current financial statements are required at all semester reviews including the name and contact information of the person who produced it. Covenant If funding is approved, the church planter, sponsor church representative and WBA Director will be required to sign a covenant which reflects the expectations and other relevant policies of WBA. (Appendix E)

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Evaluation Phase Coaching A coach will be assigned to the Church Planter by WBA no later than the Evaluation Phase. This coach may come from the following sources:

• WBA approved “coach” list • WBA staff • Sponsor church • Other “trained/certified” coach

Support and Monitored During this phase, the new work and the church planter will be monitored and supported through the following:

• The Church Planter and representative from the primary church sponsor will meet with the Director three times a year for review. (Fall, Spring and Summer)

• The Church Planter and coach will meet at least once between each review. • The Church Planter will attend various mandatory training and development

opportunities as required by the Director and sponsor church at no cost to the planter.

• The Church Planter and representative from the primary sponsor church will meet annually with the New Work Team for continued funding decisions.

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Incorporation Phase

During this phase, the association will assist the new work and church planter in becoming an independent, incorporated church. Prior to the WBA voting on the new work becoming a WBA partner church the following check list must be completed and signed by the church planter and WBA representative. It will cover such items as official legal documents, financial systems, governing documents and the like. Once this is achieved, the church will be presented to the WBA at a regular meeting (Fall or Spring) for approval. (Appendix F) Conclusion Thank you for taking the time to read this handbook. Please also read the WBA strategic initiatives from our current Strategic Plan. Additional information and details regarding the plan are available by request.

Strategic Initiatives 2011-2014

• Communication/Connecting- we will leverage WBA’s adaptability and desire for

excellence to effectively communicate, connect to and engage with more people through interactive internet based tools in order to build awareness of resources and opportunities available through WBA.

• Leadership Development- we will use the WBA’s reputation for quality

leadership training to identify and develop relationships with strategic partners to enhance and expand leadership development opportunities for churches and leaders.

• Financial Growth- we will build upon the high trust level within WBA and its value of innovation to develop new strategies to increase income to more effectively serve our churches.

• New Work Process- Through past experiences and existing relationships, we will develop a recruiting system that will effectively lead to locating and connecting high potential church planters with association churches resulting in additional healthy churches engaged with WBA.

The New Work Team and Director of WBA reserve the right to change or revise the guidelines contained in this handbook.

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APPENDIX

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WBA New Work Strategy Form

New Work Model Type: ___________________ Mission: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Vision: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Core Values: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Strategy: (next 3-6 months) Action Date Anticipated Result ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix A

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Income

Congregational Giving WBA BGCT Other Outside Support:

TOTAL INCOME

Expenses

Ministries (everything spent related to people in the church such as children's ministry, youth, greeters, worship)

Administrative Office Supplies

Postage Equipment Telephone/Internet

Facilities Insurance

Utilities Rent/Mortgage

Marketing Outreach Events

Advertising Printing

Missions WBA (2% each to Budget & Mission Advance)

BGCT (6%) Other

Personnel Salary & Housing

Benefits Expense Accounts(s) TOTAL EXPENSES

Notes:

NET INCOME OVER EXPENSES

Annual Budget Appendix B

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Status Report

New Work Model: Attraction Average number of registered weekly guests in worship: __________ Average number of weekly regular attenders in worship: _________ Average number of weekly members attending worship: _________ Total Average Worship Attendance: __________ Salvations: ___________ Baptisms: ____________ Leaders in Training: _______________ Average Weekly contacts with “prospects” by Church Planter: _________ Average attendees at newcomer event (s): ___________ Event and Special Emphasis attendance: (Please list each event or emphasis planned intentionally as a “reaching/attracting” strategy with attendance figure) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ List upcoming strategy for the next time period: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a copy of your detailed year to date financial report. Include the name of the person who prepared the report and their phone number.

Appendix C

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Status Report

New Work Model: Missional Connecting to the Community (Please describe ways you connected to people, determined gathering places and discovered people of influence) Building Influence through Blessing (Please describe how you discovered the needs of the community, engaged those needs through volunteerism and enlisted community partners to join those efforts.

