Redemption City | Boston, MA

• Juan Maclean
• Oct 9, 2012
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

My call to plant a church began after college.  In short, I wanted to pursue ministry in an urban context where there was cultural diversity and influence.  In addition I wanted to minister in a context where there was a need for churches to be planted.  After much prayer and personal visits God began drawing my heart towards Boston.  My wife and I fell in  love with the city and the people of the city the very first time we visited.  I believed this to be God's calling and began pursuing that by pursuing further theological training in seminary and plugging away deeply in the context of the local church.  God confirmed the call through an extensive examination of my life and calling through the elders of my church.  As well as the input and advice from other Godly men.  I am now in Boston and excited about what God is doing here.

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

God built our core group!!  Thats not to sound super spiritual but all of our friends and people interested in helping us plant the church dropped out when the mix of cost of living and distance from home got to them.  In hindsight i'm glad it worked out the way it did.  Still we ended up moving to Boston with one single girl and 2 young married couples.  Prior to moving to Boston we were not friends with the 2 married couples .  We met because of mutual friends.  They heard about us planting a church in Boston and wanted to hear the vision.  I shared with them God's calling to plant a church and then went on to proceed to tell them that Boston is an incredibly hard and difficult place to church plant.  I tried to paint such a bad picture for them so that if they chose to come to Boston it was because Jesus told them to.  I did not want to play the role of the Holy Spirit and try to give them a romantic idea of ministry.  Both couples visited Boston with us, came home, and told us they were broken over the lostness of man, and committed themselves to plant the church.  I am glad to report they are here, and babies are on the way!!!  Our single girl was engaged and recently married.  She moved to Washington DC where her husband is part of a good local church that will be sending them to India. 

Advice - pray for the people God wants to help you plant the church not the people you want.  And make sure you don't play the role of the Holy Spirit.  Church planting is a huge commitment and sacrifice - make sure its Jesus calling them not you.

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

I heard about it back in 2004 and have followed it since. I love its commitment to cultural engagement and robust biblical convictions. The brotherhood is priceless!

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

...train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:7-16 ESV)

How do you pastor your family in the midst of starting a church?

 - Schedule Weekly/Monthly Rhythms with and for the Family: i.e. date nights , dinner with the family (at least 3-4 times a week), days off with the family.
- Pray with and for your wife.  Pray with and for your children
- Practice mission and hospitality as a family
- Repent and confess for messing up.  Especially when it seems like you love your church more than your family. 

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

- The Life of God in the Soul of Man (Henry Scougal)
- Anything Tim Keller
- Chapter 1 of Confessions of a Reformissional Rev (makes me smile and tear up when I need encouragement)
- Total Church - Steve Timmis

Church Profile: Redemption City Church
Launch Date: January 2012
Location: Boston, MA

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

MISSION

We exist to make disciples, who live for the glory of God and the good of the city

VISION

Our desire is to be a movement of Jesus that brings about a personal, spiritual, and cultural awakening in the city of Boston. We hope to do this through people who love and follow Jesus and who help others to do the same. We believe this can be accomplished only by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as we live out the foundations that uniquely define our community.

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

- Young Christians really beginning to grasp the gospel in how they live life in the city
- Incredible growing and favorable relationships with non-Christians inside and outside of our community gatherings
- There seems to be a genuine love and eager anticipation for God's Kingdom to grow in Boston
- Church is growing by God's grace

How can we pray for you?

Please pray for me to have wisdom to lead God's people and God's mission.  I feel completely overwhelmed and aware of my shortcomings.  Pray that God's power and grace sustain me and with Paul  say that I have run my race.

Also pray that I would love my family well.  The boys are growing up and know when dad is not around.  I want to make sure that my kids don't hate Jesus or the church because of me.  Pray I do well.