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ACTS 29 NETWORK2025 PlaybookUpdated December 2024Acts 29 Network23052 Alicia PKWY, Suite H #621Mission Viejo, CA 92692www.acts29.com Berichten
Planting new churches is thePRVWHHFWLYHHYDQJHOLVWLFmethodologyNQRZQXQGHUKHDYHQȃ&3HWHU:DJQHU“Key Goals for 2025Join us in 2025!Who We Are030406081012141516171820212219ContentGoal 1: Plant 60 ChurchesGoal 2: 10,000 ConversionsGoal 3: 5% Church GrowthGoal 4: 5% Growth of Acts 29Goal 5: 25% Increase of Outside FundraisingCore ValuesPosturesHow e efine uccess How We Are Organized Regional Structure (US) Global Regions ho ill Lead hese fforts
Planting new churches is thePRVWHHFWLYHHYDQJHOLVWLFmethodologyNQRZQXQGHUKHDYHQȃ&3HWHU:DJQHU“Key Goals for 2025Join us in 2025!Who We Are030406081012141516171820212219ContentGoal 1: Plant 60 ChurchesGoal 2: 10,000 ConversionsGoal 3: 5% Church GrowthGoal 4: 5% Growth of Acts 29Goal 5: 25% Increase of Outside FundraisingCore ValuesPosturesHow e efine uccess How We Are Organized Regional Structure (US) Global Regions ho ill Lead hese fforts
Key Goalsfor 2025Acts 29 knows that planting churches worldwide is a joint effort. We’re setting audacious goals for 2025 that will take all of us working together to achieve. There are parts of these goals that Acts 29 the organization will need to own. And there are parts of these goals that we will depend on Acts 29’s network of churches to own. This is the first time the network has set goals like this, and we are excited to see how God will show up as we pursue these ambitious goals together. This playbook will lay out each of our five Network goals and the strategies we will employ together to accomplish them. One of the key things that has become clear to us in the last year is that Acts 29 is both an organization and a network. What we mean by that is that Acts 29 has a staff, a board and a President that leads us organizationally. We are also a network of churches that collaborate together to accomplish things we cannot do alone.In other words, Acts 29 functions much like your churches do. The staff and leadership exist to set and maintain the vision, build a strategy to accomplish that vision, and then work with the churches in our network to accomplish our goals together. We need each other and when Acts 29 is functioning at a high level, it’s because we are working together.ur five network goals or are as ollows: eecting on the past of Acts 29, I am thankful that the last 25 years have been a fantastic gift from God. But today, our focus is solidly on the future.This Playbook reects this future focus. The majorityof our communication from now on will be about where Acts 29 is headed and what we are doing together. We are on the cusp of a new year and a new era for Acts 29. As an organization, we are more organized, better prepared, and more excellently staffed than we have ever been. As a network, we are confident that Acts 29 churches are theologically aligned, relationally connected, missionally engaged, and all-in moving forward. These two truths allow us to go into 2025 with renewed focus and passion for the work God has given us to do. The vision is clear, the strategy is set, and the network is ready. Let’s get to work!With you for the gospel, The Future isfor Mission Brian HowardActs 29President02 2025 Playbook 03• Plant 60 churches• &RQYHUVLRQV• 5% church growth• 5% growth of Acts 29• 25% increase of outside fundraisingThis strategy document outlines how we will accomplish these five goals, aligning our resources, initiatives, and efforts to make measurable progress.Acts 29
Key Goalsfor 2025Acts 29 knows that planting churches worldwide is a joint effort. We’re setting audacious goals for 2025 that will take all of us working together to achieve. There are parts of these goals that Acts 29 the organization will need to own. And there are parts of these goals that we will depend on Acts 29’s network of churches to own. This is the first time the network has set goals like this, and we are excited to see how God will show up as we pursue these ambitious goals together. This playbook will lay out each of our five Network goals and the strategies we will employ together to accomplish them. One of the key things that has become clear to us in the last year is that Acts 29 is both an organization and a network. What we mean by that is that Acts 29 has a staff, a board and a President that leads us organizationally. We are also a network of churches that collaborate together to accomplish things we cannot do alone.In other words, Acts 29 functions much like your churches do. The staff and leadership exist to set and maintain the vision, build a strategy to accomplish that vision, and then work with the churches in our network to accomplish our goals together. We need each other and when Acts 29 is functioning at a high level, it’s because we are working together.ur five network goals or are as ollows: eecting on the past of Acts 29, I am thankful that the last 25 years have been a fantastic gift from God. But today, our focus is solidly on the future.This Playbook reects this future focus. The majorityof our communication from now on will be about where Acts 29 is headed and what we are doing together. We are on the cusp of a new year and a new era for Acts 29. As an organization, we are more organized, better prepared, and more excellently staffed than we have ever been. As a network, we are confident that Acts 29 churches are theologically aligned, relationally connected, missionally engaged, and all-in moving forward. These two truths allow us to go into 2025 with renewed focus and passion for the work God has given us to do. The vision is clear, the strategy is set, and the network is ready. Let’s get to work!With you for the gospel, The Future isfor Mission Brian HowardActs 29President02 2025 Playbook 03• Plant 60 churches• &RQYHUVLRQV• 5% church growth• 5% growth of Acts 29• 25% increase of outside fundraisingThis strategy document outlines how we will accomplish these five goals, aligning our resources, initiatives, and efforts to make measurable progress.Acts 29
