Redeemer Pampa | Pampa, TX

• Jeremy Buck
• Sep 21, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

We are planting in my hometown which is going through a transition from an upper-middle class community to a lower-middle class community and having a huge influx of Hispanics. We've seen how God has uniquely and sovereignly prepared us for this task. We desire to see God transform lives and make all things new in a community we love and that has the potential to reach the Panhandle of Texas.

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

We built it through relationships we had already been pouring into and then we simply shared our story/calling/vision every opportunity we had and watched as God continued to bring interested people into our lives without us having to poach people. I would advise someone to make sure and overcommunicate your vision, goals, and heart because as you've wrestled, prayed, read, studied, etc. it has become crystal clear in your mind but others haven't had that privilege and will need to hear it more than once. Give them time to process all the new information.

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

We live in a very religious context that completely understands church splits but has no "hook to hang" church planting on. People see and hear that we are different but struggle with how a plant is truly different.

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

I became involved through Dusty Thompson and Redeemer Lubbock after we were introduced through a mutual friend. I was pretty unfamiliar with the network at that point but was immediately challenged and encouraged by the brotherhood, accountability, and focus on protecting your family. Those aren't just words that are thrown around but are serious commitments. I have been discipled, challenged, and encouraged more in the past year of involvement with Acts 29 than I had in several years prior.

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

Spend time with other men who've gone before you and make sure that your wife is intimately involved in the thought process, prayer, and decision to plant.

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

Enjoy the journey and don't get too far ahead of yourself by always looking ahead. Journal God's graciousness to you and the church plant from the beginning.

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

Total Church by Tim Chester

Church Profile: Redeemer Pampa
Launch Date: June 2011
Location: Pampa, TX

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

We desire to be a Gospel-Centered church that is simple, missional, generous, and reflective of our community.

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

God has been so gracious to allow us to be a part of this journey. We've seen Him provide financially for both us as a family and as a church body and He's given such a spirit of unity among our core.

How can we pray for you?

That we would see lives transformed as people "taste and see that the Lord is good."