Oasis Covenant | Easton, MD

• Eric Olson
• May 5, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

If you read the story of Jonah asked to preach at Ninevah, you get the idea. Not that I didn't love the people in our community, but more I wanted to plant anywhere but here.

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

We started off as a small group having a Bible study on Sunday nights. I think I could be the model of what not to do in building up the core. I would encourage to know you have heard God call you to plant, then never look back.

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

For me, it was initially knowing that it was God's will to plant the Church. Now it is helping many new believers get planted in community and abide in the teachings of Jesus.

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

I read about what God was doing in the Network and enjoyed the articles written by the church planters. I felt I could relate to their struggles and wanted to be part. I really enjoyed Boot Camp and continuing some of the relationships I began while attending.

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

Know that you have heard from God, and seek out good men to stand with you.

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

Do not do it if you think it is a manly thing to do. It will humble you to your core. But isn't that what the gospel is intended to do?

How do you pastor your family?

We enjoy having family discussions about the Bible together and hearing the heart of our children. The kids love the church and are learning about the struggles that people face in this life.

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

The Trellis and the Vine

Church Profile: Oasis Covenant Church
Launch Date: Easter 2007
Location: Easton, MD

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Our vision at Oasis Covenant Fellowship is to build a missional community of gospel-centered people.

Our church exists to proclaim the mercy and grace found in the good news of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. We seek to carry out this vision in two ways:

• by actively pursuing the ongoing transformation of our own lives by the grace of God found in the gospel, and
• by actively proclaiming the gospel in our community to those who do not believe.

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

Personally, the greatest evidence of grace in my life has been the way God has given me a heart for loving the Church. There was a time that I only loved part of the church, but now I love every part of the body. That is a tremendous change for me.

Our church has had many stories of redemption. The most exciting example for me is to watch community groups missionally reach out to their communities. Also, the willingness of people to walk in forgiveness with one another.

How can we pray for you?

Please pray that I will never forsake spending personal time with Jesus and my family. Especially that devotions would not be tied to sermon prep.