Vintage21 Durham Campus | Durham, NC

• Todd Perkins
• Sep 23, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church 

I grew up in a traditional church. As I followed Jesus, the idea of missions became more and more my focus. This led me to the concept and world of church planting. As I investigated what this looked like, I felt a calling to pursue this. I pursued training with Mars HIll Church in Seattle, and God graciously provided a years worth of intensive development there. After that time, and through some coaching, we moved to the Raleigh area in partnership with Vintage21 Church. As I invested in some seminary classes near by, I worked along side with them and eventually was led to help develop a brand new campus in Durham. Beginning with a small core, we've labored to help others Know, Live, & Build the gospel in this city, and we're seeing more and more come to follow Jesus.

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

Our primary tool is the gospel. Everyone will know this by title, but it will take time to help them see the dynamic reality of the depth of what Christ has accomplished for us. Our Christology will determine and establish our ecclesiology, which will in turn motivate and shape our missiology. This truth, processed in a Christ-centered community environment will help build up leaders. As they see the Truth, they will need to be equipped for the work of the ministry. Its all about the gospel.

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

Predetermined perspectives on what the process and future would look like along with a bit of impatience on my part. Many brought in their own assumptions and agendas. Most of these were harmless, but some were challenging and rubbed against the gospel. I have to constantly remind myself that its my job to proclaim the gospel, equip leaders, and hold them to the Truth. God grows thing in his time.

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

I was recommended to check out Acts29 as I investigated the possibility of becoming a church planter. Jeremy Carr in Augusta GA (my home town) suggested I attend a Boot Camp in Chicago. I did, and I signed up for an assessment. My team (3 planters) nailed me - I might could plant, but I was not ready. They gave me some tangible options, and I had to humbly listen to them. That led me to a year long pastor's training at Mars Hill, followed by employment at Vintage21 in Raleigh NC. I've been progressively pursuing and moving towards Acts29 membership ever since.

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

Listen to what other planters are saying about what you need to do. God may call you to plant, but it might take you another 5 years before you are ready. Be willing to serve and learn from church planters. Be willing to build up a church before you go off to start another one. 

How do you pastor your family? 

We are a mini-gospel-centered community. We live and love Jesus together. My wife is a huge helper and my girls love hearing and being challenged to live out the gospel.

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

I highly recommend The Leadership Series on Acts from Jeff Reed's BILD materials. This was helpful in processing what the church is founded on.

How can we pray for you? 

The harvest is plentiful. We need laborers. If things continue, the next two years will be a series of pretty big transitions. I need humility, wisdom, & discernment

Church Profile: Vintage21 Durham Campus
Launch Date: January, 2008
Location: Durham, NC 

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

Vintage21’s mission is to Know the Gospel, Live the Gospel and Build the Kingdom. Our vision is to become a people of doubters, seekers, and followers all moving towards a relationship with Jesus Christ.

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

Our communities are grounded and shaped by the reality of the gospel. Who Jesus is and what he has done for us shapes who we are to be (in Christ) and what he's called us to do (mission). We live our lives in response to the gospel and in this way we find ourselves both motivated to share the freedom and peace we have in Christ, as well as encountering and responding to those who would ask "why/how do we live this way?" Sharing in the good news is not simply transferring information, its revealing the work of the cross in our lives to the world.

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

Before I left home, before I started my church planting journey, I made a list of 10 (ridiculous) things that needed to happen to move me on. This included selling our house, raising over $16,000, finding work, a place to live, all without burning out my family life. Looking at the list when I made it made me laugh out loud. How could these things come to pass? One by one God miraculously has answered those needs and is consistently revealing amazing blessings. This year alone has been an amazing season of growth. Its out of my hands. I'm glad Jesus is our senior pastor!