Dear West Park Family,
Sunday night was a truly historic gathering for our church. Ninety-eight percent of the adult members who were present for a congregational vote affirmed the planting of Immanuel Church by Pastors Derek Griz and Jared Raby. We should be incredibly grateful for this significant expression of unity in support of such a tremendous faith initiative. I am looking forward with great anticipation to see how the Lord in this next season will grow us as a body in every dimension of spiritual life. In fact, for the next 2 Sundays I want to share from God’s Word regarding the spiritual processes of “Growing in Christ through Planting and Pruning.” Both of these processes are about to begin in a fresh way for us as a church collectively, but they are always the plans the Father constantly uses in our lives individually to produce more fruit for His glory. I hope you will be present on both these Sunday mornings to hear what the Lord says regarding His planting and pruning in our lives.
Now that the church has affirmed the vision for planting Immanuel Church, what is next on this journey? Of course, it is critical that we pray fervently for the Lord to continue to guide us in this process. Here are some important dates and next steps that I would ask you to keep on your heart and in prayer:
Sunday evening, May 1st
Derek and Jared will lead an “Interest Meeting” in the Hub at 6:00 pm for all people who would like to know more details regarding the plans for planting Immanuel Church. Please share the word with all the people you think may be interested in this mission. Childcare is available for nursery through age 10 with registration. Registration begins April 21.
We will receive a special “Seeds for Planting” offering toward the start up cost associated with launching Immanuel Church. I hope you will join with me in joyfully, generously giving to this great cause. Also, that morning in all services we will officially and prayerfully set apart Pastor Derek and Pastor Jared along with their families for their mission of planting Immanuel Church.
Sunday mornings in June
Jared and Derek will lead commitment and training gatherings for people who are seriously praying about joining the “Pioneer Team” for the launch of Immanuel Church.
These are exciting days for West Park and for Immanuel Church. Thank you for embracing this journey of growth together. Don’t doubt it….”God is on the Move!”
Joining you on His mission,
Pastor Sam
New Church Plant
Sunday, March 6, marked a significant day in the life of West Park Baptist Church as the vision of planting a new church was shared with the church family. We believe the Lord is calling our church to plant a new church in West Knox County under the pastoral leadership of Derek Griz and Jared Raby.
If you were not able to attend the service, you can watch it online in its entirety or in segments:
- Part 1: Journey to Church Planting (14:31)
- Part 2: The Biblical Precedent for Church Planting (14:04)
- Part 3: The Strategy behind Church Planting (14:06)
Looking ahead, we invite you to set aside a time for prayer and hope you will join us in praying for this ministry initiative. We invite everyone to sign up to receive prayer updates via email. If you have not done so already, you can still sign up here.