Why plant with us?

JOINING A COMMUNITY

Planting is often not only hard, but lonely. In ReachNetwork, planters are joined together in a community with other other planters and planting alumni. You are not alone and we are better together.

ASSESSMENT RETREAT

Our pre-assessment and two-day assessment retreats for planters and wives help discern gifts and calling and gain affirmation and clarity in their planting plan. This process not only helps planter candidates, but also supports sending churches, networks and regional leaders so they can most effectively walk alongside candidates discerning a call to plant a church.This grace-filled and encouraging process gives candidates confidence and direction in their future calling and helps develop a growth plan for future ministry success. 

TRAINING FOR PLANTERS

Comprehensive training for church planters is provided through ReachNetwork. Our trainers are not only competent, they also care deeply about you as a person. 

COACHING FOR PLANTERS

Professional-level coaching is provided for planters through Reach Network. Our coaches are certified and trained to walk alongside you in the planting process. 

PLANTER WIFE CARE

Your wife is vital to the planting of your church and that’s why we offer systems of care for planter wives to feel cared for and networked together.

TAX EXEMPT STATUS MADE EASY

Tax exempt status is given to all EFCA churches through the signing of a couple simple forms from our national office.

HEALTH INSURANCE

There are many viable options for planters to get health insurance for their families. The EFCA has a formal arrangement with Guidestone Financial Resources who offers high quality PPO health insurance. The uniqueness of Guidestone is that they are one of the only providers in the country authorized by the government to provide group health insurance for a single family and, therefore, can be paid tax free by your church. This insurance isn’t cheap but the coverage and customer service is excellent and it’s one of the best options available for churches with a solo pastor.

LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

FCMM also offers Long Term Disability insurance to provide affordable insurance for your church staff should any of them become disabled. This policy provides the unique ability to include the pastor’s housing allowance as a part of salary when calculating the benefit, as well as including a benefit in case of spousal disability.

RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS

The EFCA has a well-respected 403(b)(9) retirement system that is operated by our in-house management group, FCMM. Accounts with FCMM have a specialized designation by the IRS whereby investments and earnings can be used for housing allowance designations during your retirement years. Some are skeptical of the IRS continuing the housing allowance in perpetuity but many credible tax analysts foresee that current ministers will likely be grandfathered into the next iteration of the tax code.

FINANCING & MANPOWER FOR BUILDING PROJECTS

This benefit is provided by Christian Investors Financial (CIF) where they provide low interest financing for building projects for EFCA churches. Furthermore, the Forest Lakes District has a ministry called Solid Rock Builders where groups of workers from around the state can provide manpower work for your church’s building projects.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

The Forest Lakes District provides ongoing development and training for their pastors through specialized training opportunities and cohorts throughout the year. 

DISTRICTS YOUTH CONFERENCE

The Forest Lakes District has a well respected annual youth conference in Green Bay for high school and middle school students in early January. A few thousand students attend from around the state and beyond where speakers, worship, and workshops are offered.