Church at Martinsburg | Martinsburg, WV

• Jacob Atchley
• Jun 2, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

After becoming a Christian at age 16 I quickly felt a call to start sharing the Gospel. That call developed over the years and entering college I felt led to plant churches internationally. After some coaching and challenging comments from an A29 planter I really felt the need and desire to plant within the states.

The coaching I received during the formative process of my call to plant here in the states was crucial. I can't thank that guy enough for investing in me and pushing me to really discover what it was that God was calling me to give me life to.

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

My wife and I moved to the area knowing some people. Of the people we knew only one couple was for committed to planting with us. That was a great for us. Challenged our faith and really forced us into living in such a way we interacted with our community.

From that first family we just started sharing what God was doing and started sharing the Gospel. Week after week new people came along and the Gospel has been planted and replanted weekly.

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

The biggest challenge I faced personally was just figuring out what I was supposed to be doing day by day. When you just start it's a bit overwhelming. Figuring out the rhythms of a schedule was challenging after coming out of a structured environment, but it forced me to rely upon the Spirit's leading.

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

I became involved with an A29 planter in January of 2008 at the beginning of an academic program in Wake Forest, NC. He challenged me in ways I wasn't prepared for, but it was one of the most fruitful processes of my life!

The coaching relationships have been the greatest benefit to me personally. I was initially and continue to be pleased with the strong connection between theology and practice that A29 moves its planters toward.

Additionally, I have grown as a husband and father during my time of interaction with A29. This has to be one of the greatest gifts A29 has offered to my family.

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

Make sure you're called. If you're not, don't do it. It will kill you and the relationships in your life.

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

Make sure you're called. If you're not, don't do it. It will kill you and the relationships in your life.

How do you pastor your family?

Time with purpose. For my wife it's studying her and how she learns and grows and then trying to meet her there. For my kids right now they are young and we are introducing the Gospel to them. Right now...Gospel from the ground. Dad's pastor their kids at the stage their kids are. For me at this point that means lots of floor time, wrestling, coloring, and stories; all fertile ground for Gospel infusion.

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

Practical - Starting a New Church, Ralph Moore | Motivational - Diarys of David Brainerd

Church Profile: The Church at Martinsburg
Launch Date: March 2009
Location: Martinsburg, WV

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

The Church at Martinsburg exists to proclaim the Gospel and reach those far from God.

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

Marriage and my kids.

Seeing my family come to Christ. Seeing families in the last two years fall apart and be put back together. Watching young men follow Christ to the ends of the earth. Sharing the Gospel on a boat in India and washing the feet of new believers and saints who have been faithful longer than I've been alive.

Baptizing people inside of a movie theatre. Seeing crackheads turn into Gospel singers. Watching single moms be taken care of regularly.

How can we pray for you?

Pray that we stay focused on our mission and that we can really plant churches in the next year. Pray for men to be raised up and for churches to be planted. We are looking at planting a campus and church this year.