3Acts 29 Network04 2025 Playbook 05 Goal 1: Plant 60 Churches As part of our commitment to church planting and expanding the Gospel’s reach, we have set a goal to plant 60 new churches worldwide in 2025. In the past, when Acts 29 has "planted churches," this has meant a variety of different things. While we still celebrate all ways church plants join us on mission, when we talk about planting 60 churches in 2025, we mean something specific. This will refer to planters that have been through an apprenticeship and/or residency, successfully completed assessment, have been connected relationally and strategically with other churches in their region, are supported by Acts 29 churches and partners, are participating in a church planter cohort, are utilizing our church planting resource suite, and are being launched with a team of Acts 29 pastors serving as temporary overseers. When we say we are planting 60 churches, we mean that we are comprehensively training, assessing, supporting, and launching those churches with everything they need to be successful. aActs 29 OBJECTIVE:Plant 60 new churches worldwide. These church planters will be trained, assessed, resourced, and supported by Acts 29 and its network of churches.Key Actions:Church Planting Pipeline and The Portal• Church Planting Pipeline: Regional leaders understand the Church Planting Pipeline (see below) and how to integrate it.•The Portal: Every potential church planter is entered into The Portal, a new assessment system and database, creating easy-to-access reporting dashboards.Targeted Recruitment & Assessment of Church Planters• Church Planter Identification: Establish a process for identifying and recruiting qualified church planters worldwide, especially in underrepresented regions.•Existing Churches: Host Zoom calls to help churches build and fill their leadership pipelines to produce more church planters.•Cohort Programs: Launch cohorts focusing on church planting, providing training, mentorship, and resources to new planters.•Online Quiz: Use a short quiz on the website to help potential planters assess their church-planting readiness and align them with available opportunitiesFunding & Resources:• Church Plant Funding: Catalyze support and funding at the regional level• Training Resources: Create an easily accessible resource suite to resource church planters (and pastors)Communications and Marketing:• Acts29.com: Utilize website to recruit church planters, redesigning as needed•Social Media: Focus efforts on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, etc. to give young men a vision for church planting.•Church Planting Sunday: Use Church Planting Sunday to raise church-planting awareness, mobilize action, and encourage collective mission1. 2. 3. ESTABLISHING PHASECALLING PHASE DEVELOPMENT PHASE CORE GROUP PHASE PUBLIC GATHERING PHASEApprenticeship: Discerning the call to plantResidency: training for planting & assessment”Final evaluation& recommendationRecommendation for next stepsResource suiteTRAINRECRUIT ASSESSCOACHING &COHORT #1COACHING &COHORT #2YEARS -2 YEARS -1 YEARS 0 YEARS 1-2 YEARS 3-4 Proactively identify potential church plantersInitial application and evaluationTraining recommendationParticipate in two-year cohortReceive coachingfor launch andpost-assessmentconditionsResource SuiteParticipate in two-year cohortPrepare and apply for assessmentAttend Assessment ConferencePost-assessment recommendationsand conditionsResource SuiteCelebrate completionHandoff the Church DivisionReceive coachingto becomeself-sustaining, self-governing, and self-replicating
3Acts 29 Network04 2025 Playbook 05 Goal 1: Plant 60 Churches As part of our commitment to church planting and expanding the Gospel’s reach, we have set a goal to plant 60 new churches worldwide in 2025. In the past, when Acts 29 has "planted churches," this has meant a variety of different things. While we still celebrate all ways church plants join us on mission, when we talk about planting 60 churches in 2025, we mean something specific. This will refer to planters that have been through an apprenticeship and/or residency, successfully completed assessment, have been connected relationally and strategically with other churches in their region, are supported by Acts 29 churches and partners, are participating in a church planter cohort, are utilizing our church planting resource suite, and are being launched with a team of Acts 29 pastors serving as temporary overseers. When we say we are planting 60 churches, we mean that we are comprehensively training, assessing, supporting, and launching those churches with everything they need to be successful. aActs 29 OBJECTIVE:Plant 60 new churches worldwide. These church planters will be trained, assessed, resourced, and supported by Acts 29 and its network of churches.Key Actions:Church Planting Pipeline and The Portal• Church Planting Pipeline: Regional leaders understand the Church Planting Pipeline (see below) and how to integrate it.•The Portal: Every potential church planter is entered into The Portal, a new assessment system and database, creating easy-to-access reporting dashboards.Targeted Recruitment & Assessment of Church Planters• Church Planter Identification: Establish a process for identifying and recruiting qualified church planters worldwide, especially in underrepresented regions.•Existing Churches: Host Zoom calls to help churches build and fill their leadership pipelines to produce more church planters.•Cohort Programs: Launch cohorts focusing on church planting, providing training, mentorship, and resources to new planters.