Ernest Smith

I know there are a lot of people who are praying for us and wanting continual updates on how the start of the church is going. I have decided to post an update fairly often for those who want to know how to specifically pray for us and support us.

Update:

Sara and I are still receiving phone calls asking us if we have moved from Charleston. You probably aren’t one of those, but if you want to hear about our journey since moving out to Denver, you can read this post.

We have continued to experience God’s favor in some incredible ways. Here are some of the ways He has chosen to bless us and the church this past week.

-Sara and I were announced at a church called Southeast Christian as a new church planting couple in town. The congregation (over 3000 people) was extremely supportive and excited about what God is up to. We had many conversations with individuals and couples who had been praying for a church plant in Castle Rock. One couple said that they had been praying for a church plant to be a part of for years and they were so thankful God was answering their prayers…so are we. 

-Steve Kloter, one of the guys who left Charleston with us, and myself were able to attend a pastor’s prayer group in Castle Rock. I was extremely nervous about walking in not knowing if the group would be excited we were there or not. I know…it sounds strange that there would be pastors that would not be excited about a church plant…but trust me, there are many. This group was extremely excited we were there and they kept telling us that if they could do anything to help us to just let them know. It was truly the body of Christ in action.

-We visited a cool mountain town called Evergreen on Sunday. It’s about an hour from Castle Rock, but well worth the drive. The scenery was only topped by a huge lake in the middle of the mountains where we can kayak, paddleboard, hike and swim. It was a great find in the middle of nowhere.

Please be in prayer for the following…

-We are so close to finalizing a name for the church. I hope to reveal the name next week in the update. Please pray that the Lord confirms it for me.

-Today there are church leaders from around the nation who are arriving in Denver for a vision meeting we have tonight and tomorrow. Please pray that God would bring together the right partnerships to help start the church in a healthy way. It is our desire that these next two days would result in greater relationships that would be used by God to make a greater impact for His Kingdom.

-We have an informational mtg on Thursday night for members of Southeast Christian who may want to be a part of the church plant. Please pray that God would draw the right people to that meeting and that we would begin to see a core formed from these informational mtgs.

-The other individuals and families as they make their way to Denver. We have more plant team members moving out here over the next few months, so please pray for jobs, places to live and quick acclimation.

Thank you for your love and support. We are so thankful for each of you.