"Planting"

  

Growing up in Indiana on what some may call a hobby farm next to my grandfather, who was a farmer, has given me a unique appreciation for the agricultural world.  As a result the analogy of “planting” a church has special significance for me.  While we are in the earliest stages of church planting our energies tend to focus on raising funds, building a team, networking, and moving to the area.  This season of our lives reminds me of the hard work that goes into preparing a field for planting.  The faithful hard-working farmer spends hours working the soil with his plow and disk in order to soften and loosen the dirt.  His watchful eye is careful to spot stones and debris that would hinder his crop or damage his equipment.  He carefully applies that which is needed to enrich his soil with essential nutrients to produce a healthy and vibrant crop.  This work is a dirty, smelly, and time-consuming task that at first glance has little to do with the crop as the seed is yet to be sown, yet faithful work in preparing the soil drastically impacts the potential yield.

It is our sincere and prayerful hope that as we are diligent to make faithful preparations for this new church that God will continue to open doors, provide for our needs, and lead us in the establishment of a fruitful church.  Below is a brief update regarding some of our activity this month!

• The Overbys have joined our Core Team, and we are in conversation with several other families who are prayerfully considering this opportunity.  
• Mark recently began a bible study with a local business owner in Collegeville who is seeking answers regarding spiritual questions. Please pray for favor with other locals as we begin to network in the region. (Perhaps our first disciple!?)
•   We will host a Vision Gathering Sunday, April 25 @ Wegmans (Collegeville) to help solidify our team and move into the Core Team phase of our plant.
•   We’ve initiated a positive relationship with a strategic church in the region who has enthusiastically welcomed us to the area.
•   Dawn and Mark will attend Exponential, a church planter’s training conference in Orlando April 19-22.
•   Mark continues to engage in the Dream Year coaching network which has served as a catalyst in refining and strengthening our strategy and plans for planting.
•   We are thankful for early financial partnerships and are hoping to assemble the remaining funding necessary to transition to the region as soon as possible.