•Online Quiz: Use a short quiz on the website to help potential planters assess their church-planting readiness and align them with available opportunitiesFunding & Resources:• Church Plant Funding: Catalyze support and funding at the regional level• Training Resources: Create an easily accessible resource suite to resource church planters (and pastors)Communications and Marketing:• Acts29.com: Utilize website to recruit church planters, redesigning as needed•Social Media: Focus efforts on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, etc. to give young men a vision for church planting.•Church Planting Sunday: Use Church Planting Sunday to raise church-planting awareness, mobilize action, and encourage collective mission1. 2. 3. ESTABLISHING PHASECALLING PHASE DEVELOPMENT PHASE CORE GROUP PHASE PUBLIC GATHERING PHASEApprenticeship: Discerning the call to plantResidency: training for planting & assessment”Final evaluation& recommendationRecommendation for next stepsResource suiteTRAINRECRUIT ASSESSCOACHING &COHORT #1COACHING &COHORT #2YEARS -2 YEARS -1 YEARS 0 YEARS 1-2 YEARS 3-4 Proactively identify potential church plantersInitial application and evaluationTraining recommendationParticipate in two-year cohortReceive coachingfor launch andpost-assessmentconditionsResource SuiteParticipate in two-year cohortPrepare and apply for assessmentAttend Assessment ConferencePost-assessment recommendationsand conditionsResource SuiteCelebrate completionHandoff the Church DivisionReceive coachingto becomeself-sustaining, self-governing, and self-replicating
a1. Evangelism Field Guide • Create and distribute an Evangelism Field Guide in every region for church leaders and planters that focuses on actionable steps for reaching the lost, including evangelistic preaching, community outreach, and events.• Train our churches to use evangelism strategies such as The Art of Neighboring and Good - God - Gospel, easy-to-invite events, and community partnerships.2. Cohort Content • Organize cohort content and conversation around best practices for outreach and evangelism so that churches can share what’s working in their contexts.3. Evangelistic Mindset • Integrate Evangelistic Preaching as a core component of leadership training. Breakout sessions during Acts 29 conferences and cohort groups will provide specific, practical tools or preaching the gospel in culturally relevant ways.• Encourage each church to adopt a "One More" mindset, focusing on inviting one more person into the fold through every sermon, event, and outreach initiative.• Encourage regular baptism Sundays, and tie them into a broader evangelistic unday strategy, with specific ocuses on celebrating conversions.4. Local Partnerships for Outreach • Encourage churches to connect with nonprofits and community organizations for joint evangelistic events and initiatives that engage the wider community.Key Actions:06 2025 Playbook 07Goal 2:10,000 ConversionsOur mission has always been to see churches planted that are highly evangelistic and committed to making disciples of all nations. As such, we have set a goal to see 10,000 people come to Christ through effective, evangelistic Acts 29 churches in 2025. Thiswill require bold gospel preaching and mission-driven congregations that are ambassadors of Christ in their communities. Reaching 10,000 people for Christ is not merely a numbers game. Each of these 10,000 individual conversions represents a life transformed by the power of the gospel—a story of redemption, healing, and hope—and a disciple who will go on to impact their families, friends, and communities.Acts 29 OBJECTIVE:See 10,000 conversions across Acts 29 churches (an average of 15 conversionsper church).
a1. Evangelism Field Guide • Create and distribute an Evangelism Field Guide in every region for church leaders and planters that focuses on actionable steps for reaching the lost, including evangelistic preaching, community outreach, and events.• Train our churches to use evangelism strategies such as The Art of Neighboring and Good - God - Gospel, easy-to-invite events, and community partnerships.2. Cohort Content • Organize cohort content and conversation around best practices for outreach and evangelism so that churches can share what’s working in their contexts.3. Evangelistic Mindset • Integrate Evangelistic Preaching as a core component of leadership training. Breakout sessions during Acts 29 conferences and cohort groups will provide specific, practical tools or preaching the gospel in culturally relevant ways.• Encourage each church to adopt a "One More" mindset, focusing on inviting one more person into the fold through every sermon, event, and outreach initiative.• Encourage regular baptism Sundays, and tie them into a broader evangelistic unday strategy, with specific ocuses on celebrating conversions.4. Local Partnerships for Outreach • Encourage churches to connect with nonprofits and community organizations for joint evangelistic events and initiatives that engage the wider community.Key Actions:06 2025 Playbook 07Goal 2:10,000 ConversionsOur mission has always been to see churches planted that are highly evangelistic and committed to making disciples of all nations. As such, we have set a goal to see 10,000 people come to Christ through effective, evangelistic Acts 29 churches in 2025. Thiswill require bold gospel preaching and mission-driven congregations that are ambassadors of Christ in their communities. Reaching 10,000 people for Christ is not merely a numbers game. Each of these 10,000 individual conversions represents a life transformed by the power of the gospel—a story of redemption, healing, and hope—and a disciple who will go on to impact their families, friends, and communities.Acts 29 OBJECTIVE:See 10,000 conversions across Acts 29 churches (an average of 15 conversionsper church).
