Ministry Discovery
Where Do I Start?
To get started, read What is Church Planter Ministry Discovery. Take the quiz here.
Once you have read the article and have taken the quiz, click here to schedule a call. The call will last about 30 minutes and includes you and your wife if you are married.
Discern Your Calling
Planting a church is a unique calling, and discerning that calling requires wisdom, clarity, and encouragement.
MNA’s Ministry Discovery process is designed to help leaders thoughtfully explore their readiness for church planting. Through guided conversations, practical exercises, and interaction with experienced church planters, participants receive meaningful feedback about their strengths and areas for growth.
This multi-day experience focuses on the key character qualities, calling, and competencies needed for healthy church planting. Our goal is not to evaluate your call to ministry or assign a grade. Instead, we provide honest, pastoral guidance to help you discern your next step.
Participants typically receive recommendations that help them thrive in future ministry after attending a Ministry Discovery event.
For leaders who are still exploring the possibility of church planting, Church Planter Readiness Seminars offer a helpful first step in the ministry discovery journey.
Our hope is that this process provides the clarity, confidence, and encouragement you need as you consider planting a healthy church.
To learn more about upcoming Ministry Discovery opportunities and readiness seminars, please reach out to MNA's church planting staff here.
Schedule
Begin by the recommended start date with an Information Call and Prescreen Interview and allow at least two weeks to complete the application. If starting near the deadline, you will need to move quickly. Your application will remain pending until the Information Call, Prescreen Interview, and complete application are finished. If all requirements are not completed by the due date, you will automatically be moved to the next event.
2027 Regional Dates
January 26-28 – Lakeland, FL
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Recommended Start Date: November 6, 2026
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Complete Application Due: November 27, 2026
May 25-27 – Charlotte, NC (RTS)
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Recommended Start Date: March 5, 2027
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Complete Application Due: March 19, 2027
July 6-8 – St. Louis, MO (Covenant)
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Recommended Start Date: April 16, 2027
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Complete Application Due: May 7, 2027
September 28-30 – San Jose, CA
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Recommended Start Date: July 2, 2027
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Complete Application Due: July 30, 2027
November 9-11 – San Antonio, TX
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Recommended Start Date: August 20, 2027
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Complete Application Due: September 10, 2027
Fee Structure for Regional Events Only
Married Applicants
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Total fee$3000 per couple (meals are included; travel and lodging are the responsibility of the applicant)
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$1000 non-refundable deposit is due with application
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$2,000 balance due if invited, payable in full prior to attending
Single Applicants
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Total Fee$1500 per applicant (meals are included; travel and lodging are the responsibility of the applicant)
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$500 per applicant, non-refundable deposit is due with application
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$1000 balance due if invited, payable in full prior to attending