Shepherd’s Gate Church
We have the joy of partnering with Shepherd’s Gate Church in Peoria, Illinois as they share the hope of the gospel in their city. We are so grateful for the generosity of our congregation that allows us to support other churches as they make disciples alongside us. Shepherd’s Gate Church official launched their first public worship service at the end of August! Here’s an update from their lead pastor Jon Watts:
The God Who Gives Every Grace
I remember once having a conversation with someone about the wilderness wandering Israelites. We were discussing the various truths we could take away from the story as Christians. We talked about the importance of trusting God, his provision, the consequences of disobedience, and how the presence or lack of faith in God’s people shape their lives. My friend then said something that has stuck with me. He said something akin to, “There is grace in the wilderness. The wilderness is there to remind you of your total dependence on God. It exposes your need and showcases a God who is ready to meet it—often in ways you don’t expect.”
Church planting in many ways has been like this. You take a step of faith, trusting that God will take nothing and build his church through it. Over and over again, whether through planting or the various things life has thrown at us, I have been confronted with my limits and cast myself upon the God who makes every grace overflow to his people.
The Continual Needs of a New Church
Because of many of you, God has continued to take care of us. All of our kids ministry supplies have been purchased. Our music & media supplies were also paid for by one of our ministry partners. While God has continued to meet our financial needs, he is also meeting other needs as well. Our team is growing, leaders are being raised up, men and women are growing in their faith, and children are being taught good news. The lost are hearing the gospel and urged to believe it and our team continues to serve with joy and grow closer together.
We still have some needs. Pray for them.
We are still praying for God to bring someone to faith in Christ through our ministry.
We are looking for people to join our team who are gifted in the areas of Sound, Media, and Music.
We are in need of a solution for baptisms on Sunday. I’m hoping to get this resolved in the coming weeks.
We are 77% funded and seeking another $90,000 of funding through 2028.
Celebrating Our First Sunday
On August 23rd, for the first time, Shepherd’s Gate Church gathered for public worship. We prayed together, sang together, heard the good news of Christ preached together, and took communion together. It was such a joy. I hope these photos stir your heart to rejoice!
We began a three week series titled “New Church / Ancient Gospel”. We talked about the good news that God brings in Christ as we looked at John 10:1-21. The following week, we looked at the community God builds through the gospel. And finally, week three will look at the mission God invites us into as his new people. Please continue to pray for us!
Jon Watts | Lead Pastor
