Our Story (Jared). #1 of 2.

While this story has many layers, here is one of them.

Becky and I have asked God if we are supposed to plant a church before.

It has been a constant prayer for many years, partially due to the pressure from leaders urging us to do so. Sometimes we would "pray about it" just to get them off our backs. : )

In fact, over the past 15 years, we have prayed and sought guidance during each of our ministry transitions.

Our love for church multiplication and missional ministry started because of our time in Tucson, AZ. I (Jared) was part of a leadership cohort and one of the perks was to attend a conference in Orlando, FL. My attitude, going in, was fairly neutral but my attitude leaving was a desire to learn more about how new church in new places could unlock new opportunities.

August 2020, we prayed the prayer, "Almighty Father, is it time for us to plant a new expression of your gospel?"

And he answered...

"soon."

This set into motion many scenes:

1. Freaking out. This was just Becky and I. I think we freaked out for day or two.

2. My Job. I quickly got a meeting with the Sr. Staff at the church I was employed. They made time for me quick, the day I asked. With very little details set, I told them "in 1-2 years the Bell family would be leaving ransom church to launch a new expression of the gospel."

If there was a percentage higher than 100%, that would be how I describe their support from that moment and today. Lots of affirmation was followed by a question.

"How can ransom church best support you between now and when you go?"

I (Jared) was blown away. I rambled on about how appreciative I was and made a confession. I had planned to ask them...

"How can I/we best support ransom church between now and when we go?"

Here's what we agreed to. My job would change now but we wouldn't go anywhere until it was time. I love my current job even thought there are aspects of my old job I will treasure forever. We aren't planting a ransom campus or a ransom church.

Ransom Church is our sending church.

They are our family but not a helicopter parent.

We will be a separate, autonomous church but we will not be alone.

3. Crazy stuff started happening. : )

Jump to part two.

Please consider becoming a supporter.