As you all know, I’ve been trying for some time to find another job/career path. Selling phones is definitely not my thing! Over the past several months, I have been praying about the possibility of getting back into church planting. And as I’ve been praying, God has opened some specific doors – which we are now pursuing. At this stage, we are making plans to plant a church right here in Bristol! I have been working with two groups to help oversee this project: Acts 29 and the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church). Acts 29 is a network (not a denomination) of reformed, evangelical, missional churches. The application process with them has been extensive to say the least. I have probably spent 40+ hours so far on their application process – and I’m still not through! After the application, Janie and I will spend a couple days in Houston on May 22-23 for their “boot camp”. Then there will be a final assessment by a team. As far as the EPC is concerned, I have met with the church planting committee of the Southeast Presbytery. They have been very receptive and excited about this possibility. At this point, I am planning on meeting again with their committee at their next Presbytery meeting (this Friday) in Chattanooga. They plan to issue me a call at that time, and then plan for a called meeting this summer to receive me.
So….LOTS of steps and obstacles yet to go, but we are moving forward one step at a time. In theory, it looks like we could begin as soon as July 1 – but that timing may vary (this would be the timing of leaving Verizon). Even so, I would spend several months building a core group before launching early next year. I have met with several people to talk about helping us with this plant. At this stage, Bill Leuzinger has agreed to help as the leader of the missional aspect (investing in and serving the city with mercy). And another couple have signed on as well. The preliminary name I’ve come up with for this new work is City Church Bristol.
We would appreciate your prayers for this process. It is long and grueling. And only God can make this happen. We want this to be a God-thing – and so far, he has been the one to open the doors. Pray that he will continue to open them in his timing – that we would be faithful – and that I would be patient.
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That sounds wonderful! I will pray! Hope we can see you when you come to Chattanooga.
Wow! I will definitely be praying! 🙂
How exciting! I will be praying for you as you go through this long process. I like the sound of “City Church Bristol”.
You are ever in our prayers and more so now that you have put some specifics before us. Dad
God’s timing and plans are His own. But His revealed will is ours to cherish. He tells us we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. It is one of my fondest joys to have worked with you in founding a church and to share with you the longing for the church to beat against the gates of hell. You have my prayers and praise!
That sounds really cool! I am praying!