Mercy Hill Presbyterian | Glassboro, NJ

• Phil Henry
• Sep 24, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

Polly and I began to dream about planting a church in 1999, but God made it clear we weren't ready and needed more pastoral experience and health in our marriage and family. Phil was called to a church plant in 2003 and in 2006 resigned that role to prepare to plant a church in the suburbs of Tucson, Arizona. But God closed that door and made it clear that they would do this work in the suburbs of Philadelphia, on the opposite side of the country, in an area they had very little family and no experience. Since moving in 2009, the Henrys have been amazed to see God raise up a support team for Mercy Hill and a core group that is committed to gathering the lost into Christian community by the power of the Gospel.

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

In the first year, I met as many people as I could, both believers and non-believers, and continually sought support from local congregations, seeing them as partners (not competitors) and learning from how God was already at work here in this area. We have also not shied away from asking hard questions about our methods (flexible) so that our mission (inflexible) can be accomplished.

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

For us as a family of 8, moving across the country to a place that is as closed as South Jersey is was a huge initial challenge. But it is so shocking to most people we meet that we actually moved here to start a new church that it opens huge doors of gospel conversations even now, two years on the field. Another obstacle we've faced are costs in New Jersey--we knew they would be high; but they have been even higher than we realized. Another obstacle has been gathering a core of Christians (believers and new believers) who are committed to living out their faith in an everyday Gospel, local-mission-minded way. Finally, we've faced the obstacle of unbelief: did God really call us here? Can He really do what we thought He told us He wanted us to do? That has forced us to pray for our lives, and trust deeply in God's power.

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

My first bootcamp was Seattle 2007. I was referred there by a mentor pastor of mine and through that experience realized that this was a network that could provide me the relational and missional support with a focus on the Gospel that I lacked in my denominational context. Those two benefits continue to be a huge help to me, along with the personal concern men have for my own soul and family.

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

Check your motives; are you doing this for your own glory? Do you believe God is able to work through your weaknesses, or have you been beguiled to think he'll work through your strengths? Also, are you planting for a day or a year or are you planting a covenant community that will last for generations? Do you have what it takes (by God's grace) to hang in for the long haul?

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

Pray. Read your Bible. Love your wife. Plant the church around your family (not the other way around). Don't stress too much because when the thing you're stressed about is resolved or solved, another "thing" will pop up. So buckle your Gospel seat belt and enjoy the ride.

How do you pastor your family?

I limit my evenings out. We sit down as a worshipping family before kids leave for school in the morning. I date my wife every week. We spend time listening to our kids hearts, and not just telling them what to do. We recognize the special pressures they face and try to compensate with other graces and gifts along the way. I pray for them every day; we pray for them together. Also, I tuck them in every night (the littler ones).

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

Gospel in a Pluralistic Society by Lesslie Newbigin

Church Profile: Mercy Hill Presbyterian Church
Launch Date: September 2011
Location: Glassboro, NJ

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Mercy Hill is a new congregation in South Jersey committed to reaching the lost through authentic Christian living as we build Christ-centered families, share lives in biblical community, and show practical expressions of mercy in our towns.

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

Last week Brian professed faith in Jesus for the first time. He wants to be baptized; he and his girlfriend want to join our church; and he's interested in leadership. This was the fruit of a whole string of answered prayers. God is amazing.

How can we pray for you?

Pray for me that I'll love my family more than anything else besides Jesus. Also pray that I'll be disciplined in the work of this unique ministry and not become overwhelmed, unbelieving, or careless.