Church planting assessment

Are you called to be a church planter?

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a note from connan and brenda

One of the most pivotal moments in our preparation for church planting (and, really, for marriage!) was going through our own church planting assessment. It gave us invaluable insight into how God had wired each of us, how we functioned together in marriage and ministry, and how our gifts, experience, and calling aligned with the work of church planting. More than anything else we did, the assessment gave us a deep and confident sense of calling as we began our church-planting journey.

We believe gospel-centred church plants that evangelize, disciple, and grow have tremendous potential to advance the gospel across Canada. But we also know that when a church plant struggles or fails, the impact can be deeply painful—for both the planters and the congregation.

That’s why we are so passionate about this assessment process. Church planting requires a unique combination of gifting, character, experience, and calling that is distinct from regular pastoral ministry. Our goal is to do everything we can to help identify and affirm those who are genuinely equipped and called to plant, while also giving them a clear picture of the areas where they may need further growth.

We see assessment not simply as a test to be passed, but as an exciting and deeply formative opportunity to discover how God has uniquely equipped each planter for this work. And it’s only the beginning: we are committed to surrounding planters with ongoing equipping, training, coaching, and support so they can step into church planting with confidence, clarity, and joy.

- Connan and Brenda

Director of Church Planting and Assessment Administrator

 
 

Testimonials

Curious about the process? Hear firsthand accounts from couples who have completed the assessment.

“ To someone who's considering if assessment is worth your time, I would say that it absolutely is. It's beneficial to both you and your spouse, and it is an extremely helpful discernment time.”

— Stephen Ahn

NEXT STEPS

  • Potential applicants should contact City to City Canada as soon as they become interested in going through the discernment process of a Church Planter Assessment. The first step will be a pre-screen interview to recommend that the candidate(s) apply for the Assessment Centre. Married candidates must have their spouse go through the process with them. Marriage and family health, along with alignment on a sense of call, are important to both the discernment process and church planting.

  • The Assessment Application deadline is 10 weeks before each Assessment date. The application process includes an initial application as well as numerous assessment tools to assess spiritual health, visionary leadership, prayer life, gospel preaching, evangelism, and other areas, including personality and marriage health (if applicable). The most significant tool is a standardized questionnaire from 6 references (each) of the candidate /candidate spouse's choosing. Through the entire process, candidates work closely with the Assessment Administrator to ensure each step and assessment tool is completed as required.

  • The final step is an Assessment Centre where potential church planters /planter couples meet with a qualified and passionate assessment team. An invitation to the in-person assessment is only given after recommendation by a review team. The Assessment Centre runs from Tuesday morning to Thursday noon (expect long days!) and applicants are taken through numerous simulated church planting exercises, small group experiences, teaching modules, evaluation instruments and personal interviews. During assessment, you will also get to know other fellow candidates and experienced church planters who are part of their assessment team over meals and through group exercises. Time is also set aside for training debriefs and interactions with seasoned church planters and ministry leaders. In the end, everyone assessed receives confidential feedback, as well as a complete evaluation to assist in discerning God's direction for church planting. We also give recommendations to help prepare for the challenges of church planting. Your information and results are kept in confidence and only released with your written permission.

  • The next assessment is from Tuesday, May 4, to Thursday, May 6, 2027, at Grace Valley Church in Dundas, ON. 

    The application deadline is March 2, 2027. However, we encourage candidates to reach out well in advance, as a pre-screening and discernment process takes place before the formal application begins. Connecting with us early allows time for these initial conversations and helps ensure candidates are ready to move forward with the application process.

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FAQs

 

How do I know church planting is right for me?

An applicant should sense a call to church planting within the next couple of years and be willing to go on a rigorous discernment journey. Ideally, they also have some initial affirmation from others in their life that church planting is worth exploring. Married candidates must have their spouse go through the entire process with them.

What qualifications do I need?

Generally, candidates should have completed, or be nearing completion of, a seminary degree and be preparing to enter their denomination’s ordination process. We recognize that each candidate’s journey may look a little different, and we welcome conversations with those discerning their next steps in ministry.  

Am I guaranteed a placement if I go through the assessment process?

No. A recommendation from the Church Planting Assessment Centre does not guarantee placement by your church or denomination.

HOW MUCH DOES THE ASSESSMENT COST?

There are costs of the assessment process that are typically shared by the candidate’s church, denomination, or others. Candidates should contact their leaders who can assist financially. The cost does vary depending on the location; however, applicants should expect a $2,000-$4,000 cost. The fee is a small investment towards the far higher costs of starting a new church. We work diligently to keep our costs low.

Is there a sample assessment schedule?

We do not publish these, as they are internal documents, and Assessment schedules and tools are subject to change. The assessment administrator coaches and prepares candidates for the in-person portion of the assessment.

How do I get an application form?

Applicants are given an Application Form by the assessment administrator once they have been recommended by their Prescreen Team. A final invitation to the in-person assessment is given after recommendation by a review team.