Church Planting Residency
Church planting is hard. No planter ever looks back and wishes they would have planted quicker and faster. But most look back wishing they’d taken more time to prepare. We’re here to help you with that.
Why River City?
It’s important for you and your family to be in a healthy life-giving church before you plant. River City was planted in 2016 and, by God's grace, we are a healthy, gospel-centered, missional church with an emotionally mature leadership culture. We are developers, encouragers, and senders. We'd be honored to be those things for you!
Additionally, the entire membership of River City is positive and excited about church planting, so you and your family will be truly supported in your time here.
Sending Track
This track is for residents and spouses who are convinced of their calling to plant a church and are fully committed to it. This track serves as a “finishing school” for them to prepare for the unique work of church planting. Candidates for this track can come from within River City or move here for the residency.
Description
Participate on River City Elder Team
Preaching at least once a month with in-depth training and coaching
Participate on River City’s Small Group Leadership Team (resident + spouse)
Co-lead a missional small group (resident + spouse)
Regular meetings with biblical counselor for marriage/family enrichment (resident + spouse)
Participation in EFCA planter wife care ministry (spouse)
Customized development based on report from EFCA Assessment Center
Core group development (year 2)
Fundraising plan development and implementation (year 2)
EFCA Planter Training Cohort (year 2)
Coaching from River City Elders for planting strategy and systems development (year 2)
Length of Time
Two years
Funding
Health insurance + benefits + 50% salary provided by River City. 50% salary raised by resident (fundraising training and coaching provided by River City). Bivocational not preferred due to scope of track requirements.
Requirements
Application and vetting process by River City Elder
Become members at River City before track begins
Complete fundraising requirements
Resident + spouse assessed at EFCA National Church Planting Assessment Center to help customize Sending Track.
The Exploratory Track is not a prerequisite for the Sending Track and residents aren’t required to plant in the tri-state area upon completion of the track.
Exploratory Track
This track is for residents and spouses who are open to the possible call of church planting but need more time and experience to explore the decision. Candidates for this track can come from within River City or move here for the residency.
Description
Participate on River City Elder Team
Preaching opportunities with in-depth training and coaching
Participate on River City’s Small Group Leadership Team (resident + spouse)
Co-lead a missional small group (resident + spouse)
At the conclusion of Exploratory Track, if River City’s Elders want to invite the resident into the Sending Track then the resident and spouse will go through the EFCA’s national Church Planting Assessment Center. The Assessment Center’s report will help the Elders customize the Sending Track.
Length of Time
One year
Funding
Residents find work in the tri-state area.
Requirements
Application and vetting process by River City Elder
Become members at River City before track begins
Why Dubuque?
Dubuque is a beautiful and fun place to live! The people are friendly, the public schools are high quality, and it’s far less expensive than living in an urban area. Dubuque has the feel of a suburb, a landscape with rolling hills, and lots of opportunities for outdoor living.
