September 12, 2012

Why plant? / Why York?

Over the last few months, when sharing the step of faith we were taking in moving from FL to PA to start daybreak church, we have been asked lot's of great questions. So we wanted to try to answer the ones that seemed to be asked the most. In this post we will address the top 2 questions we have been asked.

1. Why plant/start a new church?

1st ...because God called us to. 

-The day was: Tuesday May 8th, 2007. Check out the "our story" tab on www.daybreakchurch.info to read the full story.

-"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19, 20

2nd ...people are looking for Hope. We believe that true Hope is found through a relationship with Jesus. 

-"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5 

3rd ...we believe the local church plays a major role in bringing Hope to Life!

-"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord". Ephesians 3:10, 11

4th ...studies show that starting new churches is one of the MOST effective ways to reach people that don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

-http://www.irvinepres.org/pdf/fewhyplantchurches.pdf

-http://www.amazon.com/The-American-Church-Crisis-Groundbreaking/dp/0310277132 
_____________________________________________________________

2. Why York? 

1st ...When we felt called to plant, Pennsylvania was immediately drawing us. As we have continued to seek God, He has literally given us an overwhelming love for this region.. and it is increasing daily.  Not just York city... but York county.

2nd ...In 2010, the population of York County, PA was 434,972. In 2000, it was 381,751. The total population increased by 13.9%. The number of people that claim any affiliation to religious groups listed was 168,962, which was 38.8% of the total population in 2010. So that means 266,010  or 61.2% are not affiliated with any religious organization. The city of York and its surrounding zip codes are following suit, with just over 50% that are NOT a part of a local  church, or claiming to know Christ. Which means... Lots of people in this region need to hear, see and experience that Jesus loves them and that He has an incredible plan for their life! And even with the people that say they have a religious affiliation or go to church... chances are many of them still may be disconnected from the church, hurt by the church or not actually in a growing relationship with Jesus.



http://www.city-data.com/city/York-Pennsylvania.html
_____________________________________________________________

So instead of why plant & why york? We can't help but ask WHY NOT?

Partner with us in Bringing Hope to Life! 

To find out how... Click HERE