Pastor Glenn recently sent the following email to members of Grace Downtown:
Dear Grace Downtown Members,
When Grace DC first started, we hoped to grow into a network of seven to ten churches serving our city neighborhood by neighborhood. However, over the past ten years, God has not only empowered us to plant three Grace DC congregations so far—he has also raised up many other churches proclaiming the gospel in our city. Because of this, our elders now think that Grace DC is more likely to grow into four to six congregations rather than seven to ten.
Meanwhile, Grace DC’s pastors and elders are frequently approached by leaders from a range of Christian traditions looking for advice as they start new churches in urban centers. They are drawn to our model of team ministry, grace-driven service to the city, cross-cultural growth, and speaking to those outside of the church. Our own Christian denomination has even been urging Grace DC to become a training ground where emerging leaders can learn what it means to know, love and serve a city in Christ’s name.
Please pray with and for us as we consider good ways to implement this program, for potential new leader candidates, for the development of a helpful program for the leaders and for how we can involve others within our church.
Such a program could mean inviting emerging ministry leaders who hope to start churches in cities around the world to first spend one to two years with a Grace DC congregation. They would bring their energy, ideas and pastoral support to our community while also getting an opportunity to practice what they learned in seminary in hands-on ways. This program would also establish a wider network of pastors steeped in our vision and philosophy who can help us identify new staff members and pastors as our community grows and plants new congregations.
Right now, our Church Planting Fund has enough cash on hand to start two new congregations (and each Grace DC community adds to it annually). We could seed this program with a portion of the fund set aside for church planting while also asking participants to raise portions of their own support.
We value your prayer and your feedback. If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact us at session@gracedc.net.
Thank you for your prayer and support,
Glenn Hoburg
On behalf of the Grace DC elders