Appendix C

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Leading People to Toward Faith (How did you draw people together as one body and establish church as a presence) Sending People on Mission (Please describe how you empowered others to lead within the community? If applicable, have you identified possible church planters? Have you sent out any church planters? Average attendance of the “primary gathering point” ____________________

Salvations: ______________ Baptisms: _______________

List upcoming strategy for the next time period: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a copy of your detailed year to date financial report. Include the name

of the person who prepared the report and their phone number. 16

Status Report

New Work Model: Ethnic/International Average number of weekly regular attenders: _________ Average number of weekly members attending: _________ Total Average Attendance: __________ Salvations: ___________ Baptisms: ____________ Leaders in Training: _______________ Please list the number of people, if applicable, beside each activity: __________ Transportation provided to people __________ Food and/or meals provided __________ Job or employment search __________ English classes __________ Lodging __________ Clothing needs __________ Special needs (Please list below)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ List upcoming strategy for the next time period: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a copy of your detailed year to date financial report. Include the name of the person who prepared the report and their phone number.

Appendix C

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Status Report

New Work Model: Hispanic Average number of registered weekly guests: __________ Average number of weekly members attending: _________ Total Average Worship Attendance: __________ Total Average in Bible Study: ___________ Salvations: ___________ Baptisms: ____________ Leaders in Training: _______________ Average weekly home visits by the church planter: ________ Attendance at festivals or special events: (Name of event and number attending) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Training Events for the church planter or people: (Name of events and dates) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ List upcoming strategy for the next time period: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a copy of your detailed year to date financial report. Include the name of the person who prepared the report and their phone number.

Appendix C

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Status Report

New Work Model: Traditional Average number of registered weekly guests in worship: __________ Average number of weekly members attending worship: _________ Total number enrolled in Sunday morning Bible Study: __________________ Total average attendance in Sunday morning Bible Study: ________________ Average number of registered guests in Bible Study: ________________ Total number of classes in Sunday morning Bible Study: _________________ Total number of people in prospect system: _____________ New Members joining church: _______________ New Members joining Sunday School: _______________ Salvations: ___________ Baptisms: ____________ Leaders in Training: _______________ Average Weekly contacts with “prospects” by Church Planter: _________ (Please list each program, ministry or special emphasis planned intentionally as an Outreach strategy). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ List upcoming strategy for the next time period: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a copy of your detailed year to date financial report. Include the name of the person who prepared the report and their phone number.

Appendix C

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Status Report

New Work Model: Cowboy

Average number of registered guests in worship: __________ Average number of weekly members attending worship: _________ Total Average Worship Attendance: __________ Salvations: ___________ Baptisms: ____________ Saddle Up: ___________ Round Pen Discipleship Groups: Leaders in Training: _______________ Average attendees at newcomer event (s): ___________ Arena Events, Ranch Rides and Special Emphasis attendance: (Please list each event or emphasis planned intentionally as a “reaching/attracting” strategy with attendance figure) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

List upcoming strategy for the next time period: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a copy of your detailed year to date financial report. Include the name

of the person who prepared the report and their phone number.

Appendix C

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WBA New Work Annual Funding Request Worksheet

Church: ______________________ New Work Pastor__________________________ Sponsor(s):______________________________________________________________ Original Start Date of Funding: ______________ Todays date: __________________

General Goals for next year: _______________

Anticipated Average Attendance of ________________ (Write in your primary gathering ministry: Worship, Small group, Community gathering, Core group or other) ______January – May ________ June – August _______ Sept – December Anticipated Receipts from the church only (Cumulative Total for time period) ______ January – May _________ June – August _______ Sept – December Anticipated Receipts from all other sources: (Cumulative total for the time period) List Sources: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______January – May ________ June – August _______ Sept – December Anticipated Total Receipts expected for the year: $______________________ Anticipated Total Expenditures for the year: $_______________ (Please attach your annual proposed budget for the new work to this goal sheet or use the WBA Budget form). (Appendix B) Please complete and attach the WBA New Work Strategy form. (Appendix A)

