Colorado Church Plant – Summit
The Summit is a new church plant in Fremont County, Colorado. Many people ask, “Why plant a new church? Aren’t there already enough churches in Fremont County?” Well, there are numerous churches in this area. But – demographics for Fremont County (and for Colorado as well) show that only 1 out of every 10 people ever attend church anywhere. That leads us to believe that there is room for another church – one that is totally different than the others that already exist here – one that is nontraditional in structure – one that is built upon relationships with those who are outside of the church – one where it is okay to come and investigate and ask questions, even if you are not a Christian – one where those who attend are the formerly unchurched. That is the kind of church that Summit will be in Fremont County.
But that kind of church does not happen over night. It may take months – or even years to plant. We aren’t even sure exactly what Summit will look like. Will we be a ‘house church’, meeting in small groups? Will we meet in a large group for a worship service? If we do, what kind of music will we use during worship? We still have many more questions than we have answers.
What we do know is that there are a lot of hurting people around us. Many of them are struggling to just get by. Many of them are lonely. Some of them have loved ones who are in prison. (These families of the prisoners of the 12 state & federal facilities are not presently being ministered to by the local churches.) Others are merchants or storekeepers. Most all of them are eager to stop and talk. Some of them have already become friends. God is continually bringing new people into our lives and building the relationships. That is the way that Summit will grow – through relationships – with those who do not know God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Summit is just about “being Christian” in our everyday life on the streets of Florence – living Christ before those who do not know Him.
Yes, Summit has already been planted – the church already exist – yet there are only two members – Freita and me. No, we don’t hold regular worship meetings yet. No, small group Bible studies haven’t even begun. We are waiting for the proper time to begin all that – waiting for God’s timing. But while we wait – we meet new people – and build new relationships and we work at getting a business started here so that we will be able to make a living in order to be able to stay here – planting Summit.
Summit is sponsored by the Colorado General Baptist Assembly; The North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, The Royal Gorge Baptist Association of Colorado; First Southern Baptist Church of Canon City, Colorado; Celebration Church of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; and friends who believe in the calling and vision that God has given Johnny and Freita to plant the Summit. Summit budgets over 13% of its regular offerings to local, state, national and international missions through the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention. As church planters, Freita and I have elected not receive a salary from Summit at this time. All contributions received go toward missions, ministries and outreach events that are a part of the planting work of The Summit Church.
