Some call themselves "church planters." Others prefer "spiritual entrepreneur." Or "creator of Jesus-centered communities." Anyone who believes the church is called to minister outside of its own walls is invited to attend SENT 2017.
The second-annual SENT gathering will be held Apr. 6-8, 2017, in Fort Myers, Florida. The conference, which is sponsored by Mennonite Mission Network, will focus on the theme, "Set apart for the gospel."
The conference welcomes participants of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds to come share their successes and challenges of creating faith communities.
"One of the most foundational reasons why we believe in planting peace churches is out of necessity of having the church as a place where faith, vision and community are nurtured," said Mauricio Chenlo, the conference organizer and Mennonite Church USA denominational minister of church planting. It’s by gathering in faith communities that we can work together toward peace in the world.
Caring for community
In North Miami, Florida, Ducois Forestal met with five people in his home to study the Bible. The house church attracted more people, and in 1990, when it grew to 16 people, the North Miami church was born. Today, 280 people gather each week. The church community conducts services in both English and Creole.
What makes the North Miami church different from other Anabaptist faith communities? Forestal believes it’s because they sought to meet not only spiritual needs, but social and physical needs as well. Each Friday, they distribute food to church and community members without exception. Just as they share Christ without exception.
Leaders on the rise
Veteran pastors Duane and Elaine Maust of Meridian, Mississippi, will know they are successful when they are replaced by younger leaders. To them, creating faith communities means to raise up young leaders. Last year, they attended SENT with a group of young adults from their faith community.
"That’s just a small piece of trying to help young adults spread their wings. SENT helps us do that, too. The young adults that we took there last spring, now think about church planting and what growing a church is about," said Duane Maust.
