Stories
4 Qualities in a Church Planting Resident
Throughout our Family of Churches, you will meet men who are preparing to plant churches by participating in a 1-2 year residency. These are our Church Plant Residents. Our strategy in Church Planting is gospel-shaped, spirit-empowered, Godly men!
Where are we planting this year?
The Citylight Family of Churches announces three new church plants for the 2024/25 year.
Thou Shalt Listen
The goal of listening well is found in Matthew 22:34-40…that we can have deeper and healthier relationships in which the greatest commandment(s) can be fulfilled: Love God and Love Thy Neighbor.
Ministry Burnout
As ministry leaders and “professional Christians,” advocating for personal rest can be challenging and sometimes, questionable. The needs of the Church, a staff team, work hours and calendars changing week to week, the devotion to study scripture, and then throw in the personal insecurities and family demands can make someone unhealthy very quickly. We also all have devices in our pockets and purses that demand our time and attention and constantly notify us on what we are ‘missing.’ We are fighting against a culture of hurry and the urgency of being “on,” available, and accessible.
Redemption to Residency
Citylight Lincoln recently hired Je’Qwan Owens for their Hilltop Ministry geared toward young adults. He shares with our Family insight and encouragement on being a Resident.
Resilient…in the cold, dark, winter months
We are in the month of January and the weather is cold and the daylight is short. As ministry leaders, we can start to lose energy and focus. In this season, a disproportional amount of people leave staff or make poor decisions. Considering this, we need to be proactive and be aware.
Kansas City Church Update
A letter from Jason Wilson, co lead pastor of Citylight Kansas City.
Church Planting and Residency Programs
Residency Programs can be vital to church multiplication. A Residency Program’s typical goal is to provide direct development in a particular ministry calling. The hope is to see each resident equipped and developed for the ministry calling God has for him or her.
Strengths & Conflict
Salt Church Greeley was planted in 2022 by a core team that was made up of 30 people from 14 different churches. With such a diverse group, strengths and giftings were abundant. Also with such a diverse team, many opportunities to grow in understanding, communication, and humility were made.
A Burden for the Church
Life has not slowed down for Tom Rempel. As a retired pastor, you can find him meeting with a pastor or young leader for coffee, guest speaking on a Sunday to help a local church, or teaching at a leader’s conference. He wants to help the Church. He thinks about it, plans for it, acts upon it, and prays for it. Having been in ministry for over 50 years, he kind of knows a thing or two.