On February 20-22, 2023, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, the SEND network had a gathering of three days for church-planting couples and leaders to worship, learn, and dream together. There were 15 different states represented. Six hundred people attended, and 13% were from San Diego. There were Main Sessions as well as Breakout Sessions.
President of Send Network, Vance Pitman, kicked off the gathering by emphasizing that God’s primary call in our lives is NOT ministry but intimacy. Ministry is what Jesus does out of the overflow of intimacy. God made us human beings, not human doings.
David Godoy and Leonardo Lopez, West, and Mountain West regional leaders for SEND network Espanol, led one of the breakout sessions. 55 Hispanic leaders were presented with resources available to the fastest-growing demographic in the United States. Some of these resources were practical and academic training for a year, Workshops for evangelism, discipleship, and Leadership Development.
David Godoy said, “he was inspired! Instead of learning church growth gimmicks, the emphasis was on prayer and the ministry of the word based on Acts 6:4, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Rebeca Pirola said, “so much wisdom was shared over the three days. It was really encouraging. One phrase that is highlighted on my notes from the event is: “Prayerlessness is our declaration of independence from God” by pastor Daniel Henderson.”
Jeremy Aylett, Church Planting Catalyst for NAMB, and Chase Feindel SEND city missionary and Pastor of Anthem Church, hosted from Arkansas a group of Pastors praying about leading their churches to partner with San Diego church plants to advance the gospel in San Diego County.
Too often, church planters plant a church to make disciples that will engage the city with the gospel. However, the biblical methodology used by the apostle Paul was to engage the city with the gospel, make disciples, and then plant a church.
A Few Clouds, 58°