Starting a new faith community takes more than vision, it takes structure, accountability, and sustained support. That’s why Mission Alive walks every Innovative Faith Community (IFC) through a proven phase-and-gate process over up to five years.
It begins with a Development Phase, where teams draft their vision, build governance, and start training. From there, teams move into two Training Phases, spending 12 to 24 months deeply studying their community, building their team, and hitting real fundraising milestones. Finally, teams enter an 18-month Coaching Phase, marked by six-month reviews of spiritual health, community impact, and financial sustainability.
At every gate along the way, whether entering a new phase or completing a six-month review, the team’s progress is reviewed, their work is encouraged, and a recommended focus is set for what comes next. It’s a process designed not just to launch new faith communities, but to help them thrive for the long haul.