The following quotes are by Tom A. Steffen from his book, Passing the Baton, Church Planting that Empowers pp. 20-37
Role Changes leading to Phase-out
Phase-out oriented church planting requires church planters to engage in planned role changes.
The church planter takes on the role of evangelist in the Preevangelism Stage through practicing Christianity in daily life and asking penetrating questions that cause the listeners to reflect upon their worldview.
Effective church planters never allow themselves to be lulled into believing they know their target audience; they remain hungry learners.
Contrasting Proposed Role Changes
First, it begins with emphasis upon the role of “learner” which continues until the church planter completes the work and departs.
Secondly, the phase-out oriented model avoids the errors of colonialism by starting partnership very early in the church planting process, and gradually withdrawing.
Finally, the learner, partner, advisor roles emphasized in the phase-out model avoid the struggle of major role redefinition required by the other two models.
Stress and Conflict In Role Changes
From “Rookie” To “Recruiter”
From Playing “All Positions” To Becoming “Quarterback”
From “Quarterback” To “Coach”
From “Coach” To “General Manager”,
From “Current General Manager” To “New General Manager”
Church planters must be willing to die to self-serving ambitions so that national believers can live up to their full potential.
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