Missional Hospitality

One of the greatest mission opportunities for established churches today is hosting church plants. Church plants are effective in evangelism and enfolding of new believers. Church plants cast a vision for mission and catalyze spiritual renewal within their host congregation. Also, immigrant church plants can teach their host congregations to reach out to different ethic groups within the neighborhood. Zach had a chance to spend a day with Pastor Ricardo, a church planter in a rural West Michigan community. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit and the partnership of a core group of committed believers, Pastor Ricardo’s growing congregation has witnessed a number of baptisms in the last year. The church plant is especially effective at discipling new believers among the many Latino immigrants who make their home in the area. Through a partnership with Resonate, the established CRC congregation in the community provides financial support, worship and meeting space, and mentoring for Pastor Ricardo and the church plant. The best part of the arrangement is that it blesses both the church plant and the established church. Together the church plant and established church are growing in the love and knowledge of Christ—learning from each other and following Christ in mission.

Pastor Ricardo and his wife are hard working and dedicated leaders serving in their community. The community is itself has great socio-economic struggles like unemployment, crime and addiction. Pray for strength and perseverance for Pastor Ricardo and his family.