Church Planting in a Metro AreaChris ChadwickFri, 05/19/2023 - 17:08 “You want me to go where?” Who says that—a rebellious teenager? a timid employee? How about a young man from Amarillo, Texas, who God is calling to plant a church in San Diego, California?Yes, those were my words in December of 2001, as I was overwhelmed that God would allow my family and me the privilege of starting a church in San Diego. But it wasn't all about the joy of the opportunity—I also knew my weaknesses, and that knowledge frightened me.San Diego is the eighth largest city in the nation, with 1.4 million people. In 2001, there were two independent Baptist churches and few non-Baptist, gospel-preaching churches in the entire city. And, although more conservative than Los Angeles or San Francisco, San Diego isn't exactly a bastion of Christendom.By God's grace, we followed His call. Fast-forward more than twenty years: I'm overwhelmed to say God has built and sustained Canyon Ridge Baptist Church. He's done more than I ever thought He would and grown us in ways I never thought possible. We're blessed with a fantastic team of servants dedicated to sharing the gospel in our city. God has blessed us with a permanent location in the heart of San Diego.Through my office window, I can see low-income, transient, and primarily immigrant housing. Our neighborhood is a thriving international community with over seventeen mother tongues spoken. It's a community where you can rent a 350-square-foot studio for $1,950.00 a month and find yourself serenaded every night by a chorus of homeless folks singing. I wouldn't trade it for the world.I want to share five simple thoughts that have helped me over the past two decades of church planting in a metropolitan/urban area. If you are a church planter or praying about planting a church in one of the needy cities of our nation, I pray these will help you as well. People Come FirstPersonal evangelism is a must when building a church in an urban environment. Guests won't run through your doors because you put up a sign and design a snazzy website. In the early days of Canyon Ridge, I spent a minimum of twenty-five hours a week knocking doors, meeting people, and participating in outreach and community events. Why? People only came to church after I engaged, encouraged, and shared the gospel. Over twenty years later, we still have an aggressive outreach plan. This year, we will hand-deliver through door-knocking and canvassing over 250,000 invitations to church—all to meet more people and introduce them to Jesus.Commit to Learning a New CultureAs I've mentioned, I came to San Diego from Texas. Texans drive differently, dress differently, eat differently, enjoy different hobbies, and think differently from San Diegans. Are there similarities? Sure! But my family and I still had to make a huge adjustment when we moved here. The more you're with the folks of your community, the more you will understand the culture. Learn and embrace the culture; it's a worthy pursuit that will help you build gospel influence. Understand You Will Say “Goodbye” RegularlyOf the many things metropolitan areas are known for, longevity is not one of them. You'll say “goodbye” to folks who change jobs, college students who graduate and move away, people who leave for a more comfortable community, and interns who get full-time jobs elsewhere. If you live in a military city like ours, you'll have the added burden and blessing of service members joining and moving.Church planter, I pray that God will bring people who will live as “missionaries” in your area—folks who will serve in your church not because it is home or comfortable but because God has called them. They'll give up the American dream of a house and being close to family for an eternal reward. They, like you, will live in a smaller house or apartment and pay exorbitant prices for the privilege of ministering in your community. And they will encourage you more than words can say.In reality, you'll say goodbye a lot, but you'll also be constantly surprised by all the hellos and by how the Lord encourages and sustains you and His church.Accept That Your Church May Never Own a BuildingFor the first five years of Canyon Ridge, we met in a 1,200-square-foot community center. We spent the next two years in a school auditorium on Sundays and the next year and a half in the multi-purpose room at our current location. We've met in hotels, Navy chapels, literally under a tree, and in our house.In 2009, the Lord miraculously provided a building. It was in disrepair, a blight in our community, and looked like a cross between a bundt cake pan and a spaceship, but it was ours! Even after extensive remodeling, it doesn't look like a “normal church.” But to me, it's cooler! I'm thankful for God's provision.My point is this: People might visit your church because of a cool or permanent building; but it won't be enough to keep them there. People came to both a recreation center and a school cafeteria and planted their lives in this local church because they were loved, discipled, and encouraged to walk with Jesus. A building is a means to an end, not the sign of success or failure. Your church may never own a building—that's okay! You may never have a permanent location—that's okay! You're not called into the commercial real estate business; you're called to reach people with the gospel. Don't make excuses. Simply do your best with what you have, and trust Christ to build His church.You Can Trust HimPastoring in a metropolitan/urban area is fantastic. It's electric when people from different parts of the country and world gather in the church they were saved in for one purpose: to glorify God and be edified for the work to which God has called them. I think back to when I asked God, “You want me to go where?” I'm so glad God called me, and I'm glad I went. Could it be that God wants you to go there? If God is calling, go. For Christ has promised, “. . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). You can trust in Him! Category Church Planting Tags Church Planting

If you missed Bro. Mikes sermon this week you can download the mp3 here, or subscribe to the podcast in itunes.

