What motivated you to plant your church in the city that you are in?
We had been on staff at an established church for 12 years and were actually very content there. But we clearly heard God calling us to plant a church in Pietermaritzburg and so begin the journey of church planting.
What do you love about your church and community?
The sense of ownership and unity in our community is really special. We were only 7 months old when the global lockdown, due to Coronavirus hit and everyone has done all they can to stay connected, contributing and serving one another.
What has been one of your greatest moments since planting your church?
There have been quite a few. Launching was really amazing. Recently we moved into a new venue and we didn’t have to ask anyone for anything when it came to setting it up. Home groups got together and worked in the venue without us even knowing. People generously paid for the upgrades and bought some necessary items without being asked. It was a humbling and proud moment for us as Lead Pastors.
What has been one of the toughest moments you’ve experienced in ministry?
I found the early recruiting of a launch team quite tough. But I’m so glad we pushed through. Almost all of those people are still with us and continue to be such a blessing to the church.
What is the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself or your church since planting?
Wow. There have been so many. I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is to be comfortable with who God has called me to be – to lead the church according to my nature and gifting and then leave the rest up to Him.
What do you want to share with someone thinking about becoming a church planter?
Make sure you know that God has called you to plant. I know that may seem obvious, but for me, that has made all the difference at every step of the journey. Even though God spoke so clearly to us about planting and confirmed it through many people and signs, we still wrestled with it until we had a deep conviction. Whenever things get tough this is what holds it all together for me.
How has being a part of ARC impacted your life + ministry?
Absolutely incredible. I really can’t put into words how the training, support, encouragement and mentorship has helped us. I sometimes feel like it’s not fair that we got to plant with the support base that we’ve had. We have never felt isolated, alone or without. I have made great friends with other church planters and am continually learning from them and the ARC leaders.
