Can the Chronological Stages Discussed in Current Church Planting Literature be Observed and Identified in a Successful Church Plant in Suburban California?

Research indicates that new churches are at an increased risk for closure. This closure rate reveals a serious need in the Christian community for strategic, chronological stages and specific steps to facilitate the planting of healthy, successful churches. The research question asked in this thesis was 'Can the chronological stages discussed in current church planting literature be observed and identified in a successful church plant in suburban California?'

This thesis chronicled the progression of First Family Church, a thriving new evangelical congregation in Antioch, California. In addition, personal interviews and surveys with two California church planters and one denominational new church development strategist provided valuable information. Data was also compiled from two current suburban church plants from the conception stage through the growth and maturation stage. Current literature pertaining to the topic was also studied.

Three axioms were demonstrated throughout this thesis. First, a chronological order exists for the process of church planting; this order is both organic and linear. Second, some problems inherent in church planting are unique to a particular situation; planters must learn to think outside the boundaries of traditional paradigms in order to address those problems. Third, the eventual death of all existing congregations is inevitable, thereby necessitating the starting of additional churches.