The Discovery Church | Villa Rica, GA

• Alan Trippe
• Feb 18, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles

Planter Profile:

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I was called into full time ministry as a senior in high school. But God has always led me and my family on a "unique path of preparation". I didn't go immediately into Bible college, etc. but felt led to get a degree that allowed me to do computer programming in the corporate world for over 15 years. I served in numerous lay positions during that time, including being a Youth Director, Deacon, Missions and Bible Study Director, etc.

In 2002 God began to renew my plan to go into full time ministry and I started Dallas Theological Seminary in 2003 and my wife began in 2004. This ultimately led our family (with 4 children) to move from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX in 2005. We both graduated in 2008 and moved back to West Atlanta in summer of 2008 to begin planting the Discovery Church.

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

We held desserts, met with people individually, spoke to Bible study groups, etc. to share the vision God had given us and ask people to pray about participating in some way (prayer, financially, personal involvement). In hindsight, I have learned that I should have had greater requirements and accountability for our launch team, instead of simply taking anyone who wanted to come along. Some of our people were not ready to be on the launch team (spiritually, tithing, etc.)

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

Money has been a big challenge, but God has blessed too. We have just recently been able to achieve what I would consider a "minimum budget" to allow us to function on a monthly basis. Spiritual maturity on the part of some of our launch team hasn't been where I had anticipated it to be.

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

I first got exposed to Acts 29 while out in Dallas, TX attending seminary. I came across the A29 while surfing the web (and it may have been mentioned in one of my church planting classes). One value that A29 brings is the level of commitment to Scripture, Jesus and the Gospel. Solid theology is very important to me, and a lot of what is out there isn't geared toward that, but with an emphasis on numerical growth. I need to align myself with like-minded guys, and A29 helps me in that regard. I still need to get more connected with guys in the network, both personally and via The City.

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

Don't take it lightly. Visit other church plants. Talk with other church planting pastors (and their wives). Know what you are getting in to. I love church planting, but it isn't for the faint at heart. If they are not absolutely convinced of their call, then they shouldn't do it. When in doubt - don't or wait.

How do you pastor your family? 

I try to regularly spend time with each of my kids and my wife. We sometimes have organized Bible study/family times where we discuss truths and how they apply to life. But a major emphasis is spent on doing life and using life's triumphs and tragedies to be Christ-like, love others, trust God, etc.

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

Advanced Strategic Planning/Planting Growing Churches - Aubrey Malphurs

How can we pray for you? 

Pray that I would lead my family well, always make Jesus the center of everything I do, and seek to be a God-pleaser, not a man-pleaser.

Church Profile: The Discovery Church
Launch Date: March, 2009
Location: Villa Rica, GA

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Our mission is to help people discover a passionate life in Jesus, no matter where they are on life's journey.

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

I believe community is absolutely essential. Our strategy at Discover is Encounter God, Experience Growth and Engage Others. Part of experiencing growth is doing life together, that's the reason why we have small group ministry. Our adult small groups are called Journey Groups. In these groups we discuss biblical truths and help each other in the application of those truths. Not only should we as believers be living in community with one another, but also it is absolutely essential we live in community with those in our community. Many of our connections into our community (serving in various ways, adopting needy families, etc.) are being implemented through our Journey Groups.

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

He has shown grace to me by giving me an amazing wife and 4 awesome kids. My wife and I are incredibly close to each other and the Lord. Our children have all trusted Christ and desire to serve Him in various ways. I don't deserve to be so incredibly blessed, but I am thankful for His grace that He has extended to my family. Our church has been blessed with some rock solid spiritual leadership too. We were able to acquire a semi-permanent space (retail space) much sooner than anticipated as a church plant. In the midst of one of the toughest financial times in our country in recent years, our church has been growing both numerically and financially. God has been incredibly gracious to us.