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Risk Factor Analysis

@ Ignite Church Planting

Risk Factor Analysis

(This assessment tool is taken from Tom Nebel's book:)

Big Dreams in Small Places.

For the following, please indicate which best represents your situation:
How will you be personally funded?
1 - Faith
2 - bi-vocational
3 - partial support
4 - spouse/strong support
5 - fully funded
Does the site selection match your cultural background or experience?
1 - not really
2 - a little
3 - moderately
4 - pretty much
5 - absolutely
How many ministry partners will move with you?
1 - none
2 - 1 or 2
3 - 3 or 4
4 - 5 or 6
5 - 7 or more
How many pre-existing adult contacts (individuals or couples), that you already know or are aware of, might likely become a part of your team?
1 - none
2 - 1 or 2
3 - 3 or 4
4 - 5 or 6
5 - 7 or more
How near is your family or spouse's family or a natural support group?
1 - would take an airplane
2 - within driving distance for a weekend visit
3 - nearby
How closely does your ministry site approximate your geographical roots?
1 - not much
2 - somewhat
3 - quite a bit
How close are you to other supportive churches who really want you to succeed?
1 - not close at all
2 - somewhat
3 - very close
How much vocational ministry success have you personally experienced?
1 - none so far
2 - a little
3 - a lot

Scoring:

Now total your score and compare it to the general guidelines below:

8 - 15 High Risk: As a qualified church planter you will seriously need to consider whether this is right time/season and or the right place to church plant. Prayerfully discuss this with your church planting supervisor who may be able to point you to less risky opportunities or help you to re-engineer your timeline.


16-23 Moderate Risk: As a qualified church planter, you need to realize that this will be a challenging experience. Bring this decision before the Lord and others experienced in church planting. If God's calling seems clear, proceed with conviction and wisdom. If there is strong uncertainty, your church planting supervisor may be able to point you to less risky opportunities or help you re-engineer your timeline. Remember: some risk is normal. The Great Commission does not call us to avoid challenging situations.


24-32 Low Risk: As a qualified church planter, the environmental issues here seem to point toward a positive church planting experience. There will still be challenges. You must prayerfully consider God's leading in this venture. If he so leads, you will likely find success.

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