1. Assimilation Training • Create an Assimilation Field Guide in every region to help churches effectively integrate newcomers into the community.• ffer resources on visitor follow-up and assimilation systems• Organize cohorts to share best practices around assimilation and connections.2. Zoom Coaching • Facilitate regular coaching calls focused on practical strategies for church growth. Emphasize and train toward the programs and systems that play key roles in attracting and retaining newcomers.3. Sunday Experience •Preaching quality Encourage gospel-centered, evangelistic, and relevant teaching.•Worship and Music Equip churches with resources to create an environment conducive to worship, contextualizing song choices and tone to match thelocal culture.•Children’s Ministry Ensure churches invest in robust children’s programs thatengage families.•Assimilation Systems Train our churches to build and maintain simple assimilation systems so that no guests slip through the cracks.4. Operations & Systems • Encourage churches to refine operational systems for growth, including streamlined guest services, effective communications, and volunteer mobilization.5. Data-Driven Growth • Use regular data collection (attendance, conversions, etc.) to track growthpatterns and identify churches that need additional support or resources for sustainable growth.Key Actions:Acts 29 NetworkA vision for evangelism, discipleship, and multiplication is at the heart of Acts 29. From the very beginning, our network has been about empowering local churches to reach their cities and the world with the gospel—through a commitment to theology, strong leadership, and mission. In 2025, we believe that by God’s grace we can see a 5% increase in church attendance across the Acts 29 network. Healthy, sustainable church growth will require more than evangelistic zeal. Our churches need to grow in their ability to retain and connect new believers with discipleship processes that can help them grow and thrive.To be clear, this growth goal is not about filling seats or hitting some new church size. We desire growth in our churches because we desire that Acts 29 churches see more people come to Christ, get baptized, and EHGLVFLSOHGLQWKHZD\VRI-HVXVGoal 3:5% Church Growth08 2025 Playbook 09Acts 29 OBJECTIVE:6HH DQ DYHUDJH DQQXDO FKXUFK JURZWKrate of 5% in attendance for each FKXUFKLQWKH$FWVQHWZRUNOBJECTIVE:
1. Assimilation Training • Create an Assimilation Field Guide in every region to help churches effectively integrate newcomers into the community.• ffer resources on visitor follow-up and assimilation systems• Organize cohorts to share best practices around assimilation and connections.2. Zoom Coaching • Facilitate regular coaching calls focused on practical strategies for church growth. Emphasize and train toward the programs and systems that play key roles in attracting and retaining newcomers.3. Sunday Experience •Preaching quality Encourage gospel-centered, evangelistic, and relevant teaching.•Worship and Music Equip churches with resources to create an environment conducive to worship, contextualizing song choices and tone to match thelocal culture.•Children’s Ministry Ensure churches invest in robust children’s programs thatengage families.•Assimilation Systems Train our churches to build and maintain simple assimilation systems so that no guests slip through the cracks.4. Operations & Systems • Encourage churches to refine operational systems for growth, including streamlined guest services, effective communications, and volunteer mobilization.5. Data-Driven Growth • Use regular data collection (attendance, conversions, etc.) to track growthpatterns and identify churches that need additional support or resources for sustainable growth.Key Actions:Acts 29 NetworkA vision for evangelism, discipleship, and multiplication is at the heart of Acts 29. From the very beginning, our network has been about empowering local churches to reach their cities and the world with the gospel—through a commitment to theology, strong leadership, and mission. In 2025, we believe that by God’s grace we can see a 5% increase in church attendance across the Acts 29 network. Healthy, sustainable church growth will require more than evangelistic zeal. Our churches need to grow in their ability to retain and connect new believers with discipleship processes that can help them grow and thrive.To be clear, this growth goal is not about filling seats or hitting some new church size. We desire growth in our churches because we desire that Acts 29 churches see more people come to Christ, get baptized, and EHGLVFLSOHGLQWKHZD\VRI-HVXVGoal 3:5% Church Growth08 2025 Playbook 09Acts 29 OBJECTIVE:6HH DQ DYHUDJH DQQXDO FKXUFK JURZWKrate of 5% in attendance for each FKXUFKLQWKH$FWVQHWZRUNOBJECTIVE:
Goal 4: 5% Growth of Acts 29At Acts 29, we are united in our mission to plant gospel-centered, theologically aligned churches worldwide. Our goal for 2025 is to grow our network of churches by 5%. With churches and church plants already spanningevery inhabitable continent and a regularly growing number of countries, we believe there are many more churches and church plants out there that share our missionbut could benefit from a network with which to collaborate. Acts 29 offers supportand relational connection for theologically aligned churches, providing a communityof like-minded churches ready to partner together on mission to plant more churches.Key Actions:10 Acts 29 2025 Playbook 111. Recruitment • Actively recruit churches to join Acts 29 with high levels of cultural and theological alignment.• Subregional Directors will maintain a list of churches that could be good theological and cultural fits or cts and actively pursue them relationally.2. Regional & Subregional Gatherings • Strengthen Regional Leadership Teams and host Subregional Gatherings to foster collaboration, communication, and vision alignment within the network.• Use these gatherings to recruit potential churches by exposing them to the culture and priorities of the network.3. Increase Awareness • Ramp up communication efforts, using social media, emails, and video content to share the impact of Acts 29 churches and the benefits of joining the network.• Solidify Acts 29 as the “preeminent church planting organization in the world” to attract new churches who align with this mission.4. Targeted Outreach to Denominations & Networks • Reach out to like-minded multi-congregational churches and micro-networks, offering partnership opportunities or churches to oin cts .OBJECTIVE:Expand the Acts 29 network by adding 5% new churches annuallyOBJECTIVE:
