What motivated you to plant your church in the city that you are in?
My wife Nicole and I both, separately and then together, really felt a distinct pull and call to move to Edmonton to give life to a new local church. We describe it as “the tractor beam” as it was both clear and specific.
What do you love about your church and community?
Evolve was built on words such as “Belong”, “Hope”, and “Growth”. That language has served us well. But what’s developed is a very clear story of home and family, reaching a wide range of ages and demographics. The planned, taught and intentional spiritual gift of hospitality steers and shapes much of our “how” as we stay true to our “why”.
What has been one of your greatest moments since planting your church?
This past year, we had a wonderful woman from our community experience a terrible accident that left both of her ankles broken. She was laid up at home for over 5 weeks in recovery. To see singles, couples, families and young adults take ownership over loving, caring for, and shepherding this woman and her husband during this season was absolutely beautiful to me. The church, being the Church.
What has been one of the toughest moments you’ve experienced in ministry?
One of the most difficult things about planting Evolve has been the tension between fully trusting God in faith, and always being willing to step forward when He asks us to. This is His baby, not ours. Yet, He wants to fulfill His promise and build His Church through us. I never ever want to exist outside of that “God’s got this” faith and trust, but it’s terrifying. That’s tough.
What is the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself or your church since you planted?
The biggest change I’ve seen in myself and in my leadership journey has been a desire and willingness to trust people quickly. Taking cues from Jesus’ language of “Hi. Nice to meet you. Come follow me.” (slightly paraphrased) has given us the courage to trust that God is truly bringing us the right leaders to help shoulder the vision for Evolve in our city.
What do you want to share with someone thinking about becoming a church planter?
Take your time. There is such a beautiful reality of God moving slowly, slowly, slowly, slowly, and then suddenly. Take the deep heart dives of “motive” for planting. Invite some extended times of silence and Holy Spirit to truly bring freedom and healing from any wounds from your past. Get healthy: mentally, physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually.
How has being a part of ARC impacted your life + family?
ARC has been our support, our coaching, our correction, our encouragement, our “eyes up and ahead”, our closest friends, and our deep deep connection to what Jesus is doing through His Church here in our nation, and around the globe. It has been more faithful, more diligent, more connected, and more beautiful than we could have even imaged our ARC family to be.
