Acts Community Church | Pasadena, TX

• Billy Bernhard
• Sep 29, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I was youth pastoring a dying church and truly believed the way to grow a church was to reach your community. That is exactly what I did and the youth grew from 15- 100 within 2 years and even some adults starting coming. It was then that some begin to ask have you ever thought about planting a church. I had no clue that scared the mess out of me. I started listening a lot to Driscoll, Matt Chandler and eventually Lecrae's song Beautiful Feet has a line where it says will someone please plant a church in the inner city. Still to this day that song moves me because our inner cities need the Gospel! I knew then God was calling me and begin to seek Hi out on that.

How did you build up your core? What advice would you give to guys in the core-stage?

I had know clue what a core was when I went into planting. I just knew God had called me and so I dove in. I had 6 people (all single guys who by God's grace I had seen come to Christ) with me and we just begin to hit the area up about our grand opening. By God's grace He sent me some core guys who have been nothing but a blessing to me. I would tell anyone not to go into a church launch like I did. I would tell them to start a Bible Study/small group or whatever you want to call it and begin to share your vision to those people and go around raising up a core group. I would also tell them to find guys who have planted churches and listen to all the wisdom they have to share. For example Clear Creek Community Church has been such a blessing to me in my church plant and many other A29 guys in the Houston area. I believe what saved me was God's grace and my gift of evangelism.

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

The biggest challenges I saw was the area was very diverse but in the churches all around the area it was segregated. The area once was thriving for the Gospel and then the great white migration happened and the community changed. Now the area is old and trying to recreate community groups in areas where neighbors do not know each other nor trust each other cuz of crime and so forth can produce challenges. We are learning to cultivate these communities first and then look at setting up community groups. We are also learning that in the more gheto areas people are not going to open up their homes so to do community groups in these area we look for club houses, businesses and so forth to let us in. The last big challenge I have his that my church is very young. Ever since our launch we have been young. The average age is 23 and I have learned to just embrace and trust God and rejoice in Him that so many young people are coming to Christ.

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

I came involved with A29 through listening to Lecrae and then through Driscoll and Chandler. When I read the A29 doctrine statement I was like wow reformed charismatic now that is what I'm talking about. I also drove up to the Village Church and Jermey who is now working at Marshill really sold me on why I needed to go through A29. Like I told Bruce and his eldership at Clear Creek A29 is my home and family and I praise God for the network.

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

Don't unless you know beyond a shadow of doubt God has called you. This has been the most difficult thing I have ever done and if God has truly not called you then you will fail and walk away. You must know that God has called you and ask those around you do they see you planting a church. I would also tell them go start a small group and if you find your self multiplying that small group then their really is a good chance God might be calling you.

What’s the most important thing you’d want to share with a new church planter?   

I recently have just shared with several. I tell them evangelize, evangelize, evangelize. Start meeting all the people in your area from average Joe to Mr. business man to the street guy that knows all that goes on. After you evangelize start discipling and raising up leaders. Ask everyone who is not a nut case to join you and why they want to join to your church plant. Already have your Vision, Mission, Core Values and philosophy lined up. Learn how to sell that to everyone you come across. Learn how to ask for money because you gotta take care of your family and if your working a second job that will slow your church plant down. Wave the Jesus flag like Driscoll says more then anything you want to make followers of Christ, however you must know the doctrines that you cannot compromise on and what your willing to.

How do you pastor your family?

I pastor my family by having a date night with my wife every week. If there is a night I have to work late I come home at 2 pm until I need to leave. My wife and I pray everyday and have a study together once a week. On Thursdays I have lunch with my wife and daughters. On Saturdays we have family day. I have learned that when I get home between 4pm -5pm to give attention to my wife and daughters and put away the computer and phone so that I can love them well. I read and pray with my daughters every night before I put them to sleep. Once a month I have daddy daughter date. I make sure on sundays that one of my guys I'm discipling helps my wife when she arrives to church and leaves church.

Outside of the Bible, what is the most helpful book you have read for church planting?

Church planting in the making

Church Profile: Acts Community Church
Launch Date: October 2010
Location: Pasadena, TX

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Mission: We are a multi-ethnic Active Community Together Serving by glorifying God through the saving and sanctifying of souls.

Vision: A church in the city taking church (The Gospel of Jesus) to the people.

Core Values:

Christ-Centered
Prayer
Student of God’s Word
Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Missions Minded

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

One of the greatest examples of God's grace I have seen is the core group the Lord has sent me because 6 of these guys so remind me of David's men who will do anything for me. I didn't know them for anything but all loved how our church was full of unchurched people and seeing people come to Christ monthly. The other way is simply by seeing so many come to Christ and being discipled. Since our launch we have seen many come to Christ, baptized, and being discipled. Lately we have been seeing people every week come to Christ. Lastly is how diverse our church is. From our grand opening we have been diverse and brings me to tears cuz I area truly needs it when it comes to church.

How can we pray for you?

Pray I continue to love my family well, that I stay humble, not get caught up in numbers but constantly look for ways to grow, that God will heal my step dad of stage 4 cancer, that He keep my dad safe while in Iraq fighting for USA, & church finances