Church planting is at the same time one of the most applauded things in the church and the most questioned. From an outsiders perspective it would seem there are many more spiritually needy places in the country (or the world for that matter) than Michigan. It’s so hard for us to get out of the mindset that America is a Christian nation. There are many “religious” folk. But not many true followers. And when people think of Michigan they may remember that Zondervan Publishing is headquartered in Grand Rapids and that there are several Christian colleges and universities situated there. Grand Rapids is like the buckle of the Michigan Bible Belt. But Michigan includes10 million people and Grand Rapids is at best 4-5% of the total. There is also a significant difference between the West side of the state and the East side. I grew up on the east side of the state. It is much more heavily Catholic, ethnically diverse and transient. There is no doubt Michigan is a tough assignment. People are leaving the state and the economy is in dire straits. It is not that different from our current post in Jamestown. But for some time now I have felt drawn back to my home state.

When I was growing up I always wished I was closer to my grandparents and extended family. We missed out on some things being a 13 hour drive away. My kids are getting older now and I want them to know their extended family. Our families both live within an hour or so of the cities we’re looking to plant in. We make no apologies for this fact. In many ways it is an asset to our ministry to have family so close. My brother brought up the fact that it would be easy to say, “I love the beach and want to live there” and so say “God is giving me a burden for the beach. Let’s go plant a church there.” And I agree. (and of course appreciate the fact that my brother keeps me honest) We certainly could have done such a thing. But we didn’t. God moved in our hearts several years ago and began leading us. There were almost 8 months of resumes interviews and visits to churches in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio (and even New York!) before we finally realized what God wanted us to do. We truly are willing to go anywhere but right now it appears that God is leading us to Michigan. We are hard pressed to think of one thing that has come about that would indicate “WRONG WAY!” Every step has been an affirmation.

So we respond to God and to the need that has been presented to us.