A New and Living Way

In 2024, I've come to believe church planting calls for fresh perspectives and deeper purpose. While traditional approaches often focus on building momentum toward a Sunday service launch, other church planting networks report seeing a shift in how pastors are responding to the needs of their communities. In today’s rapidly changing world, the real work begins not with staging a perfect service but with cultivating meaningful relationships—engaging believers and unbelievers alike in spaces that feel authentic and personal.

For the efforts in planting a church in South Atlanta, this approach is vital. The goal isn’t to gather a crowd for one day a week; it’s to build a diverse, vibrant community that reflects the heart of Jesus. This means starting with conversations, creating places of connection, and fostering genuine relationships that bridge cultural and spiritual gaps. In a time when people are craving real connection and hope, as a really cool demographic tool (Mission Insight) informed me, it’s through this foundation that the church can grow and thrive, becoming a true light in the neighborhood—not just on Sundays, but every day.

The New Testament consistently points us toward fostering genuine relationships and building authentic connections as the core of the church. When we look at the early church in Acts, we see a model of believers gathering in homes, sharing meals, praying together, and meeting the needs of their communities (Acts 2:42-47). This wasn’t about attracting large crowds for polished services but about cultivating deep, personal relationships centered on Jesus. Paul’s letters also emphasize the importance of building one another up in love, encouraging believers to care for each other and welcome outsiders with grace (Romans 12:10-13).

In this way, the New Testament reminds us that true church growth happens through authentic, life-giving community. It’s in these everyday moments of connection—around tables, in living rooms, and through acts of service—that faith takes root and the gospel is shared most powerfully. This relational foundation becomes the fertile ground for new believers to come to faith and for the church to grow organically.

This type of church—rooted in authentic relationships and meaningful connection—has the potential to profoundly impact South Atlanta. In a community rich with culture and history, but also facing challenges of division, displacement, and spiritual hunger, the need for a church that reflects the heart of Jesus is great. By focusing on building relationships, this church plant will become a place where people from all walks of life can feel seen, heard, and loved. It will be a place where trust is built, bridges are formed, and the gospel becomes tangible in everyday lives.

As this church begins to take root in South Atlanta, it will be a source of hope and healing throughout the week. Through shared experiences, open doors, and genuine care for the community, this church has the potential to become a transformative force, bringing the light of Christ into places that need it most. This is how lasting impact begins: by meeting people where they are and building a church from the ground up, one relationship at a time.

Will you join us in praying for the Spirit of God to enliven this work?