New City Church | Kansas City, MO

• Ryan Pelton
• Mar 1, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

My wife and I moved to Kansas City in June of 2009 with essentially no contacts. We began meeting neighbors and anyone who would talk with us about our vision for a gospel-centered church in urban Kansas City. My call to plant began in 2004 while serving as a youth pastor in California. We moved to the midwest to attend seminary and our hearts grew for this area of the country. Through a friend from seminary we were invited to consider Kansas City for ministry. We fell in love with the city and sensed the Lord's leading to plant in this region. I resigned from serving as a pastor in Colorado and moved the family to KC in 2009. We are now in the middle of the adventure as we launched September 26, 2010.

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

Met neighbors, had parties, had info meetings in our home and at the public library, went to meetings in our community. Hung out in coffee shops and other public places. Met with some pastors in our city and some college ministries. Got connected with another A29 church who allowed me to recruit people for our plant.

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

People come in with all kinds of views on God, the gospel, and the church. We are in a "Bible-Beltish" culture with some heavy catholic influence. The challenge is to help them see what the scriptures teach us about God, the gospel, and the mission. Not what they think it is or should be. Finances are always a challenge as we have non-Christians, new Christians, and are small and growing.

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

Followed the movement for a few years. Was looking for a network that was strong in reformed theology yet missisonal in its ecclesiology and focus. I got connected with Kevin Cawley in KC (Redeemer Fellowship) who encouraged me to pursue the network. The biggest benefits is to have men who are in the same boat of planting, love Jesus, and can be leaned on for help, wisdom, and prayer. It is also great to know despite being in different contexts we all share a common passion for the gospel and for the mission of Jesus in the world.

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

Make sure you are called to it. Don't do it because you are young and arrogant and can do it better than everyone else. Plant to glorify Jesus -not for selfish gain.

How do you pastor your family?

We spend time in prayer and Bible reading as a family. We have candid conversations of what God is teaching us and where we need to repent and seek Jesus.

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

Tim Keller's - Church Planting Manual

Church Profile: New City Church
Launch Date: September 2010
Location: Kansas City, MO

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

MIssion: New City Church exists to be a gospel-centered community who is learning to love God, love our neighbor, and be a blessing to our city in Jesus name.

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

God continues to show my need for him in all things. He has provided for us and our church in more ways than I can count (finances, people, salvation, etc.). One particular grace is I don't need ministry or a successful church to have hope, love, and identity in Jesus. That has been good for my soul.

How can we pray for you?

Pray for humble faithfulness to keep going when times are hard.