From the Iowa District East Web Blog:
We’re Planting a Church in North Liberty!
No doubt you’ve been hearing a bit of buzz lately about the new church that we – the congregations of Iowa District East – are planting in North Liberty, Iowa. And no doubt you’d love to know a little more about this new opportunity and the new pastor who will be serving this budding congregation.
So that we can continue to walk together and support each other as a district, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, here are a few questions and answers to give you the full scoop on all things North Liberty:
Why Bother to Plant a Church?
Our Lord tells us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Also, research shows it is the most effective and biblical way to do evangelism, all centered on Word and Sacrament.
Why North Liberty?
Located in the heart of Johnson County, North Liberty is a young and vibrant community, and is one of the fastest growing cities in Iowa with over 13,000 residents. The median age is just 29 years old, yet 62% of Johnson County is un-churched. North Liberty is a community ripe for harvest and in need of God’s Word and Sacraments.
Who Will be Planting the Church?
You are! But for the sake of decency and good order, St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City will be serving as the “mother church.” As such, she will be facilitating resources and support as well as providing encouragement to the church planter, his family, and the new congregation. However, while St. Paul’s will be serving as mother, she will need help and support from her 119 sister congregations.
Who is the Church Planter?
Pastoral Candidate Andrew Richard, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was recently assigned to St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel as Assistant Pastor for Church Planting. This summer, Candidate Richard will be ordained and installed and will begin his work in North Liberty. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Rochester, MI before going on to study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Candidate Richard has specialized training in church planting, having studied also at the Church Planter Assessment Center in Chicago. He is married to Renae, who is trained as a deaconess, and together they have a ten-month old daughter, Alexandria.
A Number of Denominations have Planted Churches in North Liberty. How will this one be Different?
This church will be distinctively Lutheran. To that end, she will be biblical and confessional, liturgical, sacramental, Christ-centered and when conflict arises, she would be committed to the practice of biblical reconciliation. In other words, she will look like her mother and her sisters!
How Can I Help?
St. Paul’s pastor, Rev. W. Max Mons, notes, “We need our sister congregations to help us and Candidate Richard in nearly every way imaginable. To be sure, we will need financial support. But we also need people, especially those who are willing to help us reach out to the community of North Liberty. Perhaps there are people in our district who would be willing to be “deployed” to North Liberty to help this congregation get started.” Those wishing to help should contact Pastor Mons at 319-337-3652.
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