WBA New Work Team Use Only:

Status Report Circle time period: Jan.-May June-August

New Work Team Notes: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Funding Decision: $__________________________

Appendix D

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WBA New Work Start Covenant

Date: ___________________ Name of New Work: ____________________________________________________ Church Planter’s Name: _________________________________________________ Name of Primary Church Sponsor: _________________________________________ Church Sponsor Representative: ___________________________________________ The undersigned Partners hereby enter into covenant relationship, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to develop this new church start into an independent Baptist church aligned with the Williamson Baptist Association of Texas. (WBA) All parties agree that final authority and responsibility for actions and activities of the new work rests with the congregation and sponsor church. Major decisions will be made through collaboration with all signatories. The New Work Pastor agrees to:

1. Read and agree with the WBA policies as outlined in the “WBA New Work Handbook.”

2. Complete required forms in a timely manner. 3. Attend funding review meetings three times per year. 4. Meet with the assigned coach as requested 5. Attend mandatory training events 6. Attend WBA meetings twice a year, unless other job makes it impossible 7. Lead the church to sponsor a new work within three years of incorporation

The Primary WBA Sponsor Church agrees to:

1. Support the new work in some manner. (Financial, Administrative, Space, etc) 2. Read and agree with the WBA policies regarding new work funding. 3. Attend funding review meetings three times each year. 4. Pray for the church planter, new work and WBA. 5. Assist or be responsible for the management of the new work’s budget in

accordance with sound accounting principles and current law. 6. Spend WBA funds only for designated new work. 7. Should the new work cease to be, any unspent WBA funds will be sent back to the

WBA. In addition, all assets will be disposed of by agreement and approval of the sponsor church and WBA.

The WBA agrees to:

1. Assist the new work in fulfilling its mission. 2. Facilitate the funding review meetings 3. Provide a coach for the church planter 4. Guide the church planter through the WBA process

Appendix E

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5. Provide funds for the new work in accordance with the New Work Team’s decisions.

6. Provide training events and opportunities for the church planter and new work Other agreements if any: ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

By signing below, each party acknowledges and agrees to the conditions of this covenant and intent to work within the WBA policies as outlined in the “New Work Manual.” Failure to do so will warrant the dissolution of this covenant and cessation of funding. Church Planter: Signature: _____________________________________

Print name: _____________________________________

Date: ______________________________

Primary Church Sponsor Responsibilities: Signature: _____________________________________

Print Name: ____________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

WBA Representative: Signature: ______________________________________

Print name: _____________________________________

Date: _____________________________

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New Work Process: Final Check-List Required:

□ Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4) □ Certificate of Formation- Nonprofit Corporation (Form 202) OR Articles of

Incorporation □ Texas Application for Exemption – Religious Organization (Texas Sales Tax, hotel

occupancy and Franchise Tax Exemption) □ Constitution & Bylaws □ Service to formally constitute , adopt bylaws, elect officers and sever ties with

sponsor church □ Annual Filing Requirements

o Form W-2 by January 31 to all employees (including ministers) o Form 1099-MISC (contract workers paid $600 or more for services or rents)

by January 31 □ Payroll:

o New Hire Reporting o Form W-4 & treatment of ministers o I-9 Form o Designation of Exempt and Non-Exempt Employees o Minister’s Housing Allowance Designation o Payroll Tax Deposits o Form 941 or 944

Suggested: □ OPTIONAL- Apply for Recognition of Tax Exempt Status on IRS Form 1023 □ Church Property – Property Tax Exemption □ Basic Financial Controls

o Cash collection, handling, recording and depositing procedures o Operate within an approved church budget o Adopt an Accountable Expense Reimbursement Policy o Adopt Credit Card Policies & Procedures o Church elects a “finance” team or people designated for oversight,

management and accountability of church finances. o Other

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Church Planter/Date Church Representative/ Date

For Office Use Only □ Checklist items completed □ Church plant desires to become a partnering WBA Church □ WBA Constitution review with church plant □ Proceed with vote at WBA meeting on: ______________

Appendix F

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