Restoration Church | Port Orange, FL

• Anthony Orzo
• Oct 30, 2012
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

In a nutshell, God led me to plant after a difficult 9 years serving churches with a much different idea about what we though Christ's church should be. The catalyst for me was attempting to "revitalize" a dying church in Metro New Orleans. That experience solidified I was being led to plant. I was on the verge of wanting to teach History and quit the ministry because of the those experiences, however God in his Grace gave me the opportunity to plant and in doing so restored my hope and confidence in the work of the Church. I am forever grateful for his mercy in my life in this area.

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

I took roughly 35 people from the church that helped start us. Out of those 35 I identified and regularly developed 8 to lead the major ministries in our church. We spent 6 months doing theological, methodological, vision and values training. I would strongly urge all planters to treat their core like gold and develop them in such a way so they are equipped to change their world...because that's exactly what God wants to do in them. Our church would not be where it is today without these amazing people. To this day I still coach those leaders as well as others. The bottom line is that leadership development is crucial.

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

Even though we have a great and healthy story I find it all too easy to find my identity in my church and not Jesus.

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

Know that the greatest hope for our world is found in men who are willing to step up and carry on the Redemptive Mission Christ left us through church planting until his return. Then ask yourself if you're asking for God's Grace and disciplining your life to be that kind of man. If not, ask God to show you why not and surround yourself with trustworthy counsel of those who have proven Godly character to help you along the way.

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

Make sure you keep Jesus on the throne of your heart as you plant. I have found that the blessing and challenges of planting a  church will send the human heart (as Calvin Says which are expert in making idols from birth) into overdrive. Ironically, so many things will seek to keep you from Jesus as you commit your life to leading others to Him. Learn to love and trust him more deeply and persevere...because God has already promised you that you will. His church is moving forward and we have the privilege of moving with Him.

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

My family acknowledged that there would be a season where more of my time would be required to help launch Restoration. By more time I do not mean I was negligent in my duties, however we were realistic that the early inertia of launching would place greater demands on our family. We prayed for God's Grace through that time and set a "hard date" for when we would resume a more normal pattern for living. This was a huge help for us as it laid out realistic expectations.

Also, it's important to remember that the call to pastor your family is truly a call within a call. A special and unique privilege that God has given has solely given to us. Many churches have multiple pastors...but our families are only supposed to have one husband/father...so we should aim to treat them with that in mind.

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

Stetzer's Planting Missional Churches was a life changer for me when I read it many years ago. Also, I enjoyed Randy Pope's, "The Intentional Church" as it laid out some good guidelines for healthy polity.

Church Profile: Restoration Church Port Orange
Launch Date: October 2010
Location: Port Orange, FL

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

We deeply desire to bring physical, spiritual and cultural renewal to our community and larger world through planting Gospel-Centered churches. We actively labor to see people restored to God and each other.

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

This past year we have personally experienced God's Grace in our lives and church as he has continued to grow and deepen Restoration's roots in Port Orange. On a personal level he has been so good to us in helping us to bring pour adopted daughter home from China and putting us amongst a great group of believers who have helped us to bear the burden of my son's recent Type-1 Diabetes Daignosis.

How can we pray for you?

For continued strength, and protection from evil as I seek to be a more loving Husband, father and more effective leader of God's church at Restoration.