Reston Community | Reston, VA

• Matt Morgan
• Feb 25, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

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

One of the largest challenges that we face here in the Metro DC area is the transience that is so prevalent. People that don’t settle down here or that aren’t native typically stick around for about 2 years. As we seek to minister in this context we have to constantly keep this in mind. This affects discipleship strategies, leadership development, and really everything else.

We are realizing the importance of being very intentional about raising up new leaders. The transience of this area creates a fairly constant need for new people to step up. We are also seeking to model true community in our church as this tends to be a missing component in transient communities.

We are also finding that this area has deep Catholic roots that has produced a religious culture that is often devoid of the gospel, and is centered more on works based salvation. It is not strange to see couples taking turns bringing their children to church to check it off the religious box. Sharing Christ in this context is a challenge.

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

I heard about a29 through Mark Driscoll’s ministry and books, and then through some friends who were a part of the network. I was so excited about the vision of the network and was encouraged that I had found a good fit for me culturally and theologically.

The biggest benefit has been the network of pastors that has emerged around me. There is such a sense of encouragement, accountability and brotherhood in a29. This has been evident from the very beginning.

I have also really benefited from the formal coaching that I have received in the network. My coach cheered me on, and challenged me through out our time. Having another voice speak into the processes and strategies in our church has been invaluable.

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

Love Jesus more than your platform or your dream and don’t plant until that is firmly settled in your heart.

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

Love Jesus more than church. Really love Jesus more than your platform or your ministry. Those are hard idols to kill, but will take you out of the game quicker than you would expect.

Then love your family well. Cheat on the church for your family...not the other way around. Everyone says loving God and loving your family is most important. They say it for good reason. Don’t skimp in this area.

How do you pastor your family?

This is a constant challenge that I am evaluating continually and deeply depending on God’s grace for. The first thing that I do is make time for my family. I am fiercely protective of my day off and keep my nights out to a minimum and generally seek to be present with them. This is especially important with 4 children seven years old and younger.

My wife and I really seek to keep conversations about what God is doing in our lives a normal part of our marriage and with our children. We pray together, and with our kids often. We are seeking to model a relationship with God that is not compartmentalized to a time of day or a day of the week. My wife and I frequently talk about how we can grow and adjust in this area.

Most nights we read scripture and pray together with the kids. Sometimes we like to break that routine and break out the guitar and sing and dance. My heart is that we would not simply teach our kids about Jesus, but that they would learn to enjoy Him as well.

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

Church Planter - Darrin Patrick

Church Profile: Reston Community Church
Launch Date: September 11, 2011
Location: Reston, VA

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

RCC exists to see the gospel have an irreplaceable impact in spiritual and tangible ways through our lives in our community.

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

The biggest example of grace for me personally in this journey has been in the men and women that God has gathered around me in this mission. My wife and kids are a constant source of joy. They are so supportive and involved in our mission here in Reston. I am deeply blessed.

I also have a great team of volunteer leaders at RCC. They give so sacrificially and are incredible models of Christlike servant leadership.

Our church has seen God’s grace powerfully in our recent move. We changed locations to a school in the poorest part of our city. This was a move that we felt strongly the Spirit was leading us to make and it was to a neighborhood that we felt strongly he was leading us to. Not only did He provide that location in the neighborhood we had been praying for, but in the few months that we have been there He has opened tremendous missional opportunities.

How can we pray for you?

Pray for my heart. Our progress has been slower than I had expected and this has proved to be tough soil. My desire is that Jesus would be my greatest delight, and that He would be sufficient for me as we work hard to bring the gospel here to Reston.