What motivated you to plant your church in the city that you are in?
A distinct call from God that positioned our hearts to fall in love with the people of Vancouver and Canada. Nothing about this journey was birthed out of logistics or strategy but rather a clear call from God which, when we responded to, empowered the logistics and strategy to fall into place.
What do you love about your church and community?
The faces. The faces that tell a story of ultimately how we are designed to be sons and daughters of God regardless of what our outward appearances looks like. We love each other well with a loud expression of community which has caught the eyes, ears and hearts of those who would be considered the least expected to be found in church. Everything about our community challenges the myth that Vancouver is a lonely city.
What has been one of your greatest moments since planting your church?
Seeing my children come alive in the mission of being kingdom builders. This calling was not just for me but for our children and seeing them fall in love with their city and their church proves to me that ministry shouldn’t have to be hard for families but rather empowering for families to do the journey of ministry together because we are better together.
What has been one of the toughest moments you’ve experienced in ministry?
Seeing people that you sow into with the Word, time and love be unable to break out of the chains that have held onto them for so long. Seeing people walk away from God will always break my heart which is why I can never give up on them. We should always remain hopeful.
What is the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself or your church since you planted?
Freedom. Church life shouldn’t be about control but rather we should be stepping into freedom through our church expressions and trusting that God will build His house. Moving from labouring in vain to fully trusting God in every mistake, heartache, miracle & dream. He’s got this.
What do you want to share with someone thinking about becoming a church planter?
If you could imagine yourself doing anything else, then do that. But, if you can’t shake this feeling that there is a church in you and it becomes haunting then you’re done for – His people hold your heart. Dive in. He’s called you to build His kingdom and what a beautiful kingdom it is. Never stop loving His bride – she is beautiful.
How has being a part of ARC impacted your life + family?
ARC has surrounded us with like-minded people who believe in us by empowering us with the resources we need to fulfill the call of God over Canada. Through ARC’s authentic relationship network we have found comfort, guidance, friendship, encouragement and a knowledge that we don’t have to do this alone.
