When I think about church planting, it’s impossible to separate the calling from my own story. From the darkness of a prison cell to the light of God’s calling on my life, every step has been part of His divine setup. Church planting isn’t just about building structures; it’s about building people, meeting spiritual needs, and expanding God’s Kingdom in places that are often forgotten. My journey has led me to understand this apostolic mission deeply, especially in the work we are doing now in Pompano Beach.

The article “Why Plant Churches?” from Redeemer City to City outlines several reasons why church planting is vital to the growth of God’s Kingdom, and these reasons resonate with me. Let me walk you through what God has done through our ministry in Avondale and how it mirrors the apostolic mission of the early church.

Fulfilling the Biblical Mandate and Apostolic Mission

Church planting is central to fulfilling the Great Commission. As Redeemer City to City states,

“Church planting is a way to fulfill the Great Commission”

This is precisely why we are called to plant churches and raise up new communities of believers. From the beginning of my ministry, this apostolic mandate has been at the forefront of everything I do. 

When our CLC Outreach Team started working in the Avondale community in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, it wasn’t about starting a church in the traditional sense. Instead, it began by partnering with FLIPANY and serving 80 families by providing lunches for over 150 students, four days a week, for more than 20 months. It was during this time that God opened the door for us to start what I can only describe as a grassroots church plant. We began with a sidewalk Sunday school, teaching the children about Jesus through games and creative activities. From there, relationships blossomed. Soon the children’s mothers would gather, first sitting on stoops, then joining together under a large tree for Bible lessons.

This was the start of something bigger than we could have imagined. In one of the homes in Avondale, we began holding weekly Bible studies, and we saw firsthand how meeting practical needs opens the door to spiritual transformation. 

Addressing Spiritual Needs in Underserved Communities 

The apostolic mission isn’t just about reaching those who already have access to the Gospel; it’s about going to places where the message of hope is most needed. Redeemer City to City states,

“New churches are often planted in areas where there is a significant need for the Gospel”

The Avondale community is one of those places. Since 2020, we’ve had the privilege of impacting this underserved area, meeting not only physical needs but spiritual ones as well. In 2021, we hosted a Mother’s Day event in the park, and at Christmas, we partnered with Ray Hampton Outreach Ministries to distribute over 500 toys to the children in Avondale and the surrounding community. These events were more than just acts of charity; they were a testament to the love of Christ and a bridge to deeper spiritual conversations.

Enhancing Kingdom Growth

Church planting contributes to the broader growth of God’s Kingdom. The article points out,

“Church planting contributes to the overall expansion of the Kingdom of God”

The work we are doing in Pompano Beach is a direct example of this. It isn’t just about holding services or counting attendance; it’s about expanding God’s Kingdom by making real, lasting connections with people and communities.

Over the last five years, at Purpose Academy, we’ve served more than 75 students and families, providing after-school programs that nurture not only academic growth but also spiritual development. At Innovation Charter School, we’ve been working for the last three years, reaching more than 100 students in 4th and 5th grades. Every student we touch, every family we serve, is part of the larger story of God’s Kingdom expanding.

Fostering Missional Engagement

One of the most significant aspects of church planting is the ability to be missional and innovative. As the article highlights,

“New churches are often more effective in reaching their communities because they are able to be more missional and innovative”

Our ministry in Avondale began with practical outreach—feeding children and providing after-school care—but it quickly evolved into something more. The ministry is no longer just a program; it has become a lifeline for families in the community. We’ve adapted to meet the unique needs of the area, from teaching mothers to read using the Bible to hosting Bible studies and community events. This kind of missional engagement has transformed Avondale into fertile ground for a new church community.

Building Community and Leadership

Finally, church planting isn’t just about gathering a congregation; it’s about raising up leaders and creating sustainable, vibrant communities.

“Church planting not only creates new faith communities but also raises up new leaders”

Through our strategic partnership with One Hope, we are developing a scalable concept for church planting through community outreach in our after-school programs.

Together, we are building a model of community transformation that goes beyond traditional church planting. By embedding ourselves in the community and building relationships through programs like Purpose Academy and Innovation Charter, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also empowering local leaders to take ownership of their spiritual journey. These leaders will be the ones to carry the torch forward, ensuring that the Kingdom continues to grow and expand.

Conclusion

My journey from prison to pulpit was never just about my own transformation; it was a divine setup for something much larger. God has used every step of my life to prepare me for this moment, to be a part of planting churches that will impact generations. 

As we continue to serve the Avondale community, I see the apostolic mission coming to life in real, tangible ways. Church planting is about so much more than establishing a building or holding services. It’s about fulfilling a biblical mandate, addressing spiritual needs, expanding the Kingdom, engaging missionally, and building lasting communities. 

This is why we plant churches. This is why I continue to follow the calling that God placed on my life. Together, with our community partners, we are creating a model for community transformation that will impact lives for generations to come.

References

Redeemer City to City. (n.d.). Why plant churches? Retrieved from https://redeemercitytocity.com/articles-stories/why-plant-churches