Goal 4: 5% Growth of Acts 29At Acts 29, we are united in our mission to plant gospel-centered, theologically aligned churches worldwide. Our goal for 2025 is to grow our network of churches by 5%. With churches and church plants already spanningevery inhabitable continent and a regularly growing number of countries, we believe there are many more churches and church plants out there that share our missionbut could benefit from a network with which to collaborate. Acts 29 offers supportand relational connection for theologically aligned churches, providing a communityof like-minded churches ready to partner together on mission to plant more churches.Key Actions:10 Acts 29 2025 Playbook 111. Recruitment • Actively recruit churches to join Acts 29 with high levels of cultural and theological alignment.• Subregional Directors will maintain a list of churches that could be good theological and cultural fits or cts and actively pursue them relationally.2. Regional & Subregional Gatherings • Strengthen Regional Leadership Teams and host Subregional Gatherings to foster collaboration, communication, and vision alignment within the network.• Use these gatherings to recruit potential churches by exposing them to the culture and priorities of the network.3. Increase Awareness • Ramp up communication efforts, using social media, emails, and video content to share the impact of Acts 29 churches and the benefits of joining the network.• Solidify Acts 29 as the “preeminent church planting organization in the world” to attract new churches who align with this mission.4. Targeted Outreach to Denominations & Networks • Reach out to like-minded multi-congregational churches and micro-networks, offering partnership opportunities or churches to oin cts .OBJECTIVE:Expand the Acts 29 network by adding 5% new churches annuallyOBJECTIVE:
1012Acts 29 NetworkActs 29 is planting churches in over 40 nations around the world in every conceivable cultural context. Their regional budgets are built on the generosity of outside donors who care deeply about the mission of church planting. Acts 29’s Development team works with our Global Regional Directors to connect their work to donors who can make it happen. Our existing and future global work depends on these relationships and we need to cultivate more of them in order to expandour reach.Goal 5:25% Increase of Outside Fundraising2025 Playbook 1. Storytelling and Impact Reporting • Create Impact Reports and videos tangibly showcasing the lives changed through Acts 29 churches for use with donors.• Highlight success stories, conversions, baptisms, and church plant growth at Acts 29 conferences and through digital platforms.2. Partnerships with Donors and Foundations • Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors who share a vision for global church planting.• Develop multi-year giving options to increase the stability and predictability of outside fundraising.3. Major Donor Recruitment • Leverage existing events, trips, and conferences to recruit new donors. 4. Strategic Giving Campaigns • Run annual giving campaigns, such as a Giving Day associated with Church Planting Sunday, that focus on raising funds specifically for new church plants and network growth.• Provide donors with specific funding opportunities tied to key initiatives (e.g., a new church plant, leadership training, evangelism outreach).5. Donor Engagement & Communication • Regularly update donors through video updates , newsletters , and personalized communication on the impact their contributions are making in church planting and evangelism.• Encourage regular donor participation through prayer calls, small donor events, and special reports on church plant progress.6. Acts 29 Church Participation • Engage Acts 29 church leaders in hosting events (breakfast, lunch, coffee, etc.) for church members and friends to hear about the vision of Acts 29 and how they could participate in this global mission.Key Actions:12 2025 Playbook 13Acts 29 OBJECTIVE:Increase outside fundraising by 25%, ensuring WKH ȴQDQFLDO KHDOWK DQG VXVWDLQDELOLW\RI$FWVVJOREDOLQLWLDWLYHVOBJECTIVE:
1012Acts 29 NetworkActs 29 is planting churches in over 40 nations around the world in every conceivable cultural context. Their regional budgets are built on the generosity of outside donors who care deeply about the mission of church planting. Acts 29’s Development team works with our Global Regional Directors to connect their work to donors who can make it happen. Our existing and future global work depends on these relationships and we need to cultivate more of them in order to expandour reach.Goal 5:25% Increase of Outside Fundraising2025 Playbook 1. Storytelling and Impact Reporting • Create Impact Reports and videos tangibly showcasing the lives changed through Acts 29 churches for use with donors.• Highlight success stories, conversions, baptisms, and church plant growth at Acts 29 conferences and through digital platforms.2. Partnerships with Donors and Foundations • Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors who share a vision for global church planting.• Develop multi-year giving options to increase the stability and predictability of outside fundraising.3. Major Donor Recruitment • Leverage existing events, trips, and conferences to recruit new donors. 