I thought it might be a good idea to post what my plan is for planting a church in Texas. I have a fifteen month strategy that I will be adhering to as I trust God to guide me with building his kingdom. Please pray for this endeavor as I am challenged in many ways right now.

I have now been in Texas two weeks. It’s a strange feeling to be in a new home, in a new state, without routine, not knowing where anything is in my house, outside my house, no church family, no office to go to and a church to build…I’m sure glad that Jesus is with me always, even to the very end of the age.

If you’d like to keep up with my day to day exploits in Dripping Springs, please go to my Wall on Facebook where I post from three to five times a day. (“Friend” me at Steve P. Sanchez)

Here’s my 5 month proposal:

1st Quarter: October, November, December 2013

After moving in I would like to acclimate to the area for a period of 30-90 days. This is what I will be doing during the first quarter:

Prayer – walk the entire community and pray for the neighborhoods.

Visit the area’s churches and meet with all the pastors to see who has a vision for the kingdom, i.e., will they be with me or against me.

I will also start meeting with local church planters from the Acts 29 Network for support and encouragement.

Begin first Wednesday Bible Study at my administrator’s (yes, that’s him below) home the first week of November.

Join civic groups – introduce myself to the community at large by involving myself with community organizations.

Establish an office.

Establish a website and contribute initial content consisting of an introductory video, sample sermons, “What We Believe” and a guestbook.

Door knocking: Initially, I plan on going door-to-door to ask people about their community. These friendly interviews will consist of these types of questions:

• How would you describe the area?

• How are the schools?

• Do you go to church?

If no, then,

• What would you look for in a church?

• What would cause you to attend a church?

• What needs do you see in the community?

• What can I pray for you for?

I would then offer my card with the web address (www.HopeChapelHill Country.org) encouraging them to visit the site.

I would then ask if I could send them a thank you card to be sent within a week.

1. After that, a few weeks later or so, I would follow up with another note when a church location is established or regular Bible studies have been implemented.
2. A third follow-up card would announce our Grand Opening, our first official church service.
3. If the people are not home, I will leave a door hanger.

Scout out locations for the church building

2nd Quarter: January, February, March 2014

Establish a church location (temporary or permanent)

Meeting place (options)

• Schools

• Church building (lease)

• Store front, etc.

• Coffee houses

• Bank meeting rooms

I’d like to get a centralized location, from 500-750 square feet, to hold weekly Bible studies. Due to the rambling setting of the Hill Country, local homes may prove impractical due to varying distances, non-lighted streets and country roads.

Begin inviting/recruiting potential members

Begin Sunday services

Identify potential Home Group Leaders

Identify potential Worship Leader(s)

Establish after-school Bible studies at the middle and high schools

I am also looking into doing a possible radio program on the local station and would like to start the first week of January.

3rd Quarter: April May, June 2014

Develop home group leaders by offering “How-to” studies

Establish a minimum of four home groups

Continue worship team development

Revisit church location and make any necessary changes of venue

4th Quarter: July-December 2014

Minimum of 60-80 adults (tithers)

Full Sunday service established

Worship team established

5-8 Home Groups established (Sermon Studies only)

Children’s church and/or integrated service

***So there you have it. After 54 years a California beach guy, now a Texan. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do!