My first summer as a church planter is under way.
Prepare for a shocking statement: a lot has happened since my update in April. Our house church in Shenendoah (which I commented on in the previous update) is engaged in some amazing ministry. More than that, I am happy to announce that the ministries have risen from within the community. I continue to lead our Thursday evening gathering, but thankfully that has not been the primary expression of God’s people in this neighborhood.
In addition to the Neighborhood Watch and homework clubs that Robin started, there are two community cookouts already scheduled for this summer (inspired by the front yard barbecue held at Chris and Heidi’s house each Wednesday). Robin and some other folks from the Neighborhood Watch have also decided to form a crisis team that will minister to folks in the midst of job loss, divorce, death of loved ones, life as a single mom, etc.
As I mentioned in a recent blog post we have not had more than 9 people gathered at one time on a Thursday and already this group of people have begun living as participants in the Mission of God in the midst of Shenendoah. I have been extremely humbled to watch these new missionaries at work proclaiming good news in the midst of darkness.
We have made plans for the full transition of leadership in that house church to take place in August. We’ll continue to surround the Hunters in prayer and support them through our monthly house church leader coaching group as well as weekly one-on-one coaching sessions.
Chris has been able to start around 7 formation groups this summer and is preparing for the launch of a new house church in the coming weeks. He too is transitioning the leadership of a house church to members of the community. We are excited to see the development and growth of these new missionaries.
I have also been blessed to begin work on a doctor of ministry degree from SMU. The doors for this opportunity have continued to burst open. Of course finances have been a concern, but we are convinced that the time is right and the potential blessings are worth the cost.
Rejoice with us that our prayers have been answered. I recently learned that I was selected as the recipient of a grant through the Barr and Lewis Endowment that covers the full cost of tuition for the first half of my program!
I am beginning the development of my doctoral project which involves the formation of an apprenticeship for church planting/missional living. The benefits for our mission work here in the south Fort Worth area are obvious and we are very excited.
Things on the home front are going well. Conner is so ready to start kindergarten in the fall that he can barely stand it. We are continually astounded at the near daily developments in our three wonderful sons’ maturity, intelligence and all around awesomeness!
Rachel has begun working part-time as a web admin for Mission Alive. She is managing and updating their website and facebook page. She has organized a series of book reviews to be written by different church planters (mine is coming in August) and she’s already increased Mission Alive’s presence on the web.
Rachel continues to watch Grace a few days a week - that little girl is bringing some much needed cuteness and non-aggressiveness to our male dominated household! Rachel finally has an ally!
And then in addition to all this, Rachel has applied to teach preschool in the fall. If these folks know anything at all they’ll snatch her up quick.
Finances remain tight, as they do for many people, but we’ve been blessed to eliminate some debt (credit cards are paid off and student loans are going back into deferment!) and we’re picking up a little extra cash here and there.
Things are still moving forward on our plans to offer retreats for other congregations and interested groups. We have scheduled several for this summer and the fall and are looking to get more booked. If you know of a church or group that may be interested in one of our retreats or who may be interested in partnering with us in the ministry of planting new churches, please feel free to contact me anytime.
We ask for your continued prayers on behalf of our mission work here in North Texas. We’d love for you to visit us here in Burleson. Many of you have supported us financially and all of you have supported us through prayer and friendship. That means that you are a part of this ministry.
I would love to buy you a cup of coffee at Denny’s and introduce you to Robbie, Brandy, Jessica, Anita, Rita, Virgil, Keith, Roccio and Mary. Or we could spend some time at JJ’s and talk with John about running a coffee shop that has become an incredibly popular place for bible studies. We could prayer walk through Shenendoah and spend time with Jeanie, Robin, Ronnie, Adrienne and Paula or we could head over to Harvest House and meet Alice who can tell you amazing stories of oppression and redemption right here in suburbia. You’re welcome to join us for a bring-your-own-meat cookout in the Chappotins’ front yard - there’s no telling what spiritual conversation you’ll get dragged into in that driveway...or it may be an impromptu football game with the kids on the block.
We are seeking to live the With-God life together here in Burleson and the surrounding communities. You are already a part of this, though from a distance, and each of you have the opportunity to live a similar life in your own neighborhood. It may seem too risky or too ambiguous - our response is, “come and see.”
Grace and Peace,
Bret, Rachel and the WellsBrothers
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