Lumen Deo | Prescott, AZ

• Jon Wolfinger
• Sep 28, 2012
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

Being born, raised and saved in Prescott, I have always had a love for the city and it's people. God called me into vocational ministry in 2003 where I was blessed to serve as a janitor and eventually as a Youth/Assistant Pastor for several years. The Lord began to stir my heart and my wife's heart towards church planting and we began praying towards a church plant in the downtown Prescott area in 2011. Stepping out and going the bi-vocational route has had its rewards and challenges yet through them, God has been so faithful to provide in all aspects and is building His church. We began a gospel community in January 2012 and launched our worship gatherings on August 5th, 2012.

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

We started with one other couple and went through "The Gospel Centered Life" by Bob Thune and Will Walker. It set up the vision for what we wanted to do and become. From there, we started a gospel community and invited in family and friends that had a heart for the mission. As that grew and we looked toward launching a regular vision gathering, we did a series of vision gatherings to cast the vision, mission, and values of the plant from the beginning. It was through that season that we sought to clarify and solidify the vision that God had given us for Lumen Deo and answer any questions that people had.

The advice I would give in gathering a core is seek to invest in people and relationships rather than using them to reach a numeric goal. Communicate the vision often and stay faithful to what God has called you and continually pray that He would bring the right people at the right time.

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

The application and assessment process was strongly recommended by a friend who had gone through it himself. The biggest benefits of being in the network have been the gospel coaching, accountability, and wisdom that I have received from the pastors in my region.

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

Pray. Pray. Then pray some more. Invest yourself and serve in the local church in some capacity. Stay as long and learn as much as you can. Submit yourself to other leaders and ask if they too see the call of God on your life. Pray some more after that.

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

Keep your eyes on Jesus and stay centered on the gospel. I was told "Know who you are. Be yourself. Forget Yourself." I've found that to incredibly helpful and freeing.

How do you pastor your family in the midst of starting a church?

It takes constant communication and intentionality to lead my family well through planting a church. There has to be humility on my part to allow my wife to speak into my life and ministry and to let me know where I may not be shepherding our family well. When I am with my family, I try to be present with my family. This means, there are times when I'm home that I need to put the phone, email, blogs, and books away to focus on the first priority that God has given me (my family). I strive to love my wife well, to pray for her and for our boys and to point them to Jesus daily.

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

Church Planter by Darrin Patrick

Total Church by Steve Timmis and Tim Chester

Church Profile: Lumen Deo
Launch Date: August 2012
Location: Prescott, AZ

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Mission: As a community of Christ-followers, we desire to join in the mission of God by bringing illumination to the people and cities of the world through the gospel of Jesus and in turn, making and multiplying His disciples.

Vision: We exist to see Jesus illuminate and reorient all people toward gospel-centered lives. Our heart is to see the city of Prescott renewed through His people, on His mission, for His glory.

Values: Gospel Centered Lives, Gospel Centered Community, Gospel Centered Mission

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

God's grace and provision in my life personally as well as Lumen Deo has been humbling. There has been abundant grace in being able to meet for worship gatherings in a historic church in the heart of downtown Prescott with great favor from their leadership team. God has brought some of our co-workers and neighbors to Himself through the church plant and is continuing to draw people from all walks of life to Jesus. 

How can we pray for you?

Please pray:

That I would be faithful to Jesus, my family, and the church he has called me to lead with my time, efforts, and energy.
For increased effectiveness in discipleship and leadership training.
For continued favor with the church we are leasing our gathering space from.
That the Lord will provide internal elders and additional leaders.
For financial provision for equipment, resources and eventual staffing.
That God would continue to save and bring many to himself through Lumen Deo and other gospel-centered churches in our area.
That the wonderful name of JESUS will be lifted high.