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Planters Circle

Meet a Church Planter... (reprinted from the Covenanter)

Daniela Flores and Sergio Gonzalez talked with associate superintendent Jolene Bergstrom-Carlson about their journey to becoming church planters. Following is an excerpt of the conversation:

Tell me about you. We married just before immigrating from Mexico City to the United States in 1992, and now have three children. Our home church is Iglesia del Pacto Evangelico Grace, Chicago IL.

How did you come to know Jesus? We attended education classes with professor Luis Retamal, who was also a pastor, and he invited us to church.

What led you to church planting? Ten years ago, we were sent to be part of a new hispanic ministry on the other end of Chicago, and since then we have wanted another opportunity to experience church planting. In between, we returned to Grace and ministered with people there.

What process do you go through to become a church planter? Last February, we were invited to attend an assessment center for church planters. There were many affirmations, so we entered training a few months later.

What is your vision for reaching people through a new church? Our vision to reach people is to offer community programs, especially ones that focus on children, marriage, and family and then invite them into our homes to study about God. We want to be part of the neighborhood by offering a food pantry, health fair, and job fairs.

In what ways can established churches be supportive to you? Prayers for us and for the neighborhood people, donations for start-up such as Bibles, instruments, sound system equipment, office supplies, Christian education material. We would like to hear also any Covenanters' experience that could help us begin this new ministry.

This region plants about two new churches each year in conjunction with parent or partner churches, the national Covenant church and individuals. Learn more about new plants this year by email to the Director of Church Planting or call (773) 267-3060.