4. Strategic Giving Campaigns • Run annual giving campaigns, such as a Giving Day associated with Church Planting Sunday, that focus on raising funds specifically for new church plants and network growth.• Provide donors with specific funding opportunities tied to key initiatives (e.g., a new church plant, leadership training, evangelism outreach).5. Donor Engagement & Communication • Regularly update donors through video updates , newsletters , and personalized communication on the impact their contributions are making in church planting and evangelism.• Encourage regular donor participation through prayer calls, small donor events, and special reports on church plant progress.6. Acts 29 Church Participation • Engage Acts 29 church leaders in hosting events (breakfast, lunch, coffee, etc.) for church members and friends to hear about the vision of Acts 29 and how they could participate in this global mission.Key Actions:12 2025 Playbook 13Acts 29 OBJECTIVE:Increase outside fundraising by 25%, ensuring WKH ȴQDQFLDO KHDOWK DQG VXVWDLQDELOLW\RI$FWVVJOREDOLQLWLDWLYHVOBJECTIVE:
8 Acts 29 is an organization and global network of churches bound together by relationship, theology, and church planting.What We DoWe Plant Churches WorldwideWhat We BelieveActs 29 is a theologically driven, gospel-centered organization that stands in the tradition of historic evangelical confessionalism. We arm the Lausanne Covenant and embrace a reformed view of salvation. We are committed to the following five theological distinctives:Who We AreJoin us in 2025!Oct. 27-29Irving, TXUSA-'*UHHDU6WHYHQ%DQJ/HHMatt Chandler,Joby Martin, Brian Howardand more! 2025 Playbook 15The equality of men and women and the principle of male servant leadershipThe local church as God’s primary mission15 strategyGospel centrality in all of lifeThe sovereign grace of God in saving sinners The work of the Holy Spirit for life and ministryTo learn more, visit acts29.com/about-us/distinctives
8 Acts 29 is an organization and global network of churches bound together by relationship, theology, and church planting.What We DoWe Plant Churches WorldwideWhat We BelieveActs 29 is a theologically driven, gospel-centered organization that stands in the tradition of historic evangelical confessionalism. We arm the Lausanne Covenant and embrace a reformed view of salvation. We are committed to the following five theological distinctives:Who We AreJoin us in 2025!Oct. 27-29Irving, TXUSA-'*UHHDU6WHYHQ%DQJ/HHMatt Chandler,Joby Martin, Brian Howardand more! 2025 Playbook 15The equality of men and women and the principle of male servant leadershipThe local church as God’s primary mission15 strategyGospel centrality in all of lifeThe sovereign grace of God in saving sinners The work of the Holy Spirit for life and ministryTo learn more, visit acts29.com/about-us/distinctives
For over 25 years, Acts 29 has been a network marked by three core values. Though much has changed—both in Acts 29 and in the world around us—the future of Acts 29 will embody these same core commitments. • Worldwide Church PlantingWe are committed to planting effective, evangelistic churches worldwide. We do this collaboratively through regional relationships, catalyzed by regional leaders and through church-to-church partnerships. We aspire to see our churches reect the diversity of the places they are planted and to pursue excellence in all that they do.• Theological AlignmentIn an ever-changing world, Acts 29 stands on particular theological convictions and is made up of theologically aligned church planters and churches. This means that while specific applications of our theology may vary from church to church, a commitment to shared theological underpinnings binds our churches and church planters.• Relational CollaborationTogether, we foster a network where churches and leaders collaborate to be more effective in ministry, learn from one another, form meaningful relationships, and catalyze global missional church-to-church partnerships to see more churches planted around the world.PosturesWe expect the posture of leaders and churches involved with Acts 29 to be marked by the following attitudes and actions:• Proactive GenerosityOur churches, church leaders, and church planters willingly and proactively give toward the mission of Acts 29. We generously offer support to see more churches planted and strengthened (Phil. 4:15–17). • Humble ServiceWe live and serve others without selfish ambition or conceit” (Phil. 2:3) and lay our own interests aside for the sake of the gospel. • Personal HolinessWhile we celebrate the freedom of Christ, we do not allow this to distract from our commitment to personal holiness. Our freedom compels us to live holy lives in faithful service unto God (1 Pet. 2:16). • Gracious RelationshipsWe are gracious in appreciating views within Acts 29 other than our own, recognizing that the range of application and practice is wider in a network than it may be within a local church. We bear with one another in love, with an eagerness for unity and peace (Eph. 4:1–3). • Collaborative InterdependenceActs 29 churches are committed to working together, collaborating, and supporting one another, knowing that “two are better than one” (Ecc. 4:9) rings true within church planting.16 2025 Playbook 17Core ValuesActs 29
