The Village Church | Hamilton

• Michael Graham
• Nov 3, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church  

I had been a youth pastor for about 4 and a half years when God began to change my passions, desires, intensions, motivations, etc... God slowly began to reveal His desire for my wife and i to move on and to plant a church. We didn't know what that looked like but the passion for planting grew stronger until it was, honetly, irresistable. We began sharing our heart and vision with friends who confirmed the call in our life. a year and half later we launched the Village. (this is of course the short of it...)

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

God had been planting the Village Church in Hamilton for 15 years... He just didn't tell anyone that until recently. Our core group was essentially people that we had known in some capacity for years; people that we were in youth group together with as teenagers, people who were in our youth group when we were youth pastors, some family, some friends of those people, & some friends of friends of those people etc... In terms of advice, one thing that we did RIGHT (by God's Grace) was to deal with unifying doctrine that is essential to your church's theology. We spent a great deal of time "undoing" poor theology in the early stages and this has proved to be very beneficial at developing a core group that is on mission consistent with Biblical Theology... Theology develops mission!

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

Raising money has been difficult. I am working as a teacher in addition to pastoring. This has been, and continues to be, the biggest struggle for my family as well as for the church.

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

I heard about A29 from a friend years ago. I read a few Driscoll books, notably, CONFESSIONS OF A REFORMISSION REV., which was very helpful to inspire mission and to inform of the life that a church planter/church plant will lead. The benefits of Acts 29 have been: Relationships-- the "brotherhood" aspect of Acts 29 has been the most beneficial aspect for me personally and for the Village. I have had a coach since assessment (Kevin Jamison) and have spent a decent amount of time with other A29 guys. They sharpen me, challenge me, and shape me as a planter and as a husband.

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

Do SOMETHING else... Unless GOD is calling you to plant... in which case you should heed the call!

How do you pastor your family?

We pray together, we read the Bible together, we struggle together, we grow together, we learn together... but the most important aspect of Pastoring my family is actually LIVING out God's Word in my own life. My son emulates me daily and i don't take this lightly. I know that preaching grace to my wife and kids is different than demonstrating Grace to them and for them. Of course we have to teach the Bible, but if we don't LIVE the Bible, then we are pharisees. Outside of the Bible, what is the most helpful book you have read for church planting? Wow... I'd say that Confession of a Reformission Rev. was foundational for me early on to know what i was getting into.

Church Profile: The Village Church | Hamilton
Launch Date: October, 2009
Location: Hamilton, OH

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

The Village Church exists to: “LOVE the Lord and to love our neighbor, to LIVE out the Scriptures in every area of our lives, and to MOVE to engage our culture with gospel of Jesus Christ. [love.live.move.]

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

God has chosen his people to be his method of spreading His Word for His fame and Glory. People are relational by nature, therefore God has called us to be intentional about developing relationships with non-christians, as well as to live together in community with the Family of God.

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

Despite my ignorance and schedule... God has sustained my family and, in fact, strengthened us through the planting process despite all of the obstacles that come along with planting. How can we pray for you? * Pray that God would continue to offer Grace to my family and to the Village, and that we could move towards sustaining my salary entirely through the provision of the Church & through outside support.