Scarlet City | Columbus, OH

• Jay O'Brien
• Apr 29, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

God used a past church planting experience, friends, pastors, my wife, and awareness of a need to call me to plant a church. God was preparing me for this calling for years.

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

It's all about relationships! When we first started gathering a core we over emphasized the vision and theology of the church. A few of our committed people unknowingly were feeling the same thing. They loved the vision but didn't feel connected to everyone. We decided to develop a more family atmosphere so we started having potlucks and prayer nights. Suddenly, everyone starting bringing friends.

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

Church planting is hard and each plant has different obstacles. We have been met with many. Church planting is the most sanctifying thing you'll ever do so on top of the stress and demands of leading in multiple areas you'll also come face to face with your idols.
Also, by far our biggest obstacle is the suffering our church has gone through. In the matter of two weeks there was a severe marital matter, wife and mother of two diagnosed with stage three cancer, and Gabe a pastor and elder at Scarlet City lost his two year old son Deacon in an accident. My head was spinning, I was grieving, and I had no idea how to respond. All of these forced us to truly find our hope in Christ.

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

Men I look up to are a part of the network. Also, I agree with their mission and theology. I'm not wise or strong enough to do the church planting thing alone. I want and need a band of brothers.

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

Get experience. Be assessed. Make sure you're wife is completely on board. Have a plan. Know you're strengths, weaknesses, gifts and dark sides. And for all of our sakes, make it about the gospel! If you're doing this for the approval of others it's not worth it.

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

Have the guts to surround yourself with men who compliment your strengths. Are you a preacher boy who has no strategic bone in your body? Bring a strategic thinker on board. Maybe a business consultant or a wise older man approaching retirement who has a background in planning. Maybe you're a visionary leader but aren't the strongest relational guy. Get fun and nice people on board. If you think you're a really strong prophet, priest, and king then you think you're Jesus. You're not Jesus.

How do you pastor your family?

It's just my wife and and two year old golden retriever for now. I try to spend quality time with Megan as much as possible. We go on long walks and pray together. I have to discipline myself to not talk about church plant stuff with her all the time.

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

Planting Missional Churches - Ed Stetzer

Church Profile: Scarlet City Church
Launch Date: Fall 2011
Location: Columbus, OH

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Scarlet City Church is a people joining God's story of transformation and renewal.

5 Core Elements:
Gospel, Community, Mission, Life-transformation, & City Renewal

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

I feel blessed by God's grace in multiple arenas. First, the reality that God has opened my eyes to the mystery of Christ and the hope that He'll return is incredible (the understatement of all understatements). Also, God has graced me with so many awesome friends and family. The body of Christ is an amazing thing! Finally, that God has graced me (and all of us) with the opportunity to join his mission is humbling. I love and cherish the responsibility to love, lead, and shepherd the men and women of Scarlet City Church. It's been awesome to see God transform lives already and I can't wait to see what he'll do in the future!

How can we pray for you?

First, that I can be a good friend and pastor to people hurting in our church. Second, that I would love Megan well and model Christ to her. Finally, that God would give me the courage, boldness, and patience to develop and disciple leaders.