On February 6, IBC’s elders and deacons had the joy of meeting for our Annual Retreat at the facility of our latest church plant, Grace Church. Pastors Josh and Brad welcomed us warmly and gave us an update on how God is using the team that we sent to build this new congregation even during the year of COVID. As IBC’s leaders met and planned, it was so encouraging to be reminded of what God has already done.

On February 21, it was my joy to preach at Grace. I enjoyed all three services of worship with our friends there. I enjoyed seeing the dedicated plant team serving in music, greeting, children’s ministry, and leading communion. It was also encouraging to see all the new faces. During the third service, there were far more people that I didn’t know than that I did. The church has already had four baptism services! New folks are definitely being reached for Christ.

That same Sunday, Pastor Brad gave a super encouraging report on Grace Church at the beginning of his message at IBC. If you haven’t heard it, it is well worth the time to listen at Series — Independent Bible Church (ibcwv.org).

Check out the new Church Planting page on our website. (Thanks, Pastor Phillip.) Go to www.ibcwv.org/church-plants It includes this map of the locations of IBC’s four plants, as well as their information including location, building photo, year planted, and a link to their website.

Church planting has proven to be an effective way to reach the unchurched. And why not? It’s biblical. Join me in praying for these congregations—“that the Word of the Lord would speed ahead and be honored through IBC, Paw Paw Bible Church , Fellowship Bible, Centerpoint Bible, Grace Church and our missionaries” (2 Thes. 3:1).

As Missions Weekend approaches—March 20-21, “Open Doors of Opportunity”—pray that God will call more missionaries that we can send. And, while we’re at it, let’s pray about our next church plant for God’s glory.