Church Planting in Joplin

Recently I drove to Joplin, MO, on Sunday afternoon to meet with our church plant there, Mystery Church. It was a great evening as Pastor Dennis, Jon Goings, and Andrea Penland went with me to lead worship. The church has been holding public services now for almost six months. It is so encouraging to see all that God is doing through this young church plant! Pastor Steev and his wife Ashley have been working hard since January 2006 to launch and are just beginning to see the fruits of much of their labor. The people were very encouraging. It was the first time I had the opportunity to meet with them and what a warm welcome we received. I was overwhelmed several times during the service as I began to think about the high honor of participating in God’s mission of planting churches. I know we haven’t conquered the world yet…but we are one church closer.

Mystery Church meets in an old historic Presbyterian church building in Webb City. They allow them to use the facility for free on Sunday nights. The building is a beautiful location that provides an inspiring setting. Voice and guitar echo as songs are sung. Prayers seem to linger more with the acoustics of the room. There was an interesting group of people from all walks of life that attended that evening. They were very engaged as I preached on God’s covenants. A gracious and welcoming spirit was evident. I realize that I did not know any of those people when I went that night, but that God is using us both for the work of the his great mission and sharing the gospel.

There are moments, and more would surely happen if I would slow down enough to take the time and think on it, when I am able to step out of the craziness of life and I become so overwhelmed with the reality of the great life God has given me. What a blessing to know so many great people in my life. I am so honored and humbled to pastor a church that has a heart to plant churches so the gospel can be preached and shared, served and shown. The faces of the people of LifePoint began to flash through my mind as I gave thanks to God. I was reminded that those are the people that God is using to help plant this church…and many, many, many more.

I love to preach the gospel…just to hear it and remember once again how it has radically changed my life…so others can hear it and receive it as well. Steev Inge, Pastor at Mystery Church, and his wife Ashley and children will be at LifePoint on Sunday, 12 August, sharing with us about the great work of God in Joplin. I encourage you to come and hear how God is planting a great seed in this area…and how we get to share in this story.

–Pastor Lane

P.S. Check out Mystery Church at www.mysterychurch.com