Vintage Church | New Orleans, LA

• Rob Wilton
• Oct 22, 2009
• Series: Church Profiles

Planter Profile:

Rob & Annabeth Wilton 

Briefly explain your calling to plant a church

After being born in New Orleans and moving away as a teenager, God called my wife and I back in 2005. From Katrina in 2005 to the fall of 2007, God began to work in our lives and reveal to us the need and call to plant a church in this city. Despite great hesitation, that fall God opened up an opportunity to pastor a small dead church in Uptown with hope of starting a new church. Unfortunately, the remaining members of the church didn't like the changes. God led us to Acts 18 and we launched Vintage Church in the same community.

How did you build up your core?

We met from January 2008-September 2008 on Wednesday nights walking through 1 & 2 Timothy. In the summer, we divided our core team into 3 small groups with the purpose of intentional discipleship and leadership training.

What are the biggest challenges you face?

The unreached people in our community carry a lot of heavy baggage from past experiences. Most people in our area have either been taught a false gospel or have been brainwashed by religion. Reaching our community is going to take a lot of intentional ministry that proclaims the truth and love of Christ. We are on a marathon not a sprint.

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

My first connection with Acts 29 was through Driscoll's books and sermons. I investigated the possibility of planting with the SBC and Acts 29 with Darrin Patrick. Over the phone he convinced me to come to a boot camp at his church. I brought some of my key leaders with me and went through the interview and application process. The biggest benefit has been the coaching, accountability, and brotherhood over the phone and on The City.

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

Only do it if God has called you. Although it may appear sexy, it is extremely difficult. If God has called you there is nothing better. I have tasted the kool-aid and I am hooked.

How do you personally disciple your family?

As we enjoy and battle through life, we try to keep our eyes upon Christ as the focus of our home. There are times of intentional prayer and bible study, but mostly I make myself available to my wife and son whenever they need me. When issues come up I pray for wisdom from the Spirit and His Word as they ultimately guide those decisions. My family comes before my church and I intend to carry that out. I am thankful for a new church that supports this priority in my life.

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

God's grace and favor has been apparent throughout my life. The greatest form of grace was displayed in my life when Christ saved me at age 7. The second was when Annabeth agreed to marry me. The third was when my wife and I were blessed with a healthy little boy. 

In regard to the church, God has truly blessed us in our first year. We have seen provision come in many different forms. A place for worship, office space, staff, gifted and committed leadership, favor with the lost in our community, and most importantly salvation in people's lives.

How can we pray for you?

Pray that I would be faithful to God's call to lead my family and church.

Church Profile:

Vintage Church

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Launch Date: September, 2009

Mission, Vision and Values of Vintage Church:

Our Mission: To love God and love people by making disciples of all nations.

Our Vision: The Vision for our church is to have our four core values of Truth, Spirituality, Missional Living and Community expressed through our members and extended to all nations.

Our Core Values: Truth, Spirituality, Missional Living & Community

Our Strategy:

• Preach and teach God’s Word

• Produce mature and equipped Christ-followers

• Develop ministries to the least and the lost

• Actively participate in local and global disciple-making

• Plant new churches & partner with existing churches across New Orleans and around the world

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

We try and follow the model of Acts 2:42-47. We believe in a three-fold responsibility in building community at Vintage. First, there is an Individual responsibility. Each person is called to make disciples and be the church. Second, there is a Lifegroup responsibility. Each person is to unite with a small group of 10-15 people to fellowship, study, and minister to each other and their world. Third, there is a Corporate responsibility. Each person is to unite with the rest of the church body once a week for our worship service.

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

The same three-fold responsibility above applies to evangelism. Individual, Lifegroup, and Corporate responsibility is taught to all members of our church. We desire to see people come to Christ in all three ways.