Who would plant a new church in the middle of a pandemic? That would be a good question to ask Shane and Adele Brown, as that is just what they are doing. During 2020 Shane and Adele came to the conclusion their time was complete as pastors of Westfield Friends Church, in the Indianapolis area. So they made the move to the Kansas City area for Shane to participate in an internship through the International House of Prayer, and be closer to Adele’s family, as they considered next steps for life and ministry.
It was while they were in the middle of this transition that God began to lay on their hearts a vision to plant a new Friends Church in the southeast suburbs of Kansas City. Through much prayer, counsel, and the Spirit’s direction they said “yes” to the call. They bought a home in Raymore, MO and the journey began.
There are numerous different models for church planting. EFC-MAYM has focused primarily on two, a “classical” model and a “missional” model. Although Shane and Adele believe all churches are called to be on mission with Jesus, their vision fits more within the “classical” model of church planting. Realizing that one size does not fit all, and that there are other very effective church planting organizations in the U.S., they have partnered with ARC (Association of Related Churches) for additional training and coaching as they walk through this process.
After months of preparation, Shane and Adele conducted there first “Interest Social” at the “Splash Pad” in Raymore on September 10. The purpose of these events are to build a core of 50 adults who will serve as ministry partners and leaders to help birth this new church. There next Interest Social will be conducted on Friday, October 8.
If you have ever left the security of a good job and taken a step of faith, not knowing the next steps for your life, you know a little bit about what Shane and Adele are experiencing these days. They feel clearly God has called them to this exciting faith venture, but it is not always easy. Currently there are two specific ways you can support Shane and Adele as they continue on this journey.
FIRST, PLEASE PRAY for them and their family as often as you think of them. Gathering people is a gift, which not everyone has. But it can be exhausting. Pray God would clearly bring people into their paths who might be part of their core launch team.
SECOND, PLEASE GIVE as you are able. Shane and Adele are getting by on minimal income right now, and are at the same time, in the process of adopting a child. They are about half way to their monthly support goal, but they also need an additional $50,000 for launch Sunday, January 23, 2022! One time or monthly checks can be written to Raymore Friends Church and mailed to the Ministry Center. Or, you can give online at https://tithe.ly/give?c=3425385.
Without new church plants the future of EFC-MAYM is at risk. And, more importantly, the number of people in Mid-America who are dying without Jesus is increasing. The church IS the hope of the world. Let’s support Shane, Adele and Amelia in this exciting venture with Jesus!
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