Baltic Church Planting

Getting Started

Getting to Know Each Other

Where do we begin?  The questions below are a starting point, as potential Partners seek to get to know one another. It is anticipated there will be a period of “courtship” prior to the signing of a Partnership agreement, as both parties attempt to discern their compatibility for Partnership.  This information can be shared by mail or e-mail, but at least one face-to-face interaction should be anticipated in this initial “courtship” phase.

U.S. Partner:

• Describe your overall congregational mission strategy, and how the Baltics fit in that strategy.
• Why the Baltics?
• Who are you? Describe your church, including history, staff, strategy, and ministries.
• What previous experience do you have in the Baltics? In partnerships?
• Tell from your perspective what the partnership process looks like, and what the next step will be in moving toward a partnership.

Baltics Church/Church Planter:

• Tell about yourself—life, background, family, conversion, and your call to church planting.
• Tell about the church you are planting, and the region in which the church is being planted.
• What is your vision for the ministry in the area to which you have been called?
• What are current ministries and programs in which your church is involved?
• What are your hopes and expectations of a church planting partnership?

In addition, it will be important to explore theological compatibility.  Assuming both parties are “evangelical,” holding to the basic foundational doctrines of the faith, are there other issues which may cause concern?  In any relationship, there will be differences which will need to be overlooked for the greater good to be accomplished. Can you work comfortably together?  Will you be able to focus upon areas of agreement, and set aside differences?

Discussion Items Regarding Partnership

Once compatibility has been determined, the purpose and nature of the Partnership needs to be considered.  The following are items related to Partnership which need to be discussed before a final agreement is made.

• Communication: Communication is key.  Questions, concerns, conflicts or misunderstandings will arise, and must be dealt with honestly and quickly. The Partnership relationship has the potential of serving as a witness to the community (John 17:20-23), but only if great effort is taken to communicate.

Discussion: How and how often should communication take place?

• Teams: Part of the Partnership relationship may include the sending of teams from the U.S. to minister in Latvia.

Discussion: What is the desirability and purpose of the sending of teams in this partnership? 

• Youth: Will youth play any role in the Partnership?

Discussion: If so, how can they best be used? Any concerns/potential problems?

• Finances: It is assumed the U.S. Partner will cover the cost of their involvement. 

Discussion: What are other financial needs? What role may the U.S. Partner play in meeting these needs?

• Mutuality: A true “Partnership” is one in which both parties involved are “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” (Rom. 1:12)  They should pray for each other, possibly make trips both ways, etc., as they seek to accomplish the ministry goals of each of their ministries.  While the U.S. Partner may come to the Partnership with greater resources, the Baltic Partner enters into the agreement in the spirit of Peter: “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have.” (Acts 3:6) We have different gifts to offer each other “according to the grace given us.” (Rom. 12:5-6)

Discussion: How can this mutuality in ministry best be fostered?

Recommended Reading: The New Direction in World Evangelism , Lutz/Bush, IVP

Further Interest 

If you are interested in a Church Planting Partnership in the Baltics, please contact Tim Trudeau, U.S. Director of Baltic Church Planting, Emmanuel Ministries, Int.  He may be reached at:

Grace Community Church
806 Seventh St.
Boone, IA 50036

By Phone: 515-433-6133

By E-mail: use the "Contact Us" button in the main menu