The big question.

I remember the day I asked Becky to marry me.

I said, "Becky, will you marry me?" #exactwords

The words I used and actions I took hit their target and....

well you know. #marriagelife #dadlife #brokelife #blessedlife

Everyone wanted to know...

HOW did you ask her?

WHEN did you ask her?

WHAT did you say?

Only one person every asked me...

WHY do you want to ask her?

That was her dad.

Asking the WHY question is crucial.

It has to come first and has to lead the way.

Until one answers the WHY question, there is no purpose behind their HOW & WHAT.

WHY are you planting a (new) church in Arvada, CO?

I cheated a bit here. I am giving you four answers with categories I made up so there could be major holes here. Which do you resonate with most? Which one motivates you most?

GENERAL: More churches are closing than opening in America.

This has the chance of surprising some who are reading this. If you attend in-person church in the midwest or south, you are likely driving by 3-4 churches on your commute to the one you are part of. From that viewpoint, one could conclude there are more than enough churches to go around.

Before #covidlife, a study of data from 60% of American denominations showed 3,000 churches were launched in 2019 compared to 4,500 churches closed that same year. Source link.

There is a (clear) need for new thriving churches in America.

REGIONAL: Church growth is not keeping pace with population growth in Colorado.

The state of Colorado has been on a record incline for the past 20 years. Since 2002, population has grown from 4.4 million to 5.8 million people (today). Source link. That is a 1.3+% annual increase for over over two decades.

A study done by The North American Mission board says, according to their estimates, there is currently 1 church per 32k residents in the state of Colorado. Launching a new church is not to compete with existing churches, it is to partner with them.

There is a (clear) need for new thriving churches in Colorado.

Sidenote: I have not done research of Catholic Church growth & closings. The 2020 US Census supports the hypothesis that catholic stats are similar to protestant.

CULTURAL: The gospel holds the answers to the questions being asked by a post-christian society.

This is the part that seems so simple but is so crucial. Jesus died to bridge the gap, created by our brokenness, and offers restoration to all of his creation. If you watch the news, our society is shouting, marching, chanting, voting, and crying for restoration in our world.

Many are desperate enough to digitally murder and alienate others in order to support candidates and communities we believe have the answers to our cries for restoration. In the name of peace, war is being made in town squares of our world. Relationships are being sacrificed on the alter of wanting to be right.

Jesus came to restore.

In the garden, God looked at his creation and said, 'that's good.' (my paraphrase, Genesis 1:31). In Revelation (21:5), Jesus says, "I am making all things new." From beginning to end, of time, the mission of God is to redeem and restore the brokenness in HIS creation.

What would happen if God's church was known more for what Jesus is for than for what he is against? What would it look like if God's church saw the culture as our context and not our enemy?

These is a clear need for restoration in the Denver Metro Area.

SPECIFIC: God is leading us to the Denver Metro Area.

A calling from God is enough but (I believe) always needs to be backed by research to figure out WHY God would call one to such a place. Yes, our story answers the WHY question but it is (also) backed by research and genuine need. If have not already, check out our (Bell) planting story, from the beginning.

Very soon, you will be introduced to the other households who are part of our launch team and get to know their stories.

Turning the page here...

Maybe these answers to the WHY questions are brand new to you. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have. We are on this journey together.

I could be wrong. So could you. : )

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- Jared (and Becky)