1.21 Church | Winston Salem, NC

• Stephen Wagoner
• Sep 9, 2009
• Series: Church Profiles

1.21 Church

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina

Launch date: January, 2008

Vision and Values of 1.21 Church

Vision: We worship Jesus. At 1.21, we want everything we do to be radically Christ-centered. At the end of the day, we want to help people find their hope, joy, and satisfaction in Jesus.

BIG VISION: Date - around 2037: In our desire to contextualize the full gospel of Jesus to everyone in the triad (1.5 million). We also believe that we will need to be prepared structurally for these people as, while, and after they have trusted in Jesus. This will include every thing from the multiplication of campuses, elders, Missional communities, all the way to the organization of volunteers, training and facilities.

6+ churches or campuses in Winston.

9+ churches or campuses in Greensboro.

4+ churches or campuses in High Point.

1+ church or campus in Kernersville.

Each geographical area/ neighborhood in the triad would have a group of Christ followers seeking to bring full restoration/shalom to there area.

3-5 Missional communities + one recognized qualified elder = church plant or campus plant

Values:

Gospel-Centeredness
Changed Individuals
City
True Community
Movement (Church Planting)
Serving
Redeeming

How did you build up your core?

One at a time. God in his grace has slowly and steadily has been sending people in our direction. I then meet with each individual and share the vision of 1.21 for the Triad & the world. Some stay and some leave. There are a lot of meetings a lot of networking.

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like
practically?

We are a cell/Missional community structured church – so we place HIGH priority on Gospel community and allowing the truth of Jesus to seep its way into every aspect of our lives. We desire for everyone to Love and Be loved – to know and be known. We do this in and through our gospel community groups – who meet geographically throughout out great city.

What is your philosophy of evangelism in your church and what does that look like
practically?

Our vision is to communicate the Gospel of Jesus to everyone who lives in the triad. We will do this by intentionally building relationships displaying the gospel by treating people the way the church has been treated by Jesus. We then desire that all of our ppl will be so changed by the Gospel that they would communicate this news of Jesus to Everyone that God has placed in there path. Practically we want people to tell other people about Jesus. Face to face.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

- Myself, personal growth barriers have been my pride, and my inability to give responsibilities away.

- There has been a challenge with the money - and currently there is a challenge with money (lack of)

– Our location for our corporate gathering has been trying. We have been renovating a building that has taken over a year now, and we are not yet in it.

Planter Profile

Stephen & Brooke Wagoner

Briefly explain your calling to plant a church.

God Called me to plant churches in 05. Showed me that I should do this in “The Triad” of North Carolina in 06. We moved there the first of 08. Will Plitt (a29) asked me to take his replant in June of that year. All of those people left, and we re-planted a re-plant in Jan of 09. And I would be lying if I said I did not love every second of the journey.

In short, God put something in my heart and in my skill set that I could not get away from. I feel like God created me to plant His church, by confirming this calling with other church planters/pastors & pressing me (by the words of Tim Keller) of the importance of Gospel Centered Church Planting.

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Will asked me to take his church, then I started to figure out how I could join/be apart of this movement of God. - BY FAR the biggest benefits so far has been the godly men that answer any question that I have. And in-so-doing push me to be a better Father/Husband/Pastor/church planter. (the city has made this available for me & I am grateful)

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

- If there is anything else you can do, do that. Make sure your calling is clear.

– Make sure that a large # of other church planters say that they think you have what it takes.

– Can you explain your vision?

How do you personally disciple your family?

I live the gospel in front of them, and teach them the power of the gospel in the home. I lead, teach, pray, instruct, nurture, and equip my family to know and worship Jesus. 
 

How can we pray for you?

Pray that I keep my sanity - I have been advised to “get away” more often – pray that these times are worshipful. Pray that I lead in the gospel to make Jesus famous not me. Pray that God continues to do what he has been doing.