In 2014, the New England churches have plans set to plant a church from our fellowship in Providence, Rhode Island. My beautiful wife, Anita, and I have been asked to serve as the staff couple for this planting. As of 2014, we will have been in Hartford, Connecticut, for 20 years. Though it is challenging to head out again after such a long stay in a place we love so much – we believe it is what is needed to stretch our faith, advance the gospel and call others to spend a lifetime fulfilling the great commission to “Go!”
Providence is the capital and most populous city in Rhode Island. Its metropolitan area is the second largest in New England, with about 1.6 million people. The city was founded by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He named the area in honor of “God’s merciful providence.”
The median age of the city is 28 years. In fact, the largest cohort is 20-24 year olds, owing to the city’s large student population. There are 12 colleges and universities in this state – including Brown University, Johnson and Wales, Providence College, etc.
In our past three New England mission teams (Storrs, CT; Portland, ME & Burlington, VT) covering the last five years, we have sent almost only campus students and singles. However, this time we must send disciples from all ages and stages of life. If we are to continue to plant churches in New England, Europe and the world – we must take some established empty nesters (the scary category we have now entered), marrieds with families and newly marrieds without kids to join with singles, college students, teenagers and younger children. This will supply some needed financial stability and a great base of maturity for the church.
Many will know that the Boston church did plant a congregation in Providence in the past. Somewhat recently that church has changed their name to become a community church. I have had contact with their senior minister. We are not sending a church planting to Rhode Island because we believe we are the only ones who love God or are saved. We are sending a group of disciples there because we want a church connected to our fellowship of churches.
We do believe there are large numbers of lost souls that simply need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want a presence in Providence and any other place we can help bring the best news there has ever been to people in need of a Savior.
Please view the video below and pray for the upcoming planting in Providence. If you are interested in more information regarding this 2014 undertaking, please contact me. In His providence, may God lead us to see this world changed eternally for His glory.