It’s been a year and a half since we began considering our next step. We’ve prayed, thought, been to conferences, taken assessments, sought wise advice, and waited patiently (and sometimes not-so-patiently) for God to speak to us. We’re so excited to finally go public with it! We’re planting a church!
A little history
In August of 2009 the ministry I was working for had to release half of its staff for financial reasons. I loved my job there and continued to travel, speak, and lead prayer events even after I left the prayer center.
When I was faced with the task of deciding what to do next with my life, I thought I’d tackle the process from a different angle. Instead of going into panic mode and getting another church or ministry staff job, I chose to wait. I started a business so that I could have a measure of flexibility and still pay the bills. I also did something I’d never done before when making a major life decision. I sat down with my wife and children and told them that we were all going to pray and make this decision together; that we would let God lead all of us instead of simply moving ahead with my own big ideas and expecting the family to go with it.
I knew it was going to take time and I knew It would be difficult, but I chose to wait until we all heard from God (including my 7 year old).
A Ridiculous Idea
Shortly after our family meeting, I got together with my pastor to ask for prayer for our situation. During our conversation, he asked me how I felt about church planting. I laughed and said something about that being the LAST thing I wanted to do.
I had already been down that road in Ireland and in the U.S.. It was grueling, frustrating, and unfruitful. I didn’t know at the time that there is some really good church planting resources out there and organizations that offer terrific support.
My pastor asked me to pray about it and he sent my wife and me to a conference for those just thinking about church planting (I didn’t know there were conferences like that).
After months of praying, people began making comments to me like, “I sure wish someone would plant a Vineyard Church in our community.” and “I would so be there if a Vineyard started here.” A friend of mine, who had no idea that church planting was even an option for me, had a vision of me starting a church.
Believe it or not, I was still resisting the idea until…
A Powerful Confirmation
My wife came to me and said, “I think we’re suppose to plant that church.”
“I’m not so sure of that.”, I’d say.
This went on for months! Then one day, I was working in my office. It was a small room right off of the play room. I could hear my three boys talking enthusiastically about something and I listened in. They were talking about starting a church! They took turns talking about what kind of childrens’ ministry it would have and what the youth group would be like. They were totally on board and I was following close behind them.
Just a few days later, my wife and I attended another church planters conference. This time, the national church planting director approached us out of the blue and invited us to dinner. He spoke a powerful word into our lives and I was sold. I knew it was what we were supposed to do!
A Bright Future
So here we are! We went public with the plant during Sunday service this week. We have a great pastor who is amazingly supportive (I love the fact that we have a mother church). We’re assembling a launch team and we’ll have our first church service in the fall.
We don’t have a location yet, but we know we’ll be on the west side of Moline or the East side of Rock Island.
We have a long way to go, but we have this AMAZING God who called us to it and is faithful to do His part in this lofty venture!
Please consider partnering with us with your prayers. We need people who will lift us before God’s throne regularly. The task is great, but He is greater still!
Thanks so much!
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Yay!!! Congrats you guys!
Awesome! I’ve been working in a church plant since last June. Really challenging, but so rewarding! I’ll be praying for you and your family.
We can be praying for each other! Thanks Mike!
WOW What an opportunity God has given your family. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Enjoy what God has in store for you.
Thank you so much!
God has been telling me I need to start a regular prayer for something. I believe this is it.
Praise God! We appreciate your prayer!
That is awesome. I know that God has something super powerful for you and your family to do in that area.
Amen! Thanks!
Very cool that your whole family is on board. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Lee!
Thanks Larry!
I will be praying for you! 😀
Thanks Nanette!
Hey man! Congrats on the news! It’s awesome to here this, we are going to have some really good churches in this region very soon!
YEA!!!!
Love the fact that we will have another Vineyard in the quad cities! I will be praying for you guys.
May you be blessed and multiply! Grace and strength to you!
Wow!!! Keeping you covered in prayer as you seek His location for this church. Our home church was a Vineyard in Indiana…I learned so much there. Blessings to you!
Great news! We’ll be praying for you during this frantic time of planning.
We’ve embarked on a similar path. We’re in the process of launching a house church network. Amazing how God gets you to the point where you see His leading.
I love it! Thanks for your prayers!
How cool is that?! Will definitely be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
More than likely, my family and I will be relocating in March to start a new cowboy church. I am totally excited and very afraid. 🙂
Would love to know about some of those church planting resources you mentioned, if you have the time. Didn’t know they were out there.
That’s so exciting! We’re getting resources from The A.R.C., Nelson Searcy, and of course, The Vineyard.
Thanks, Lee. I’m sure you will, but keep us posted.
Excited to hear that this has God’s hand all over it. God’s best for the days ahead and may the Spirt increase your power to accomplish the work!
That is wonderful! Growth of the Kingdom in the QC is what we’re here for, and I’m so glad that you are listening and obeying the call.
You’ll do great Lee!
Thanks Alan!
I just had a feeling last time I saw you guys something was up. Be Blessed in this new journey. God is faithful. Excited for you. Will be praying for favor in every direction you turn.
We wanted to tell you when you were over, but had to keep it quiet a little while longer.
Wonderful! Please let me knOw specific points you need prayer for this coming week.
Yes! We need prayer for discernment and wisdom. We need God to draw the right people to the launch team. We need financial resources for church software, equipment, etc. Thanks so much!
How very exciting!
That is amazing!! Good luck & Godspeed on your journey. 2011 is bound to be packed with adventure for you and the family.
WOW!!! that is awesome i’ll keep you guys in my prayers!
Couldn’t be happier to see Him leading you guys. His kingdom come in the QC!
That’s wonderful Lee! I have been a church planter for the past 6 years now, both in Miami and now in Virginia. I have never learned so much as I have these past 6 years. Through church planting, God has stretched me and taken me to places I dare not go on my own. As you stated, it can often be difficult and frustrating, but God is so good and faithful through it all. I will definitely commit to praying for you and your family. Can’t wait to see what God has in store for you guys. Blessings!
Awesome! I’m sure you’ve learned some things that will help me along the way. Email me your top 5 lessons learned 🙂
Having previously been part of a church plant, I understand your hopes dreams fears and wonders. May God bless your family as you follow Him. BTW-your boys are wise to imagine what type of children’s ministry they will have
How exciting, Lee! I’ll definitely pray for you and God’s hand to be upon you and your family.
Thanks Tony!
I think we qualify for the “we are so there” quote. YAY!
Lee, this is great! It’s even more exciting when you can see that this is something the Lord Himself has worked out, not one cooked up by man. I wish you every success in this new endeavour.
Hey, you should also remember your ministry here (blogging) as well, so the Lord has just increased your workload 🙂
Don’t worry, He gives grace and capacity to do all He’s asked of you.
Thanks Brother John! I will continue to blog here as we go. It’s been an encouragement to me just to write this blog.
Wow and woo-hoo! Congrats and I’m so excited for you!!