If you missed Bro. Mikes sermon this week you can download the mp3 here, or subscribe to the podcast in itunes.

Sunday, May 24, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr. Luke 10:38-42

This year was one of the best weeks at camp that we've ever had. There was lots of fun, the teens rekindled some old friendships, and most importantly the preaching (and the teens' response to it) was great! Big thanks to everyone who prayed and gave of their time and money ...

We celebrated the closing of Master Club for the school year 2008-2009 with a pizza party. We also said goodbye to Bro. Larry and Sis. Laura Goltiao as they will be relocating to the states in July. We will miss them! If you’re interested in working with a group of energized and great kids see Bro. [...]

Congratulations to Conrad Dejesa III (DJ) on his high school graduation. Pray for him as he is studying Medical Technology at the Trinity University of Asia in the Philippines. Also graduating is Eden Santos from GCC’s Culinary Arts program. She’ll be headed to West Coast Bible College in the fall. [...]

It’s a boy, Liam Isaiah Thorpe was born on May 26, 2009. He weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long. Congratulations Brandy and Rob. Brandy’s baby shower at FBC a few weeks ago. Stephanie, Jessica, and Rochelle try to put as many cotton balls in the bowl, blindfolded, and on top of their heads! And [...]

Sunday, May 10, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr.

June 3-4, 2009–As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.  (2 Samuel 22:31)  Today, our little boy went to Heaven.  We know that it was the perfect time for our child to go home to be with the [...]

June 5, 2009–I can’t tell you how much the prayers of my church family have meant to my wife and I these past few days.  It is only God’s grace and peace that have sustained us in the past 48 hours.  God hasn’t taken the tears away, but He has eased the pain.  For all [...]

Sunday, May 3, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr. Ezekiel 28:11-19

May 30, 2009 Over the last couple of days our church took some of its men to a Men’s Retreat with three other churches.  It was specifically planned by our churches to encourage men to be faithful to the Lord and His work.  This gathering of men and pastors represented a group who were genuinely interested [...]

May 29, 2009 Ladies Bible Study was started in 2006 in order to give our ladies an opportunity to fellowship together and get practical Bible advice from our pastor’s wife, Mrs. Amy.  The ladies are encouraged to bring a refreshment (because eating makes every meeting better, you know).  The meeting is held on the first Thursday [...]

Sunday, April 26, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr.

May 25, 2009    Family Picnic–bring your picnic lunch (meat for the grill if you want) and be ready for a great time!  We will be having basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, croquet, ping-pong and balloon relays.  It will be fun for all! Next activities are in June… June 4–Ladies Bible Study, June 12-13–Men & Boys Campout, June 14–Promotion [...]

Sunday, April 19, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr. Guest speaker: Bro. Charles Porter Hebrews 10:35-39

Sunday, April 12, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr.

It’s time again for bunco!  Friday, May 15, 2009 6:30 p.m. at the church $2.00 per person Bring a sweet or salty snack to share and a friend! Please sign up at the Welcom Center. Childcare is available but we need you to sign up for it in advance (also at the Welcome Center)

It’s time again for bunco!  Friday, May 15, 2009 6:30 p.m. at the church $2.00 per person Bring a sweet or salty snack to share and a friend! Please sign up at the Welcom Center. Childcare is available but we need you to sign up for it in advance (also at the Welcome Center)

During the 2009 Thirty–Fourth Commencement and Graduation Ceremony of Pensacola Christian College it was my privilege to be awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity.   Nearly 6000 people were on hand to witness 800 students from all 50 states and 34 countries receive degrees. It was a very special day that I will never [...]

Sunday, April 5, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr. Revelation 3:14-22

Sunday, March 29, 2009 Host: Dr. John McNeal Jr. Guest Speaker: Bro. Toby Monday Philippians 4:2-9

A major Christian rights group warned Tuesday, December 23, that many churches in the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan in 2009, if a new draft law requiring them to re-register under restrictive conditions is adopted by parliament.

A major Christian rights group warned Tuesday, December 23, that many churches in the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan in 2009, if a new draft law requiring them to re-register under restrictive conditions is adopted by parliament.