The Line | Chicago, IL

• Aaron Youngren
• Feb 19, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles

Planter Profile:

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I first felt the call to plant eight years ago.

Sensing that I was both arrogant and unqualified, I partnered with men that would humble me, grow me, and punch me when needed. As an intern at Mars Hill Church and it's daughter plant, Harambee, I found myself feeling less and less prepared to be a church planter. By the time I realized I had nothing to offer, Jesus said it was time to go.

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

As a parachute plant, we built our core through the extended networks of our first recruits, and through continuous engagement with local leaders in the city.

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

The commitment to plant a church that preaches a pure gospel to unbelievers in language that they understand will slow the initial growth of your church plant. You must learn to trust Jesus as you live in tents and are surrounded by Canaanites.

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

The Acts 29 Network taught me the gospel. The biggest benefit of being in the network is that I never lack fellowship with men that I respect far more than myself.

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

Find assessors that you will listen to and get assessed as soon as possible. Seriously weigh the counsel of those who tell you that planting a church will be the most difficult thing you will ever do. Get rid of any trust you've built in your own abilities. Prepare to endure everything for the sake of the elect. Smile.

How do you pastor your family? 

I pastor my family by preaching the gospel first to myself, then to them, then to our church. They are involved in our church in every way they can be.

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

Total Church

How can we pray for you?

1. Our neighborhood is a major center of influence in our Chicago, the nation, and the world. Pray that the city of God would shine brighter than the city of man. 2. Like many of our sister plants, we need financial partners.

Church Profile: The Line
Launch Date: September, 2009
Location: Chicago, IL 

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

The Line is a church moving toward Jesus and Chicago.

Our dream is simple: to spread the fame of the one who loved us by loving this great city. Our desire is to salt Chicago, and our gospel communities and city-dwellers move toward that end.

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

Like Jesus, we leave our places of comfort and security to live with and love the lost. Practically, this means that every member of our church is part of a thriving group of friends who live the mission of God in their neighborhood. As the word is preached, and Jesus' people are sent, the lost are saved.

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

Almost every member of our core team has had to make a significant life change to be a part of this church. This created a culture of dependence and repentance in our body right from the outset - which has really become the strength of our plant. We didn't plan for that to happen in any way. God simply decided he would lavish grace on us.