Meet Stuart Dean, Lead Pastor at Trinity Community Church.

Where are you planting?
Hinckley, Leicester

Briefly describe the story of how you came to plant
Having spent some time on staff of an established traditional evangelical church I became convinced that bold missional initiatives are required to follow Jesus in reaching different and unchurched communities. My experience was that such initiatives were restricted by established evangelical churches but enabled and encouraged by church planting. Over a couple of years I felt a growing and unshakeable conviction from God to plant churches. This was confirmed by the encouragement of others and extraordinary opportunities to go ahead and plant. God has raised up a small core team, gifted us resources and sent us on mission in the community for the community. I’m well out of my depth but easily in His and we’re praying that God will do big things for His glory with small people like us.

How did you become involved with Acts 29 Western Europe?
As I was growing in my conviction to plant churches I was also growing in my conviction that I would need all the help I could get! I can’t remember how I came across Mark Driscoll but listening to and reading his stuff introduced me to Acts 29. I was really impressed with the theological depth and missional ethos of Acts 29, and with the fruit of Acts 29 in planting churches and the reaching of the lost. I wanted to be a part of that network and learn what I could from those guys. Acts 29 has grown because men have given their time to both their churches and to seeing other churches started. I wanted to do the same thing.  I got in touch with Tyler (Powell) to ask for help. Tyler led me through the application process in time for an assessment at the first London ‘boot camp’ in June 2009. The assessment panel was loaded with A29 big guns but they were really kind to Rachel and I and approved me as a candidate. At that same boot camp Steve Timmis was introduced as A29 Western Europe director, so I’ve been involved with A29 Western Europe since the very beginning.

What have been some of the benefits?
It was great to wrestle through my church planting call and convictions with experienced men gifted at assessing other men for the task. Now I’m involved with A29 it’s great to know that I’m part of a network with other guys who are going through the joys and frustrations I’m going through, who have been through the experiences and struggles I’m having and who are so generous in sharing the benefits of their experience and resources with novices like me.

How do you pastor your family?
Rachel and I are seeking to apply the gospel to all of life all of the time and to teach the kids to do the same. We’re wanting to live out Deut 6 as best as we can in the patterns of everyday life. We read the Bible and pray together most mornings. We talk about the bible teaching from the past Sunday. We memorise bible verses and catechism questions together. We talk about serving others and sharing the gospel with non-Christians. We want to dazzle our kids with the glory of God, his power, awesome deeds and the wonders he has done. We want to set an example to one another of laying down our lives for the best cause, Jesus Christ and his transforming grace.

What advice would you give guys wrestling over a calling to plant?
It’s much tougher than you think. Pray lots. Be humble. Be servant hearted. Don’t rush in alone. Get in touch with A29 and get their input. Don’t overestimate your abilities. Don’t do it because you think you can build your perfect church, you can’t. Love Jesus, love the lost, love the local church, love your family. Pray some more.

Outside of the bible, what has been the most helpful book you have read for church planting?
Mark Driscoll’s Reformission books