Starting Churches

We believe that planting new churches is essential to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. If you believe that you are being called to plant a church in Texas or Oklahoma, we would love to pray with you, encourage you, and help guide you through the assessment and church planting process.

Why plant with the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District?

Church planting is an exciting, faith-filled adventure, but you don’t want to go it alone! Here are just a few of the ways that we support our church planters:

Assessment

Our assessment process helps you to discern and affirm your gifts, calling, and church planting plan.

Training

Our week-long training course and our ongoing cohorts equip you with the necessary competencies to be a successful planter.

Coaching

Our certified coaches support you throughout the early years of your planting journey.

Partner Advisory Team

A Partner Advisory Team comprised of a small group of local pastors serves as your interim elder board until such time as you can install elders of your own.

Funding

We provide generous foundational funding and assist you in raising additional financial support by connecting you with area churches with whom you can share your vision.

Residency

Our residencies allow you to be equipped to plant a church in the context of an existing healthy church that will often function as your sending church, providing funding and families to help get you started.

Demographic Studies

We provide in-depth demographic studies to help you identify and understand your target area.

A Family of Churches

You’ll become part of a healthy family of existing churches that will care for you and support you long after your church has launched. Our mantra is “We’re Better Together!” Click HERE for a list of the services we provide for our churches.

Meet a Few of Our Church Planters

Hear what church planters are saying about being a part of the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District family of churches!

Blaine Hooper

Lead Pastor, Refuge Church

Refuge Church (Houston, TX) is continually praising God for our district! We're grateful for the community of churches that share our value for God's Word, the Great Commission, and church multiplication. Their hands-on support, coaching, and care have been instrumental in both starting and sustaining our growing church plant.

Michael Brady

Lead Pastor, Providence Church Katy

When I reflect over the months that led to planting Providence Church Katy, I am humbled and grateful. One of our biggest supporters has been the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District. Throughout the entire planting process, they have been exceptionally helpful and supportive. The training and coaching I received was not a “one-size-fits-all” approach but tailored to our specific context. I thank God for our district!

Paul Hodi

Lead Pastor, Disciple Community Church

Our journey began with no prior experience in starting a church, simply a sense of God's calling. The EFCA helped us make this calling a reality. We were met with helpful people, resources, wisdom and experience. Starting a church is not easy. Do not try it alone. Reach out and build stronger, together.