In line with our belief that the book of Acts represents a faithful model for church planting and leadership today, we pursue an intentional, Spirit-led, open-to-interruption strategy.
As we have studied and prayed the word of God, it has become increasingly clear that this world is not our home—this world is our mission field. This realization has burdened us to send God-called, biblically-qualified church planters all over the state, the nation, and the world.
We aggressively pursue planting like-minded churches in our city and region, while embracing broader North American church planting and church strengthening as a vital and strategic part of gospel renewal in our country and potential impact on our continent and around the world.
Partnering with Kentucky Baptists, Commission Church is a new church plant in our region. This church planting team is being led by Pastor Jay Ingram. In late 2019, the initial core team began holding a prayer meeting in Shelby County. This group now meets weekly for Bible Study, fellowship, and prayer. Shelbyville is a growing community just outside Louisville. Shelby County boasts the highest hispanic population by percentage in the state. Shelbyville has a population of approximately 20,000 people, with 50,000 in the county. The team is already engaging the community through outreach events, and evangelistic Bible studies. This church launched in 2021.
What started as a weekly gathering in the Delaughter family's home, the Immanuel Community Church now meets at a community school and averages 100 people each Sunday. The church is served by three pastors and one deacon. ICC is showing great health in being marked by a multiethnic community that engages the surrounding Treme-Laffite neighborhood, a youth group that meets weekly, and numerous growing community groups.
Waiehu Community is a joint church plant between Immanuel and Kailua Baptist of Oahu, Hawaii. The plant has been birthed in a sustained prayer effort spanning over 7 years. Waiehu is the center of several communities comprised of native Hawaiians and descendants of Asian immigrant populations. The region is incritical need of a healthy church. Planning for this church plant began in 2018 with the work of the core team of 20 people. After much organization and outreach, WCC had around 50 people at its first service in February 2019.