REACH for the Heavens! (by Daryl Ellis)
REACH has five very broad objectives:
R – Revitalization of churches
E – Encourage church planting
A – Accept our uniqueness and diversity
C – Commit to unity and a graceful spirit
H – Highlight spiritual formation
What would happen if our denomination rallied around reaching these objectives together? What would our denomination look like if we realized each of these objectives?
Chicago update (May 2011)
Back in January, we decided that we should move forward with planting a church in Chicago. Since then, God and we have been at work. (Read about our timeframe and vision.)
January-April
We met and keep in contact with our mentor, David Potete, who planted in Chicago and has been pastoring there for 20 years.
We visited Chicago and received several confirmations to plant in the neighborhood of Albany Park.
We made several connections to church planters and leaders in Chicago.
I attended a church planting conference.
We have met and/or talked with several people interested in joining our core team, although none have panned out yet.
We have read at least a dozen books and articles on church planting and urban development.
We have a graphic designer ready to create our website as soon as we have funding (only $350).
Two churches, one agency, and one network are currently considering partnering with us.
In the future
We are planning a trip in July to meet with some of the neighborhood council of Albany Park. We are meeting with them to ask how we as a church can best help the people of Albany Park. Anyone interested will be invited to visit Chicago for a couple of days and help us clean up and beautify however the neighborhood council best sees fit.
Kim and I will register for assessment and training with a church planting network as soon as money is available.
I am planning on attending the Christian Community Development Association conference in Indianapolis in October.
A couple of common questions we get:
Are you sure this is what God wants you to do? Yes.
How will you collect money? All monies will be sent directly to Northwest Community Church in Chicago and sent out from there. The money will never be put into anyone’s personal bank account.
Do you have a sending agency or church? We will. We understand the biblical example and need for being sent out. This may not happen how Free Will Baptists have normally done it, but it will happen. All options are being considered.
Will you be working? Yes, we will be working secular jobs as we plant. Read why we have chosen to be bi-vocational.
Do you only want young people on your team? No. We see a real need to have veteran members on the core team in order to keep us grounded and provide wisdom.
So, do you have any questions? Clarifications? We would love to share our vision for Albany Park with you and your church. You can reach me on Twitter (@jeremy_riggs) or find us on FaceBook under Chicago Church Plant.
