Grace Fellowship | Saskatoon, Canada

• Murray McLellan
• May 13, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church 

"I'll go down into the well; if you hold the ropes." This is what William Carey said to his friends in England as he considered the need in the land of India for Christ and his glorious gospel. Where I grew up in rural Saskatchewan, there is town after town without any Bible believing church at all. It wasn't until moving to a different area of the province that I heard the gospel for the first time at age 24. For years, the small church in which I came to serve as pastor prayed that God might raise up and send out labourers to plant Christ-centered churches in our province and beyond. One day, it dawned on us that perhaps God was calling us to be the means through which he would answer our own prayer. I determined I would go down the well. My wife and I sold our home and moved to the city of Saskatoon. Saskatoon is our provinces largest city and being centrally located in our province makes it the strategic centre from which we hope to begin to impact our community and from there continue to diffuse the fragrance of the knowledge of God and his amazing salvation in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

We definitely have some challenges as we seek to be used of Jesus to establish a church-planting church in the city with a desire to expand across the prairies. First, when reaching out to the lost and unchurched, it takes time to raise up and train leaders. We now have 2 interns and these godly young men are helping to provide that team leadership that we need. I am looking forward to the day when we can appoint some elders to share in the shepherding. Secondly, I am still working to support myself for the most part. That really puts a premium on time on the time available as I seek to love and shepherd my family, prepare messages and resources, and network in our community. I am still praying for a church-planter or two to join with me here in Saskatoon!

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

Passionately pursue intimacy with God. Find your identity in the gospel of Jesus. Serve and make disciples where you are at. Seek the wisdom of others.

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

I heard of Acts 29 while listening to a conference message by Mark Driscoll. Since our small independent church had already determined to church plant in Saskatoon, I felt it was wise to connect with other like-minded churches. The Jesus-exalting, gospel-centered focus of Acts 29 drew me in. It was a network that provided the perfect fit for what we desired to be as a church.

How do you pastor your family? 

As "empty nesters" my wife and I enjoy our relationship with Jesus and one another - humbled by and amazed in the God of grace.

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

God has placed a number of helpful books and resources in my hands over the years from the likes of Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll, John Piper, and others. One of the most helpful was the book, "Total Church" by Steve Timmis and Tim Chester.

How can we pray for you?

“…Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Being the only elder here at Grace Fellowship – and a tent-maker at that - I am keenly aware of my weaknesses and how easy it is to be spread thin. My earnest prayer is that God may lay the city of Saskatoon and the province of Saskatchewan on the heart of some gifted men who have a heart for Jesus, His gospel, and church planting to physically join us to be part of the mission in either a lead role or to serve alongside us in some capacity. If that is you or if you know of someone who might be a fit for us, I would love to talk about the possibilities.

Church Profile: Grace Fellowship
Launch Date: January, 2008
Location: Saskatoon, Canada

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Grace Fellowship is a Christian community which exists for the glory of God - seeking to advance the joy and faith of others in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is your biblical perspective on authentic community, and evangelism? How is this practically seen in your church? 

The gospel of Jesus forms a new community and sends us out as that blood-bought community on gospel mission. Belonging to Jesus makes us family. It is who we are in Christ. Belonging to Jesus also makes us his ambassadors. We are sent ones to advance his cause in word and deed. We seek to freely offer Jesus Christ to all as the joyful news to be received "without money and without price" (Isa. 55:1). We earnestly exhort all to look away from themselves and embrace Christ, who died the sinner's death on the cross, for the forgiveness of sin and the satisfaction of the soul.

We desire that our enjoyment of Christ's gracious riches overflow in love that meets the needs of others.

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

God continually gives us so much more than we deserve. It is one of my greatest joys to see God-haters transformed by the gospel and the love of Christ. It truly is beholding the power of our God to bring the dead to life by his Spirit through his Word. Growth in numbers has been slow, but we have seen a number of people brought to, and transformed by, Jesus. He is worth it all.