Two years ago last month we sent two of our pastors and 100 people to plant Grace Church in southern Berkeley county. Pastor Josh Tingler returned for part of Sunday AM on July 31, their Anniversary Sunday to thank the IBC congregation for our support and to share a report.
Praise God that in 2022 Grace Church has averaged 240, on Easter they had 360, and on a recent Invite Sunday for their Anniversary they welcomed around 400. Even more exciting, they have baptized 49. People are being reached, disciples made, missionaries supported, and the Word proclaimed. But, they are crowded and have a property search committee.
It was exciting on July 31 to announce an amazing provision of property. In June, we found out that an unexpected estate gift is coming to IBC from a Martinsburg resident that includes 11.7 acres off Exit 12 behind the Target store along I-81. This was the very exit where part of the original video announcement for planting a new church was filmed. (See www.ibcwv.org/church-plants if you would like to see the video about “Our Next Plant, Grace Church.”)
Our Elders and Executive Board have prayerfully discussed and are recommending that IBC gift this 11.7 acres to Grace Church. IBC doesn’t need land but are blessed with all the land we need here on Route 9. However, our recent daughter church is in need of land for a permanent location.
Church planting is a step of faith; but it’s biblical and God blesses it. When Pastors Josh and Brad filmed that video at Exit 12, God must have been smiling and saying, “You don’t know yet; but the new church’s future land is right over there!” Wow. To God be the glory.
On the evening of August 14, we are adding to the Congregational Meeting agenda, to ask IBC’s members to vote to approve this gift. Please be praying for this meeting (which will occur during the Sunday evening break of our Creation Conference.)
Here is an aerial view of I-81, exit 12, the Target Store, and the 11.7 acres, highlighted in green.
Remember that one of our 5-year goals as part of Vision 2026 is “to pray for, plan, prepare, and carry out our next church plant, if the Lord wills.” Church Planting is a great way to reach the unchurched and praise God for how He blesses it. Let’s pray for all of our church plants and let’s pray about our next one.