October '08 Church Planting Update (AJ & Lindsay Vanderhorst)

[ariell...@gmail.com]

Last time I wrote, Lindsay and I had just successfully completed a
"church planter assessment" process and started a cycle of nuts &
bolts training. A lot has happened since then.

Over the last month, we've essentially jumped head first into the
early stages of church planting. After talking and dreaming for years,
getting started been exhausting, yes—but also very exciting. I've been
doing some minimal freelance copywriting, but investing most of my
time in "Crossroads Church."

In the day-to-day sense, this means talking with potential team
members and partnering churches, developing vision and strategy,
exploring downtown, and getting involved with LifeConnection, the
church in Independence where we're enjoying a six-month church
planting internship. (Bad news: Most of the attendees there are MU
basketball fans. Good news: As KU fans, we have braggin' rights.)

We're starting to see God open doors in the realms of people and
finances as we network with kingdom-minded folks to move this baby
church plant forward. A lot remains to be done, but some exciting
partnerships are in the works. Approximately a fourth of our 2009
budget has been raised, and our "core team"—the 10-12 visionary,
committed people who will form the initial task force of this church—
is starting to take shape.

A couple weeks ago, God surprised us by connecting us with some
Christians who own a large, multi-use building in the West Side
neighborhood just outside downtown. They want to sell to the right
people, and the property is ideally located for living, meeting, and
office space. This situation is just crazy enough that God might be
pulling off a coup, so pray for us as we explore the building's
potential (lots of remodeling needed) and negotiate price.

Next weekend, we're heading to Jefferson City again for Round 2 of
church planter "Basic Training" with the Southern Baptist Convention
and taking some core team members, Scott & Lindsay Ramon, with us.
Please pray that the 1.5 days we spend there will be filled with
vision-casting, practical skills, good conversations, and locally-made
ice cream.

As we move forward, Lindsay and I are feeling spiritual opposition in
ways we've never experienced before. Fortunately, we are also feeling
the Holy Spirit leading and empowering us in unprecedented ways. By
faith, we believe good things are in store for the gospel in downtown
Kansas City.

Just this week, we finished putting together our Prospectus, a
document that lays out the Crossroads Church vision with more detail
and color. We invite you all to take a look. (Go to arieljvan.com and
click "Prospectus" in the horizontal menu bar.) If anything you read
sparks your interest, be sure to get in touch. We'd love to talk with
you about how the gospel could take root and grow downtown.

Once again, thanks for reading! May Jesus rule in your city and ours.

Peace,

AJ, Lindsay, Aidan & Asher