What has been one of the most defining ministry moments in your life?
The most defining moment in our ministry life occurred when we traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, for our church planter assessment. There were so many highs and lows in our journey to plant. My wife said right before we left for Birmingham, “If ARC says ‘no,’ we are not moving forward.” While we had a dream to plant a life-giving church, we really had no one behind us. The moment that Sean Clarke let us know that our application was accepted, everything changed. Without this, the 371 times that people have said “yes” to Jesus for the first time since we launched would not have been possible.
What is your church known for in your community?
Our church is known as a place that loves people unconditionally — a place where all people are welcome to come on the journey of becoming more like Jesus.
Choose one word to describe the story of your life or your church. Why?
Perseverance. We were not one of ARC’s “grand-slam” stories – more like making it to first base because we were hit by a pitch. A year in, we had fewer people attending than were on our launch team. But we persevered through some challenging seasons believing that God had truly called us to plant a life-giving church in Milwaukee. Through it all, God has been so faithful.
Is there anything else you want to share with us about your journey in ministry or where your church is today?
While the training and financial support we received from ARC was essential, it has been the relationships that we have made within the ARC Family that have allowed us to grow and flourish.
Join us for ARC Conference this October, as we celebrate the stories that have made the past 20 years of ARC so special, and look forward to the many more yet to be told. Visit arcconference.com to register.
Your story is our story. We want to hear from you! Visit www.arcchurches.com/shareyourstory to share what God has done in you and your local church.
