Celebrating God's Faithfulness: Lessons from 18 Months of Church Planting
Sometimes the most powerful sermons aren't delivered from behind a pulpit, but through the living testimony of God's faithfulness over time. Today we explore the incredible journey of how God builds His church through ordinary people who dare to say yes to His calling.
How Does God Call People to Plant Churches?
The journey of church planting often begins in the most unexpected places. For Chris and Susy, it started during a prayer retreat at an Airbnb in the mountains of Santa Cruz. They were in a season of massive transition, and Chris felt convicted that God wanted them to plant a church.
But Suzy wisely suggested they fast and pray to truly discern God's will. Sometimes when we think we know what God is calling us to do, He asks us to slow down and seek His confirmation. During their three-day fast, God spoke clearly: "What are you doing? You know that I've already called you to this."
The Importance of Seeking God's Peace
When God calls us to something significant, He doesn't leave us guessing. Chris and Suzy experienced "the peace that surpasses all understanding" - that supernatural confirmation that comes when we align with God's will. They understood that for two ordinary people to plant a church successfully, God would have to show up in extraordinary ways.
Why Is Prayer Essential in Ministry?
Before announcing their church planting plans publicly, Chris and Suzy knew prayer had to be foundational. They started Saturday morning prayer walks, initially inviting friends to "pray for our city and neighborhood" without revealing their full vision.
They created a map of their community, dividing it into sections named after the disciples. Every Saturday, people would choose a section and pray over those neighborhoods. That original map, now tear-stained and coffee-stained, represents countless hours of intercession for their community.
Prayer Walks That Transform Communities
The prayer walks continued for over a year, eventually moving from 7 AM to a more reasonable 9 AM. They even climbed Mount Umunhum, the highest point overlooking the entire Bay Area, to pray blessing over their region. These weren't just religious exercises - they were strategic spiritual warfare for the souls of their community.
How Do You Know If You're Ready for Ministry?
Church planting organizations put potential planters through rigorous assessment processes. Chris and Suzy traveled to conferences and assessment centers where strangers evaluated their readiness for ministry. These assessments examined everything - finances, marriage, family life, and calling.
The process culminated in sitting under spotlights while assessors delivered their verdict. But rather than judgment, they experienced blessing. The assessors spoke words of encouragement and affirmation over their gifts and calling.
God's Confirmation Through Others
Interestingly, Chris admitted he was hoping the assessors would tell them it was a bad idea. Sometimes we want an easy way out of God's calling because we understand the magnitude of what He's asking. But God confirmed their calling through multiple sources, removing any doubt about His direction.
What Does It Mean to Build God's Kingdom Together?
From their dining room table to their first service in a high school classroom, God assembled a team of people who heard His voice independently. Chris and Suzy didn't recruit people through persuasion - they wanted God to speak to potential team members directly.
This approach ensured that everyone involved was responding to God's call, not human manipulation. The result was a team of people who were sometimes more excited about the church plant than the planters themselves.
Community Impact Through Service
The church immediately began serving their community in practical ways. They hosted a summer carnival that drew 700 people, rebuilt planter boxes at the local high school, provided gift cards and blankets for homeless students, and fed school staff during finals week.
These weren't programs designed to attract members - they were expressions of God's love for the community. When teenagers at the carnival discovered the food was free, their amazement revealed how rare it is to experience unconditional generosity.
How Does God Provide for His Work?
Financial provision came in unexpected ways. Instead of just receiving monetary donations, the church received over $70,000 worth of sound equipment from two men transitioning out of worship ministry. This reminded everyone that God answers prayers for provision in ways we might not anticipate.
The church's "Building What Matters" campaign raised over $100,000 to fund next-generation ministry, build a school in Zambia, and support church planting. But the real victory wasn't the money raised - it was watching people listen to the Holy Spirit and respond in obedience.
Generosity Flows from Obedience
The campaign's success came from people seeking God individually and asking, "What is the next step of obedience You're calling me into?" When believers listen to the Holy Spirit and respond obediently, God's kingdom advances naturally.
What Does Authentic Christian Community Look Like?
True Christian community reveals itself in moments of vulnerability. When Chris lost his uncle and came to church as a grieving mess rather than a strong pastor, the congregation surrounded him with love, prayer, and support. This is the kind of community God intends - where people can be broken and still be loved.
The church plans to launch community groups for relationship and friendship, alongside discipleship intensives for deeper biblical study. These initiatives recognize that people in Silicon Valley live busy lives and need flexible options for spiritual growth.
The Mission Field in Our Backyard
Of the 10 million people in the Bay Area, approximately 95% don't have an active relationship with Jesus. That's 9.5 million people who need to experience God's love. This reality should break our hearts and motivate us to action.
The church celebrated seven people giving their lives to Jesus on launch Sunday, including Chris's aunt and uncle. His uncle had only 13 weeks left to live, making his decision eternally significant. How many more people does Jesus want to reach through faithful churches?
Life Application
God builds His church through ordinary people who respond to His calling with faith and obedience. Whether He's calling you to plant a church, serve in your community, or simply love your neighbors well, the key is listening to His voice and taking the next step of obedience.
This week, challenge yourself to seek God's direction for how He wants to use you in building His kingdom. Start with prayer, listen for His voice, and be willing to step out in faith even when the path isn't completely clear.
Questions for Reflection:
What is God calling you to do that requires you to depend on Him completely?
How can you serve your community in practical ways that demonstrate God's love?
What would it look like for you to listen to the Holy Spirit and take your next step of obedience?
How can you contribute to building an authentic Christian community where you are?
