The Painted Door | Chicago, IL

• Mark Bergin
• Feb 18, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles

Planter Profile:

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

God saved me a life of hooliganism at age 19, saved me from cancer at age 20, saved me from dangerous theology at age 22, saved me to a godly community on mission at age 23, saved me from perpetual adolescence with a wife and family, and saved me from narcissistic rebellion with a challenge from a friend to be what I was made to be -- a church planter.

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

Our experience was unusual because the name recognition of Mars Hill gave us some street credit and attracted bodies before we ever hit the ground. But there is a broader lesson in that. Who is sending you is as important as where you're going. Make sure that your call is formed under the direction of biblically qualified elders who will support and springboard your mission.

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

It is very difficult to attract people that don't look and think exactly like you. In an urban setting where communities are highly diverse, the challenge is to plant a church that reflects the whole community, not just one particular cultural enclave.

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

As an elder at Mars Hill, joining the Acts 29 network was a no-brainer. The affiliation has helped us hugely with finances and networking. We are not alone in our big new scary city because other Acts 29 planters are here with us, walking the same dangerous road.

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

If you can plant a church, you should.

How do you pastor your family? 

The Jesus Storybook Bible is without question the best resource for kids ages 2-10. It's well-written and every story points to Jesus. When we read it as a family, I've been know to get a little weepy. More importantly, teach the gospel in everything. Movies, playtime, dinner, fights, when you blow it, when someone else blows it, no matter the situation, the gospel is relevant. And always avoid the trap of rewards or other behavior modification tactics.

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

Launch by Nelson Searcy and Kerrick Thomas

How can we pray for you? 

Ministry is disctracting and thrilling. Pray that I would always love God more. 

Church Profile: The Painted Door
Launch Date: April, 2010
Location: Chicago, IL 

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

The Painted Door exists to prove God is real.

We value beauty, because God is beautiful,

Compassion, because God is compassionate,

Brokenness, because it pleased the Father to crush him,

Truth, because God is truth,

Community, because God is community.

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

Our philosophy of community is rooted in God. He is a missional community, allows in community and always on mission. We strive to be the same and we work that out by appointing community leaders to lead their neighborhoods in a four-part rhythm of fellowship, hospitality, mercy, and participation. These communities are not made up exclusively of church members but of any neighbors willing to participate. In this way, non-believers are invited to participate in the life of the church. As they fall in love with the community, they are unwittingly falling in love with Jesus.

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

It's all grace. Two months in to living in a new city halfway across the country, we had 100 people out for a Sunday service in an auditorium rented to us at an 80 percent discount, with sound gear donated from another church, with a launch team of 40 people making everything run smoothly, and a reporter from the Chicago Tribune there to write a feature story.