We spent some time in Wilmington, NC this weekend to visit with one of our partnering churches in church planting, Northside Church. By partnering church we mean a church that has committed to pray for us, walk along side of us, and assist us in the planting of churches in South Asia. We believe that it is key to bring along some of the foundational churches in your life when being sent out to church plant as it encourages them, blesses them, and allows them to take part in the larger mission of God.
We value their partnership dearly as this was the first church that we were part of together. They gave Matt the opportunity to teach a class on Sunday morning where he was able to share about our vision of church planting and then lay before them some challenges for their own lives of embracing their roles as everyday missionaries in Wilmington and beyond.
Our favorite part of spending Sunday with these brothers and sisters in Christ was seeing Acts 13:2-3 practical lived out. [2] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”[3] Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
The entire congregation of Northside took time to recognize us as set apart for this task that we have been called to by God. They then corporately surrounded us, laid hands on us, and prayed for us as they sent us out to go and plant churches.
We were greatly encouraged by our weekend at Northside Church and look forward to our partnership with them in the calling of Church Planting. We love to see the church on mission and recognize when God is at work and joining Him in that work!
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