August Gate Church | St. Louis, MO

• Noah Oldham
• Sep 3, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church 

Throughout college and two years that followed, I felt a nudge towards planting a church that would be biblically sound yet relevant to an ever increasing unchurched culture. In August 2006 I felt God say, "Go." Over the next three years we began to plan, save up, and train for planting. In August 2009 we launched August Gate in the Soulard neighborhood of downtown St. Louis.

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

The story of our core development is a bit sticky. We were being developed during an internship at another church. During the last few months of gathering people and resources before launching, another pastor from the same church decided to plant a church in the opposite direction. This took several people and finances with it. We launched a lot smaller than we would like and are just now where I would have liked to have been a year ago.

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

Our biggest challenges include finances and people. We are in a very unchurched area of St. Louis. Gathering Christians to move here was nearly impossible. Finding Christians that live here is tough as well. Because those whom we are reaching and who are plugging in are brand new Christians are previously "de-churched" giving is a discipline that we are having to teach.

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

I talked to a few friends about God's call to plant and they directed me to the site. I began to attend local regionals here in St. Louis. The biggest benefits have been the challenge to excellence. Different guys haven't always told me what I wanted to hear, but most of what they told me was needed.

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

Be ready to suffer. The years leading up to it are not easy. The days at the beginning are even tougher. Make sure your wife is 100% on board. If not, things would have been a nightmare. Find a church or churches long before you venture out to plant who believe in planting, will give money toward it and might even train you for a year or two. Being "not alone" is a big part of the need for planters.

How do you pastor your family? 

I pray with them, challenge them with Scripture. Ask questions about what God is teaching them through His Word and community. Recently we have been applying God's truth to our circumstances. Understanding that in the midst of chaos He brings peace. In the midst of trouble and trial He walks with us.

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

Confessions of a Reformission Rev. It was helpful before and has become even more helpful after.

How can we pray for you? 

My wife and I as we continue to learn what it means to lead and often feel very alone.

Church Profile: August Gate Church
Launch Date: August, 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

It is the vision of August Gate to be a Gospel-centered, missional church that loves God because of the Gospel, loves people toward the Gospel and restores the city with the Gospel.

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

We believe that God has created everyone for community and that if we are not in community we will suffer and the body at large will suffer. This includes giving to the mission, serving in the mission and bringing your personality and gifts to the floor to be used as God and the leaders see fit. At August Gate we encourage everyone to explore their natural and spiritual gifts and to find ways to use them for God's glory and the gospel mission. We encourage everyone to be involved in a small group because we believe that until we are maturing as Christians, we won't be effective missionaries. But as we grow in community and the effects of the gospel, we are equipped for mission.

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

God is making connections that we could never make on our own. People are coming to August Gate by what seems like random chance but are finding God meet them there with exactly what they need in both community and His Word.