The first $50,000 we receive is being matched!
Hello mission friends! We have exciting news: We have developed close relationships with three prospective church planters who in recent months have been gathering like-minded people for the purpose of reaching their community with the Gospel! It is our hope to see these groups continue to gain momentum and become Covenant Church Plants over the next several years.
Church planting has long been the most fruitful avenue for Kingdom expansion in our Conference. As Len Tang, Director of Fuller Theological Seminary has noted, “Broadly speaking, both personal experience and studies show that new churches are far more effective at winning people to Christ than established churches. For instance, within the Southern Baptist Convention (the largest church planting organization in the US, planting between 600–800 churches per year), a 2018 report showed that church plants baptize more people per attendee than established churches—a 67 percent better attendee-to-baptism ratio.”
To that end we are seeking partners who would stand with us as we hope to expand God’s Kingdom through church planting. Church plants need financial support. ECC Church Planters raise funds in advance of their launch. In most cases, the GLC and the ECC contribute additional funds to pay (or help pay) salary, health benefits and rent during the first several years of the plant. The total amount invested by the GLC can range considerably depending upon multiple variables, but it is often tens of thousands of dollars. In past years the GLC relied on proceeds from the sale of closed-church buildings. With all of those resources now spoken for, we are relying on donations from individuals, churches, and foundations to continue advancing the Mission of God in the GLC through church planting.
Let’s band together to expand the Kingdom of God in our region. You can contribute to the campaign personally by making an individual contribution to the Capital Campaign here: Mission Friends for Church Planting. Also, if you’re interested in hosting a “Church Planting Sunday,” feel free to reach out to our director of church planting, Alan Tumpkin at [email protected] for assistance in planning your big day.
Finally, please use the brochure below to publicize our fund-raising initiative.
Through church planting we open the door to new life in Christ! Let’s make it happen!
Download Church Planting Brochure
GLC Church Planting Brochure [pdf]
How to Give Digitally
As you promote the Church Planting Initiative here are some links that can help donors give digitally. Donations can be made here:
- Give through the Mission Friends for Church Planting link
GLC Legacy Story
Prospective Church Planters
Young Yi
Young Yi is the lead pastor and planter at Kindred Church, in Novi, MI. He currently lives in Novi, MI with his wife, Hannah and their Goldendoodle, Kona. He holds a Master of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship. During his free time, he enjoys walking around town and taking photos, along with creating written resources on ethnic and spiritual formation for Asian-American Christians. He enjoys playing volleyball and soccer and pretending to be an expert foodie.
Jalen Seawright
Jalen Seawright is a Pastor, Community Activist and Justice Advocate. He and his wife Keyonna reside in the Metro-Detroit area and have three beautiful daughters, Karington, Kaidence and Kyelinn. Jalen Seawright is an experienced musician influenced by the sounds of Motown and Detroit Gospel. Jalen has spent most of his life serving churches in Michigan’s urban core and continues to serve as a worship leader, music director and preacher in the Metro-Detroit region. In recent years, Jalen has traveled throughout the country teaching and training churches and organizations how to leverage art to serve the mission of Justice in their communities.
Dr. Edwin & Rachel Youngblood
Rachel and Edwin have been happily married for eight years, building a life rooted in faith, community, and service. Together, they have dedicated the last 15 years to their calling as family and youth pastors, where they have passionately nurtured and guided countless individuals and families. Their journey took a transformative turn when they felt the call to create a new, healthy, multiethnic community, leading them to establish Mosaic Church.
Edwin, a former recording artist, experienced a radical transformation after encountering Jesus during his time at MTSU. This pivotal moment inspired him to pursue a path of ministry, where he now continues to impact lives through his music and message.
Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their ministry with her background in teaching and music, coupled with her psychology degree. Her compassionate approach and dedication to understanding individuals’ needs have helped foster a welcoming and nurturing environment at Mosaic Church.
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