For over 25 years, Acts 29 has been a network marked by three core values. Though much has changed—both in Acts 29 and in the world around us—the future of Acts 29 will embody these same core commitments. • Worldwide Church PlantingWe are committed to planting effective, evangelistic churches worldwide. We do this collaboratively through regional relationships, catalyzed by regional leaders and through church-to-church partnerships. We aspire to see our churches reect the diversity of the places they are planted and to pursue excellence in all that they do.• Theological AlignmentIn an ever-changing world, Acts 29 stands on particular theological convictions and is made up of theologically aligned church planters and churches. This means that while specific applications of our theology may vary from church to church, a commitment to shared theological underpinnings binds our churches and church planters.• Relational CollaborationTogether, we foster a network where churches and leaders collaborate to be more effective in ministry, learn from one another, form meaningful relationships, and catalyze global missional church-to-church partnerships to see more churches planted around the world.PosturesWe expect the posture of leaders and churches involved with Acts 29 to be marked by the following attitudes and actions:• Proactive GenerosityOur churches, church leaders, and church planters willingly and proactively give toward the mission of Acts 29. We generously offer support to see more churches planted and strengthened (Phil. 4:15–17). • Humble ServiceWe live and serve others without selfish ambition or conceit” (Phil. 2:3) and lay our own interests aside for the sake of the gospel. • Personal HolinessWhile we celebrate the freedom of Christ, we do not allow this to distract from our commitment to personal holiness. Our freedom compels us to live holy lives in faithful service unto God (1 Pet. 2:16). • Gracious RelationshipsWe are gracious in appreciating views within Acts 29 other than our own, recognizing that the range of application and practice is wider in a network than it may be within a local church. We bear with one another in love, with an eagerness for unity and peace (Eph. 4:1–3). • Collaborative InterdependenceActs 29 churches are committed to working together, collaborating, and supporting one another, knowing that “two are better than one” (Ecc. 4:9) rings true within church planting.16 2025 Playbook 17Core ValuesActs 29
18 2025 Playbook 19How We DHȴne SuccessHow We AreOrganizedcts s staff and programs are organied around our key groups: Church Planters, Churches, Hub Churches, and our Global churches and partners. Organizing in this way allows us to strategically engage churches in various life stages and maximize our network's impact.•Church Planters (US)A church planter is anyone who has gone through the Acts 29 application process. After planting, we still categorize these churches as Church Plants (and Church Planters) until year ~5, when we hope to see churches meet a certain set of criteria. •Churches (US)Acts 29 Churches are older than 5 years old and generally have budgets under $2M and attendance under 800. •Hub Churches (US)•GlobalThis category includes all Acts 29 Churches and structures outside of the United States.1. We are planting churches worldwide.. cts church plants and churches are eperiencing a significant number o conversions to Christ.3. Acts 29 church plants succeed and thrive to year 10 and beyond.4. We are adding existing churches to Acts 29.5. Every Acts 29 church is all-in with Acts 29. This is measured by three key activities:Participate (Cohorts, Areas, Conferences, Events)Plant (10% of budget to church planting, including 2% to Acts 29 and another 8% to church planting with emphasis given to Acts 29 plants)Partner (At least one global partner and one local partner within Acts 29)Hub churches are churches whose sie, resources, and inuence impact their engagement with church planting. Generally, these churches have budgets over and give to cts , unday attendance o over , and a significant amount o inuence in their cities, in church planting, and in our network.Acts 29
18 2025 Playbook 19How We DHȴne SuccessHow We AreOrganizedcts s staff and programs are organied around our key groups: Church Planters, Churches, Hub Churches, and our Global churches and partners. Organizing in this way allows us to strategically engage churches in various life stages and maximize our network's impact.•Church Planters (US)A church planter is anyone who has gone through the Acts 29 application process. After planting, we still categorize these churches as Church Plants (and Church Planters) until year ~5, when we hope to see churches meet a certain set of criteria. •Churches (US)Acts 29 Churches are older than 5 years old and generally have budgets under $2M and attendance under 800. •Hub Churches (US)•GlobalThis category includes all Acts 29 Churches and structures outside of the United States.1. We are planting churches worldwide.. cts church plants and churches are eperiencing a significant number o conversions to Christ.3. Acts 29 church plants succeed and thrive to year 10 and beyond.4. We are adding existing churches to Acts 29.5. Every Acts 29 church is all-in with Acts 29. This is measured by three key activities:Participate (Cohorts, Areas, Conferences, Events)Plant (10% of budget to church planting, including 2% to Acts 29 and another 8% to church planting with emphasis given to Acts 29 plants)Partner (At least one global partner and one local partner within Acts 29)Hub churches are churches whose sie, resources, and inuence impact their engagement with church planting. Generally, these churches have budgets over and give to cts , unday attendance o over , and a significant amount o inuence in their cities, in church planting, and in our network.Acts 29
