Epic Faith | San Rafael, CA

• Allen Coleman
• Jan 21, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

My current call is a church “re-plant”. I’ve been asked to come in and be part of the turn around of a nearly-dead church. I was part of a church-plant for several years that, by God's grace, resulted in a church of about 700.

I then became part of an established church as their student ministries pastor. During this time, I would make statements like “I have one more good church plant in me”. After a period at this church, leaders and friends all confirmed the calling that I knew was true....I was to lead and plant a church.

Through that period of investigation, God gave me a missional calling to Northern California and specifically Marin. Despite the risk in leaving the safety and comfort of an established “large-church”, I've seen God affirm this call in my family. My wife knows beyond any doubt that God has called us to this. This decision was (a can only) be made with her full support and affirmed calling.

She has a missional calling to the region, just like her pain-in-the-butt husband. Go figure....

We want to see a resurgence of Gospel-centered churches in Northern California. Marin is the epicenter of post-church america (read the American Church in Crisis) and God has called us this mission field. Marin is full of churches that preach heresy and complacency unabashedly. Orthodoxy has died here, and thus, transformation of the culture has, as well.

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

Re-planting involves making changes to current mission, doctrine and preferences. Rather than a blank slate, vision must be cast into a group of people whose heart is to see their church come back to life. Despite this desire, the dying to preferences and sacred cows is still very much a reality that involves a good sense of timing and discernment.

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

Re-planting involves making changes to current mission, doctrine and preferences. Rather than a blank slate, vision must be cast into a group of people whose heart is to see their church come back to life. Despite this desire, the dying to preferences and sacred cows is still very much a reality that involves a good sense of timing and discernment.

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

I was turned onto to A29 as I investigated doctrine and missiology. This investigation led me to A29 for accountability, encouragement, coaching and resources. A29 ensures that I keep replication at the front of our DNA and mission.

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

Get assessed and affirmed by men who have been their before. Do not make this decision in vacuum or only seeking affirmation from people who "want" to see you plant.

Also, do not wait too long to organize biblical leadership.

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

Accountability...coaching...accountability...coaching. We CANNOT do this alone, and sadly, this is how many planters proceed much of the time.

How do you pastor your family?

We live by a motto (my wife and I):
"Our home get's the best, not the worst".

In other words, my wife and kids must get the best of me, not the leftovers. The best of my teaching, the best of my counseling, the best of dialogue, the best of my time, the best of my patience, the best of my joy and the best of my energy.

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

Biblical Eldership

Church Profile: Epic Faith
Launch Date: January 2010
Location: San Rafael, CA

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Epic Faith is an inter-denominational, Christian church located in Marin County, CA. Our mission is to engage our culture, make disciples, and plant churches. We do this as missionaries sent by Jesus, a city within a city, contending for what we believe. We seek to display the glory of God by our faithfulness to Him, His Word, and His people.

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

We have needed many leaders and positions filled to make this work. Otherwise, my family and myself would have been exhausted by doing everything.

We were BLOWN AWAY how EVERY SINGLE position was filled because we got on our knees. Rather than only strategy, or only planning...we placed our greatest emphasis on prayer and God brought us leaders and volunteers in supernatural ways.

How can we pray for you?

I sustained a recent (and potentially lifetime) injury to my arm. It impacts writing, typing and life in general as I am in constant pain.