The form a new congregation takes, and its relationship to its sponsor, can have infinite variety. However, some key criteria must be met for a core group to be recognized as a new congregation. A congregation, loosely defined, is a group of people with a unique vision for their area, an identified leader(s), worshipping together weekly, with a ministry plan describing their preferred future.
The point person for the new congregation shall continue to be accountable to the sponsor, a peer network led by a network leader, and the director of church planting. The point person of a new congregation shall have an honorary seat in the conference, with a voice but not a vote.
