New Valley Church | Phoenix, AZ

• Scott Brown
• Jan 14, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

In 1990 I heard Bill Hybels talk about his experience in planting Willow Creek Church. His passion for how God desires to use the local church not only helped solidify my calling to be a pastor, but to plant a church. This passion and sense of calling to plant a church lasted throughout seminary and during my ministry as an associate pastor. In 2002 Becky and I attended the PCA's assessment center for church planting in Atlanta. That experience gave us confidence that God was calling us to plant and this was significant for my wife. She knew I was called, but after that experience she began to sense her calling as well.

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

We moved to Phoenix in June of 2003 and because we didn't know anyone in the city, this phase was an enormous test of faith. I spent most of my days praying and networking with anyone who would listen to me. Becky and I worked out at the same gym everyday. I went to the same coffee shops regularly, met with pastors, coached soccer, got involved in our kid's elementary school etc. We began a missional community in our home on Wednesday nights and studied Galatians together using Tim Keller's study. This allowed us to lay a gospel centered foundation. That group began with neighbors we had met (most of which were unchurched) and a mix of Christians we had met in a variety of places. When we moved to Phoenix three other people moved with us from the Midwest, and they were networking as well.

The main advice I have for this stage is to make prayer your main priority because you truly are utterly dependent upon the work of the Spirit. People would always ask me, "how are you going to start a church when you don't know anyone?" I would always say, "I really don't know." I had my plans, but unless God moved we were doomed to fail.

I would also be patient in this stage to not start worship services too early. The beginning phase of a church plant is so critical in terms of creating culture and being on mission together. When you start services too early, you miss the opportunity to lay the proper foundation with your leaders.

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

Me

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

My involvement with Acs29 began with my relationships with a small group of brothers here in Phoenix (Chris Gonzales, Vermon Pierre, Luke Simmons, Justin Anderson, and Tyler Johnson). We began to meet for lunch several years ago to talk about the gospel and church planting. While I am just now joining, the relationships with these men in Acts 29 have been so encouraging and that has been the greatest benefit.

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

Start a missional community from scratch and see how it goes. If you sense a call but no one else "agrees" with you, then you probably aren't called. People will "agree" with you by following your leadership.

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

Jesus must be your Lord and Savior (identity) not the relative success or failure of your church.

I recently heard a seasoned pastor say, "Don't over-estimate your own importance but don't underestimate your uniqueness."

How do you pastor your family?

I pray with my wife each night and I meet with my boys one-on-one for discipleship. I have recently been taking my 13 year old through Gospel Centered Life.

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

The Redeemer Churh Planting manual.

Church Profile: New Valley Church
Launch Date: October 2004
Location: Phoenix, AZ

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

We believe the gospel changes everything and anyone.

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

This past week I was reminded of how much I need the gospel. While preparing my sermon on 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 I was struck how sweet it is that Jesus was afflicted so that I could be comforted. On the cross he got everything I deserved so that I could get everything he deserves! Awesome.

How can we pray for you?

Please pray for New Valley as we seek to raise up leaders for church planting and missional communities.