January 2020 Church Planting Update
Since we made the announcement on December 15th that God was leading our family to plant a church in Queens New York City, so many people have reached out to encourage us. It has really been overwhelming!
We wanted to take a moment and update you on some of the exciting things God has been doing in this process!
PARTNERSHIP: Over the past month, we have talked to many churches and individuals who have expressed interest about a potential partnership with our church plant! It’s incredible how God has opened doors for us to have important conversations with some incredibly influential people! (We’re also almost ready to make a really exciting announcement about a very important partner!!)
NORTH AMERICAN MISSION BOARD SEND NETWORK ASSESSMENT: We have worked through over half of the Assessment process which has included a 360 Observation Assessment. In this Observation Assessment, 6 different individuals answered over 100 questions about my character, multiplication habits, leadership ability, and vision. We’re looking ahead to continue this process with additional online assessments to measure communication ability, emotional & spiritual health, leadership ability, and calling & vision. Following that portion, we’ll be flying to New York City for an in person assessment with church leaders and planters from New York City.
PARTICIPATION: We have had one family express interest about the possibility of relocating to Queens to join us on this mission! We’re praising God that He is moving in hearts for this mission! We praying along with them, as well as others who God is calling to serve alongside us in Queens!
We also would humbly ask you to remember us in prayer for the following requests:
TRANSITION: Over the next few weeks, I will be transitioning out of my role as Student Pastor at Hibernia. Pastor Scott and the church have been gracious to continue to support us financially for the next couple months as we prepare to move to New York City. I’d ask that you would pray for Hibernia as they transition to bring in a new Student Pastor and for the students as they walk through this transition.
MENTORS: We desire to place ourselves under the mentorship of several different pastors and elders of other churches who have gone before us in local church ministry and leadership. These leaders will serve our church as encouragers, advisors, and accountability partners. We hope to be able to finalize those leaders in the next couple of weeks!
MEETINGS THIS WEEK: Following the holidays, this week has been an important one for meetings with potential partners. We will be meeting with or talking on the phone with six different potential partners. Please pray for God’s wisdom and direction while we discern potential partnerships.
COLUMBUS, OH TRIP: Jersey Baptist Church, which is the church where I spent my teenage years, has invited me to share on a Sunday morning for their missions conference and then preach to their student ministry. During this trip, I will have the ability to meet with churches in the area to discuss potential partnership!
FINANCES: Over the next few months, we are hoping to make 2-3 trips to meet with potential partners as well as attend the NAMB Send Network Assessment in New York City. We are praying for God’s provision for flights, lodging, and food expenses for these trips. We are also praying for God’s continued provision for our living expenses beginning in April as well as moving expenses in June.
Thank you so much for all of your prayer! It is a joy to partner with you to see God work in Queens!