OasisHD | Hesperia, CA

• Vinnie Hanke
• Feb 23, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I fel the the call to lead Oasis church very early on in my role as associate pastor, luckily I had a lead pastor who recognized God's call in my life and took the time to teach train and eventually transition me into the leader I am today. I have a great desire to love God and serve his people and my role at Oasis allows me to have huge opportunities to live this out.

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

We are an established church that went through a replant phase over the last three years. I would recommend to those gathering a core that you start with like minded christians and new disciples you can train and teach. We found that it is much easier to teach someone who is brand new, than to reteach those "in" the church who have their own vision for how the "church" should look.

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

Our biggest challenge as a church is keeping the mission the main thing in our ministry. As we have grown we have had the tendency to become inward focused. We need to break this habit and keep our focus on mission.

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

I became involved with Acts 29 through my dear friend and mentor Jeff Ludington. He applied and was approved originally at Oasis and before moving on to replant in Long Beach introduced me to the network. The biggest benefit to the network for me has been the community of like minded brothers. The grace and love that lived through my application and assessment really cemented my affection for Acts29.

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

I would counsel them to seek their primary motivation. Is it a love for God and his kingdom that compels them? I would then encourage them to make sure their spouse is on board with the call to plant.

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

To make the gospel the main thing in planting. His rootedness in it is essential. It keeps us from getting to high when things go well, and from getting to low when things don't pan out.

How do you pastor your family?

We ave family dinner night around the table together. This has been huge. We share about our day and find ways to apply the work of Jesus to our experience. We have family bible time and husband and wife church night where we turn off the TV and connect with each other through study, prayer and communication time.

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

Total church by Steve Timmis

Church Profile: OasisHD
Location: Hesperia, CA

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

OasisHD is a church being changed by the gospel, living in community and going on mission.

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

On my own life the incredible gift of my family. God has given me a tremendous blessing in my wife and son and soon to be daughter.

In the life of our church the redemption of broken people by the gospel. We have one couple right now that came into our church last summer living together with their children, still battling addiction and rage in their relationship, next month we see them get married and baptized on the same day.

How can we pray for you?

Pray for my wife Sherri as she is 8 months pregnant and ready to go! For the burden of leadership I feel, that I may trust God with his church.