Our Future Church Plant
On March 9th I preached a sermon titled: “God’s Vision for IBC Moving Forward.” This was in response to a really good problem we’ve been dealing with: we're outgrowing our worship space and our parking lot. I announced in that message that we would kick off an expansion service to provide short-term relief to our space issues. But I also introduced the vision that IBC might start a new church plant in Port Angeles, and I invited everyone to pray for God’s leading on this.
Thank you all for your diligence and faithfulness in praying over the church for these four and a half months. I’ve been praying too, and God has made it clear to me, the pastors, and the elders of IBC: Jesus is asking us to start a new church in Port Angeles. This is an exciting time to be a member of IBC. If you haven’t been on the Holy Ghost Train Ride for long, buckle up because it can get wild. Jesus takes us on a journey with him that will stretch us, and scare us, and grow us in ways we couldn’t imagine. It’s okay to have questions, and I want to help you answer some of the initial questions that you might have:
WHAT IS THE PLAN?
- Start a new church plant in the Port Angeles area. We’ll do this by equipping and sending a core group of members from IBC.
WHO WILL LEAD?
- We don't have a leader confirmed yet.
WHEN WILL THIS TAKE PLACE?
- Soon. Once a leader is confirmed, the new church will begin the process of forming & launching. Our goal is to have this new church fully launched by Summer of 2026.
WHERE WILL THIS HAPPEN?
- Initially, here at IBC. What is currently the expansion service in the Student Ministries room will soon be called the church plant service. As the new church grows, it will eventually find its own space for worship and fellowship.
WHO WILL BE PART OF THIS?
- Whoever God is calling.
- We are praying for a critical mass of participation (50-75 people) to commit to this new work.
- When we confirm the lead shepherd, he will work with IBC to identify a launch team.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
- Because healthy things grow and healthy things multiply.
- Because this is how lost people can be most effectively reached.
- Because we are on mission, and our mission is to make disciples who make disciples.
WHAT ARE WE ASKING OF YOU AS IBC MEMBERS?
- Keep praying that Jesus will guide the pastors and elders of IBC.
- Listen carefully to God and step boldly where you hear Him calling you to go.
Trusting and Following Jesus Together,
Pastor Aaron Bacon