Acts 29 Network: Seattle, WA

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Sent Church | Sanford, FL

Dan Mastrapa
Apr 28, 2011
Series: Church Profiles
Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

Sent Church was birthed out of a desire to teach people how to live their daily lives on mission with Christ. In July of 2009 I stepped out of a full time ministry position to pursue the call of God to "prepare a sent people." In December of 2009 we launched weekly meetings in Sanford, Florida. Our heart is to be a church FOR the city demonstrating the life-changing power of the gospel.

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

Our core group was built up through intentionally doing life with those that wanted to come along with us on the journey. There are no short-cut to this. When your core group can observe you living on mission, something catalytic happens.

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

Probably the biggest challenge for me was planting while also working a full-time job. Certainly not something I would recommend but it was a necessity. I have great respect for bi-vocational lead pastors. It's not easy but we sensed God's grace through it all. Thankfully, that season is coming to an end for me and I can devote my focus entirely on the Sent Church community.

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

I was assessed at the Orlando boot camp this year. I have been following Acts 29 for a number of years and have learned a great deal from afar and gained great respect for the Acts 29 leadership. I look forward to the relationships that will be forged in the network and the great learning opportunities ahead.

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

I think you need to get around some godly men who can try to talk you out of it. If it's not a "fire shut up in your bones that you cannot contain" I would counsel you to wait. Of course, keep praying, learning and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart. Make sure your character in Christ can sustain you through the hard work of planting.

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

Don't sacrifice your family in the pursuit of trying to grow a church. Let Jesus be the functional Senior Pastor of the church, he'll grow it. Just be faithful to what he's leading you to do and take care of your family.

How do you pastor your family?

Our family lives are rooted in the gospel. We strive to have a home where Christ is honored, worship takes place and God's word is always present and guiding us. I take the role of leading my family submitted to Christ as the most important thing I do.

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

There's so many! Darrin Patrick's Church Planter, The Tangible Kingdom Halter and Smay

Church Profile: Sent Church
Launch Date: December 2009
Location: Sanford, FL

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

Our mandate is to be a gospel-centered church engaged in Christ's mission to make disciples.

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

We have been humbled and awed at God's provision and at the amazing people that he has sent to come along side of us. Last year we observed how our church family embraced a homeless family that they began to love and care for and then seeing them place their trust in Christ for salvation. That was a beautiful display of God's grace.