One of the most difficult things that I have ever been involved with as a Pastor was planting Faith Bible Church. Why? Because it involved releasing a significant portion of our church family to another ministry. It released committed ministry servers, consistent givers, and long-time friends; and it left a void in the ministry of Grace.
Now, Grace Church has the privilege of once again being blessed through a church plant - The Bridge Church in Rockwall. So if it is so hard to do, why do it? Because as a Pastor leading a church on a mission to reach people for Christ, we are committed to go outside ourselves and our immediate community to impact an ever increasing mission field. It has been proven that the single most effective way to reach unsaved people for Jesus Christ is through church planting.
As a church, we have recognized God's calling in the lives of Kevin and Robin DeStefano, to serve as church planters here in North Texas (see Kevin's article). The specific area that God has laid on their hearts is the community of Rockwall. We are releasing them for this work, and support them through prayer, and leadership of the church plant team.
These are exciting times at Grace Church. Even as we pour the foundation for an expansion to our ministry facility, so we are laying the foundation for a new church in the Rockwall area. Is this too great of a challenge? It is not too great for God but it will certainly be a stretch for us. It will also be a great blessing for us as it helps us to remember that our ministry as a church is not just about facility. It's about reaching people for Christ. It's looking outside ourselves to see opportunity for ministry in places and ways that we otherwise might miss.
The Bridge Church needs our support, through prayer, personal involvement in the work and financially as the Lord would enable us to share our resources. Every month a prayer walk is held in the community. More opportunities to get involved will develop as they move closer to "launch-time" next year. God may not call us all to be church planters, but we can all be involved in planting churches.
Ellen has been married to Mike for 39 years, has 4 children, 8 grandchildren. Ellen was born in Indiana, has been in the Allen area and connected with Grace Church for five years. Ellen and her husband are passionate about church planting and are an integral part of The Bridge Church plant... 