River City Church | Chattanooga, TN

• Martin Scott
• May 21, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I'm an old dog learning new tricks and loving it! After 15 years in the political arena, Jesus called me to preach the gospel. In 2007 I began to preach, and that is when Jesus began to convict me of my own Pharisee-like behavior and attitude. I was a persecutor of the church, but I thought I was pleasing God with my zeal for religion. I railed against and ridiculed those who attempt to engage in cultural contextualization of the timeless truth of the gospel. To me, they were simply liberal. Jesus used RTS, Tim Keller, A29, and Mark Driscoll to knock me on my tail and show me the cross of Jesus up close. This gift is so good, and I want to give it to as many people as possible in my life. I must preach the gospel, and I am becoming all things to all men for the sake of seeing Jesus save them.

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

We are building our core by word of mouth with family and friends, and we have had a few come to us from the A29 website.

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

Location seems to be one of the biggest challenges for us right now, but it seems to be coming together.

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

When I was struggling with Jesus' call on my life to preach in the midst of a replant situation, God brought Leonce Crump, Pastor of Renovation in Atlanta, in my path. Long story short, Leonce told me about A29 while we were at a seminary class together. This network has provided accountability and the right balance of structure and creativity.

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

Go through the assessment process with Acts 29. Allow the Holy Spirit to confirm your call both internally and externally.

How do you pastor your family?

I pray for my family, and I continually pray that Jesus would make me an example of sincere devotion to him from the heart. Jane and I walk every day for an hour and listen to either a book or sermon on ipod. We gather almost daily for informal family devotions, usually at the dinner table or before bed. Jane and I try to be examples of grace in our children's lives by shepherding the heart and not managing the behavior.

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

Confessions of a Reformission Rev by Driscoll and Launch by Nelson Searcy

How can we pray for you?

We need Jesus. And we need to be reminded of that fact every day.

Church Profile: River City Church
Launch Date: September, 2010 (or sooner if we have a place)
Location: Chattanooga, TN

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

At River City we seek to glorify Jesus by preaching His gospel, worshiping Him in Spirit and truth, encouraging one another in dynamic fellowship, and discipling for service and evangelism in and around our city. Our core values: the great commission of Jesus, great commandments of Jesus, great compassion of Jesus.

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

Jesus continues to gather His people around us in our church plant. While we have not yet worked hard at gathering people, they keep coming our way. Despite assaults from the enemy, Jane and the girls remain a steadfast example of Jesus' love for me in our home.