Crosstown | Oklahoma City, OK

• Ben Janssen
• Jan 7, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

In September 2006 I attended the Desiring God National Conference and heard Tim Keller speak about evangelism in a postmodern world. His theology of the city led me to consider for the first time planting a church in an urban area.

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

Moved in to the neighborhood. Starting meeting neighbors and inviting them to our house. Joined the Acts 29 Network. Many of our core found us that way.

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

Raising leaders. Trying not to do too much but deciding to focus on things that were most important.

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

I desired coaching and theological identity, and that's why I joined the Network. The biggest benefits have been the City and core group members finding us because of our A29 affiliation.

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

Get assessed by A29.

How do you pastor your family?

Lead my kids through the Westminster shorter catechism (Starr Meade's book, Training Hearts Teaching Minds). My wife and I make "couch time" in the evenings to communicate and pray together.

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

Total Church

Church Profile: Crosstown
Launch Date: September 12, 2010
Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Our mission is to reach and mature God’s people by proclaiming Jesus and serving the city (Col 1:28).

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

We model our "Missional Families" around the Soma Communities paradigm (go to Soma School!!!). This means we do evangelism as a community of "Missional Families" by living the ordinary rhythms of life with gospel intentionality.

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

God has given us the privilege of ministering in a socio-economically diverse area, which is a great picture of the unifying power of the gospel. Though we are new to this, it is exciting (and challenging) to see what God is teaching us.

How can we pray for you?

Pray that we will stay focused on our mission of making disciples by proclaiming the gospel faithfully and by serving our community well.