Thank you for inquiring about church planting opportunities in Montana.  We have the distinct privilege of serving our Lord and Savior in one of the choicest harvest fields in America here in Southwest Montana.  Pioneers like Lewis & Clark came to this part of the country with a vision of a northwest passage way.  While that passage was never discovered they found more than they ever envisioned.  Their commitment to the mission, the calling & their preparation enabled them to be successful in their journey & opened the door for others to come after them.  Let me share with you the opportunities & the setting of ministry in Montana as you seek God’s direction for your life.

Presently we have need for six new churches in our area of southwest Montana.  People are discovering Montana which is known as “The Last Best Place”.  The people that are in the harvest are either native Montanans or more are from population areas that move here for the slower pace & the better quality of life.  We are experiencing explosive growth for Montana in places like Bozeman, Gallatin Valley, Helena, and Livingston. Over 75 to 85% of the population is unsaved & 65 to 75% is unchurched depending upon the area.  With over 240,000 people in our ten counties we currently have 26 churches that range in size from over 300 in worship to 10.

A Church starter in Montana is more than a pioneer he is also be a planter that needs to become the founding pastor who stays and transitions to a pastor for the new work to develop strong.  It is critical for the planter to work the soil, plant the seed, water, cultivate, nurture until there is a harvesting which takes years of work.

The potential is great but the commitment must be even greater to reach the harvest in Montana.  The communities and cities within our Association have varied mindsets and cultural challenges all their own.  We have a high Catholic, Lutheran and Mormon influence in most of our towns.  One must be respective of these religious groups & sensitive to those who come to faith in Christ as we replace their religious value system with the biblical pattern.  Recreation and the outdoors are big competitors to church life.  Economically we rank 48th nationally in personal per capita income.  The national average is $28,000 where in Montana we are just below $24,000.  Our economy is stable & rarely booms.

The key to growing a church begins with an undeniable call to serve in Montana from our Father.  It is critical to have the four "CALLS”.  The call to "salvation", the call to "ministry", the call to “church planting” & the call to "location".  The CALL is what keeps one keeping on.

Churches and ministries must be built from the soil up in Montana they are not already made.  Church Planting demands reaching a Ministry Focus group that implies reaching lost people.  Most of these new converts will become first generation Christians who will need to be carefully discipled not only on how to follow Christ but also on how to be a be a Christian man or women; a Christian husband or wife, Christian parents etc.  Obviously those you reach will have little understanding of how "the church" functions and what the purpose of church is, especially a Southern Baptist church.   Skills in evangelism, discipleship, leadership and equipping are imperative to the success of church plant. 

The attitude people have toward a pastor & his family out west is much different than in the Bible belt.  But you will have the privilege of defining the image of a minister.  That is why the pastor must possess solid character and be a man of integrity.  He must lead by example and be a servant leader able to build authentic relationships with people both on the inside of the church and outside in the community.  Truly people want to see a sermon than here a sermon. 

God does not call you to a church but to harvest field or a community of people.  You must identify with the culture of the community and develop an "incarnational" ministry to be effective.

Some church planter salary & start up money is available but it is not always enough.  Therefore it is important for our planters to be able to raise their own personal support before you come.  We can help you develop partners in church planting and set up a budget for living and for the plant. 

Our strategy in starting new work in our Association is to provide a multiple network of support through a sponsoring (primary partner) church, Association (Church Planting Team), other local churches in our Association, state, & around America.  Each planter must be apart of our Church Planting System which includes having a mentor, attending Basic Training for church planters & quarterly Church Planter networks with other planters & their spouses.  But the process begins with you completing the application process, for you & your wife to be assessed, & to complete all of the instruments we use in the process.

The growing season in Montana is short, just as much of the growth that occurs in our churches.  One must be faithful, patience, diligence and willing to work hard by putting down roots and invest so one can see fruit of their labors.

If you have been called to ministry in Montana, have God-vision and you are ready for a challenge, then this can be a tremendous opportunity for you.  I look forward to hearing back from you & serving you in regards to your placement.

Please read through the Church Planting Process before completing the Application Letter.