The Well | Boulder, CO

• Matt Patrick
• Sep 4, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I have been dreaming about planting a church since before I knew what church planting was. I have notebooks from high school with plans in them to plant a church.

I was blessed to work in an established church for a few years and during that time God really taught me a lot about what it means to be a pastor in a church. The opportunity came along to attend a church planting residency in Little Rock, AR led by Fellowship Associates. I knew that this was a once and a life time opportunity and God was knitting something special together.

Great mentors such as Hunter Beaumont an Acts29 pastor in Denver encouraged me to lead a plant in Boulder, as well as several local Boulder pastors.

The combination of God leading me to plant a church from a young age, the experience of working in a great established church, and the affirmation of great men and great networks led me to plant this church.

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

I recruited a few families that I knew and trusted to move into the area. Once they were on the ground they got jobs and started to just share what we are in Boulder to do. Over time we started to meet in a living room so that people would have something to come to. Shortly after that we started Missional Communities that are neighborhood specific and having a large Sunday morning gathering.

I would say patience is key. Allowing people to get to know your vision takes time. This time also allows you to get to know them which is extremely important, you don't want everyone.

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

For us learning how to communicate with our leadership team has been a challenge at times. We all share the same vision but how you get there sometimes can be different. Learning how to communicate with different people can be difficult but is a must when dealing with a plurality of leaders.

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

A friend of mine invited me to a boot camp. At that time I had never heard of Acts 29.

The biggest benefit of being in A29 has been the camaraderie I have had with other A29 pastors. There is nothing like being the lead pastor and it is great to have other men who understand your joys and struggles.

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

Do you have men in your life that have planted a church and know what it takes to grow a church. You must have them, planting a church does not have to be lonely.

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

Make sure your life if marked by repentance and that other men can speak into your life. Also, make sure your wife is in love with what you are doing.

How do you pastor your family?

Aside from Jesus my family brings me my greatest delight. The best way I have found to pastor them is to spend intentional time with them. I want to work as hard on my marriage as I work on the church I am planting.

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

Counsel for Christian Workers by: C.H. Spurgeon

Church Profile: The Well
Launch Date: August 2011
Location: Boulder, CO

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

The Well exists to bring life change to a thirsty world through the living water of Jesus for the glory of God.

Values: Gospel Depth, Cleansing, Renewal, Expression

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

God has provided financially in a city that is extremely expensive. Whenever it seems like the fundraising isn't going to come in it does. It has been an amazing act of God's grace.

How can we pray for you?

Team Unity