Yesterday was a pretty big day for church launches in the area. Mosaic Ann Arbor, a church plant out of Oak Pointe Church in Novi, MI, had their launch service. NorthRidge Saline had their first services at Saline High School. Grace Ann Arbor, where Julie and I attend and where I am the Church Planting Resident, had it’s official relaunch service. It’s been a long time since Ann Arbor, much less Washtenaw County, had so many church starts. I’ve been praying for all three churches, that God would be glorified, that there would be a commitment to preach the Word without regard for social approval, and that our communities would be impacted by our imitation of Christ.

I have been a little surprised, though, that none of the churches have posted anything on their sites about how yesterday went. Because Malachi was sick yesterday, I can’t even post here about gathered worship at Grace Ann Arbor. It seems like the best way to build on the momentum of a launch service would be to write about it and share your thoughts and gather other people’s thoughts. Maybe create a live feed of any Twitter hash tags (#northridgesaline). Maybe post pictures. Maybe just a “thank you” to the visitors and volunteers who gathered and worshipped. Reflecting on the momentous day that just passed reminds people of just how important church planting is and provides an opportunity to edify and educate. It can also serve to remind people of past, present, and future challenges that come when we are committed to being Wholly In, Of, and For God.

Praise God that churches are rising up in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area. It’s my hope that all the churches in the area will pray for God to work through both these new bodies of believers and through their own churches. We aren’t competing against each other, we are cooperating for the Kingdom.

Update: As of 10-13-2009, I’m no longer the Church Planting Resident at Grace Ann Arbor