It was the idea that Christians could get too comfortable, even in a church plant, that prompted Luke Yelland to consider the congregation he could grow for Christ.
I met the church planting rep for Asia-Pacific from Redeemer Presbyterian, he remembers.
And he said that if you haven’t planted a new church within four years of planting, that statistically you won’t.
Luke was already part of a church plant that had just turned five.
That started me thinking and reading and praying about church planting, and that grew into a great conviction, he says.
Luke now pastors a young church on the outskirts of Brisbane.
Christ Community Church West was planted in August 2009 at Corinda State Primary School to reach the residents of Brisbane’ rapidly expanding western suburbs.
Determined to connect with the community, Luke’ team has begun throwing free BBQs at a local park every fortnight, as well as a range of neighbourhood parties.
CCCW is also running conversational English classes for emigrants and ntroducing God’ courses for Australians who have little experience of church life.
What does Luke need prayer for? Amongst other things, prayer.
In the next twelve months I see our three challenges being praying persistently with our team, working out how to bring the gospel most effectively to our community, and engaging the team in doing those two things.
Luke is particularly thankful for the support of their parent church, but more importantly his Lord.
He encourages would-be church planters to trust that God will be sufficient but warns them that His support is there for a reason.
If you try something opposition will come! he says.
Luke Yelland is an assessed and supported Geneva Push church planter.
Click here if you would like to find out more about having your church planting plans assessed.
