why plant a church in bronzeville?

This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned our upcoming church plant in Bronzeville on this blog, and it certainly won’t be the last. Over the past months we’ve spent time articulating our vision and gathering a team of people who share a desire to see a new church in Bronzeville.

This Sunday evening will be our first (of three) Launch Team Training. We’re going to spend some time learning about why Bronzeville is a strategic location for an intentionally multi-ethnic church, brainstorming ways we can participate in what God has been doing in the neighborhood, and praying for wisdom, humility, and courage as we move forward.

What to join us? We’ll meet at the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park at 6:00. You can find more information and RSVP here.

So why plant a church in Bronzeville? You’ll need to come on Sunday evening for a good answer, but here’s something interesting. Earlier this week, along with two colleagues from New Community, I got to meet with a long-time pastor on Chicago’s South Side. His response after he heard about our vision for a Gospel-centered, intentionally diverse church was very positive. Not only did he note the rarity of new churches in this area of the city over the past 40 to 50 years, he also affirmed the need for churches that are carefully crossing Chicago’s old lines of division and separation.

His perspective was encouraging to me, especially as there are bound to be difficult moments ahead. It’s going to be an adventurous few months.

David Swanson

September 16, 2009

church

bronzeville, church planting

7 responses to “why plant a church in bronzeville?”

Patrick Winfield

September 16, 2009 at 6:48 pm

I wish I was there to take the journey with you. It is indeed a bold endeavor but a necessary one. Yes there will be some obstacles but you are certainly up to the challenge. We need more churches like this because it is encouraging to see.

Reply
1. David
  
  September 16, 2009 at 6:57 pm
  
  Patrick- your words mean a lot! One of these days we need to talk; you need to tell me everything you can about church planting. Please let me know if you hear of anyone who may be interested in what we’re doing in Bronzeville.
  
  Reply
jane

September 17, 2009 at 9:56 am

What a great idea to talk with the pastor who has been there so long and have him encourage you! I’m very excited for you and the community; and I know you will work hard to make this happen. Just a reminder: Cast you cares on Him and let Him be your burden bearer, because this is a big challenge. But I know this is of God and He has handpicked you for the job! And you have not gone into this lightly; you have waited patiently for the opportunity to plant a church for Him! love you, your mother in law

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Karen

September 21, 2009 at 8:22 am

Dave and Maggie, I will be remembering you and your partners in ministry in my prayers. That heavenly picture of people from “every tribe, tongue, and nation” worshipping the Lamb in the Kingdom is one that moves me every time. May God make it so in Bronzeville as well.

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Wayne Park

September 24, 2009 at 10:42 pm

Hey Dave – how goes it. Hope the planting goes well – as one who knows the process intimately from the ECC angle. Is this the preview service or not yet?

Reply
1. David Swanson
  
  September 25, 2009 at 7:31 am
  
  Hey Wayne. We hope to begin preview services in January with the launch of regular services the Sunday after Easter. Thanks for asking.
  
  BTW, you going to be in Denver for Mid-winter this year? Would enjoy meeting up.
  
  Reply
  1. Wayne Park
    
    September 26, 2009 at 12:18 am
    
    no, can’t make it this year due to seminary classes but will be @ future cov events.
    I’m assuming New Community will be sending you w/ a core team from there. Wondering how many and how you plan on growing it. we’ve been open to planting again ourselves – http://waynepark.com/2009/08/03/maybe-ill-plant-again/
    
    anyway we should talk shop sometime. maybe skype / tokbox, or plain ole email.