20 2025 Playbook 21Regional Structure (US)Global RegionsBeyond the US, Acts 29’s global network is composed of several large regions. While the geographic scope of the regions is vast, partner churches work together effectively across distances via contetualied strategies.The regions all have directors who provide leadership to their regional leadership teams and work to catalyze relationships and church planting in their regions.Through our global regions, churches in every nation are able to be part of the Acts 29 network and join us in our mission. Current Acts 29 churches are able to form church-to-church partnerships on every inhabitable continent.Global Region DirectorsAdam Ramseysia Pacific One MokgatleAfricaCristiano Gaspar Brazil BrazilLatin AmericaAsia PacificMiddle East /North AfricaEuropeUnited StatesCanadaAfricaDwight BernierCanada Philip MooreEurope Francisco BendfeldtLatin America Scott Zeller Middle East, North Africa,& South Asia We have five regions in the US, along with 16 sub-regions. Each region has a part-time regional director. Each sub-region has a part-time director as well. Additionally, there are 60+ areas that each have a volunteer area lead. • Regional directors CAT$/YZE collaborative church planting. • Sub-regional directors COORDINATE collaborative church planting.• Area leads CONVENE churches to collaborate together.Acts 29 Pacific orthwestPacificMountainAlaskaDesertFloridaThe CarolinasGeorgiaMid-SouthNortheastMid-AtlanticUpper MidwestLower MidwestHeartlandTexasTexas GulfTEXASMIDWESTSOUTH EASTWEST1257$7/$17Ζ&
20 2025 Playbook 21Regional Structure (US)Global RegionsBeyond the US, Acts 29’s global network is composed of several large regions. While the geographic scope of the regions is vast, partner churches work together effectively across distances via contetualied strategies.The regions all have directors who provide leadership to their regional leadership teams and work to catalyze relationships and church planting in their regions.Through our global regions, churches in every nation are able to be part of the Acts 29 network and join us in our mission. Current Acts 29 churches are able to form church-to-church partnerships on every inhabitable continent.Global Region DirectorsAdam Ramseysia Pacific One MokgatleAfricaCristiano Gaspar Brazil BrazilLatin AmericaAsia PacificMiddle East /North AfricaEuropeUnited StatesCanadaAfricaDwight BernierCanada Philip MooreEurope Francisco BendfeldtLatin America Scott Zeller Middle East, North Africa,& South Asia We have five regions in the US, along with 16 sub-regions. Each region has a part-time regional director. Each sub-region has a part-time director as well. Additionally, there are 60+ areas that each have a volunteer area lead. • Regional directors CAT$/YZE collaborative church planting. • Sub-regional directors COORDINATE collaborative church planting.• Area leads CONVENE churches to collaborate together.Acts 29 Pacific orthwestPacificMountainAlaskaDesertFloridaThe CarolinasGeorgiaMid-SouthNortheastMid-AtlanticUpper MidwestLower MidwestHeartlandTexasTexas GulfTEXASMIDWESTSOUTH EASTWEST1257$7/$17Ζ&
22 2025 Playbook 23Who Will Lead These (orts?Acts 29 Board The board provides leadership and direction to the organization by appointing the President. They are involved in speaking into and approving strategic direction and plans. In addition to the President of Acts 29 (who sits on the board), current board members are Matt Chandler (Executive Chairman), Brian Howard, Hunter Beaumont, Rodney Hobbs, Chris Lewis, and Joe Widner. taff LeadershipBrian Howard PresidentBrian provides overall leadership to Acts 29 and directs a leadership team of senior leaders who each lead areas of focus within Acts 29. Adam Flynt Vice President of Church PlantingAdam is a recent addition to the team, having spent 8+ years at The Church of Eleven22 and planting an Acts 29 church prior to that in Jacksonville, FL. In this new role, Adam will lead our division of church plants, which will include developing a church planting pipeline that includes recruitment, training, assessment, resources, cohorts, and support.Tyler Jones US Vice PresidentTyler provides leadership to US Hub Churches, leading efforts to connect these churches to needed resources as well as Acts 29 church planting efforts around the world. Dan Vander Plaats Vice President of DevelopmentDan leads Acts 29’s fundraising efforts, helping us connect donors to the work of Acts 29 around the world. Scott Zeller Vice President of Acts 29 GlobalScott leads our Global Regional Directors along with the Global staff who seek to coordinate church planting efforts across regions, and is a champion for global church partnerships in the US and beyond.Acts 29
22 2025 Playbook 23Who Will Lead These (orts?Acts 29 Board The board provides leadership and direction to the organization by appointing the President. They are involved in speaking into and approving strategic direction and plans. In addition to the President of Acts 29 (who sits on the board), current board members are Matt Chandler (Executive Chairman), Brian Howard, Hunter Beaumont, Rodney Hobbs, Chris Lewis, and Joe Widner. taff LeadershipBrian Howard PresidentBrian provides overall leadership to Acts 29 and directs a leadership team of senior leaders who each lead areas of focus within Acts 29. Adam Flynt Vice President of Church PlantingAdam is a recent addition to the team, having spent 8+ years at The Church of Eleven22 and planting an Acts 29 church prior to that in Jacksonville, FL. In this new role, Adam will lead our division of church plants, which will include developing a church planting pipeline that includes recruitment, training, assessment, resources, cohorts, and support.Tyler Jones US Vice PresidentTyler provides leadership to US Hub Churches, leading efforts to connect these churches to needed resources as well as Acts 29 church planting efforts around the world. Dan Vander Plaats Vice President of DevelopmentDan leads Acts 29’s fundraising efforts, helping us connect donors to the work of Acts 29 around the world. Scott Zeller Vice President of Acts 29 GlobalScott leads our Global Regional Directors along with the Global staff who seek to coordinate church planting efforts across regions, and is a champion for global church partnerships in the US and beyond.Acts 29
ACTS 29 NETWORK2025 PlaybookUpdated December 2024Acts 29 Network23052 Alicia PKWY, Suite H #621Mission Viejo, CA 92692www.acts29.com