Well, no actually. Believe it or not, population growth in the US is far outpacing churches’ ability to effectively minister. With over 3,500 churches closing each year (and only about 1,500 being planted), it’s even more imperative to help vital new churches flourish.
Yes! And many are called to that important work. Yet the picture in the New Testament Scriptures (and during the most vibrant eras in church history) is one of robust multiplication of churches. This often has the wonderful added effect of improving the health and vitality of the overall Church, especially those churches that partner in starting new works.
Here’s the kicker, it’s the most effective way to help spiritual seekers find life in Jesus and his community of followers. New churches see 3-4 times the rate of people coming to Christ than established churches do. Overall growth (only one measure of health) is also 23 times faster than churches over 10 years old.
If you’re connected to a healthy church (which doesn’t mean perfect) you should continue serving, worshiping, and growing right there.
You might also explore, with your church’s leadership, intentionally starting a new church out of your parent church (these have the highest rate of long-term success).
And if neither of those are an option, perhaps God will call you to join us in the exciting mission he is unleashing at Artisan Church!
Artisan Church of Rochester, New York, had its start in the wonderful church planting teams formerly know as Capax Dei Church and Quest Church. These two groups were well on their way to fully launching when God brought an even more ambitious plan into focus…
Strong leadership and clear vision were moving both projects forward, but neither felt quite “complete.” Each group had something unique to offer, not only with gifts and talents, but also in the core communities.
Capax Dei was already gaining traction with the under-35 crowd, while Quest showed strength with 35 on up. Yet the mission and vision were strikingly similar, almost identical: a strong calling to be a church for Great Rochester, yet centered in the City South East; a fresh approach to expressing the Christian faith for a postmodern world while staying true to the Gospel; valuing art and creativity; seeking justice; sharing new life in the Way of Jesus... and the list goes on.
So, in February 2005, the two teams came together, and Artisan Church was born. Over the summer we continued to flesh out the “launch team” and ministry areas as we headed toward our “Fall Grand Opening.”
By God’s grace, in October 2005 we successfully launched, and have continued to experience wonderful growth, both in the depth of lives changed, and in the breadth of many new people finding a place of welcome.
With this growth comes wonderful opportunities, real challenges, and even greater responsibility to truly make a difference in people’s lives, our city, and the world. We’re humbled by what God is doing in and through his people at Artisan.
So now you join the story already in progress. We’d love to have you come explore and be part of the adventure!
The name “Artisan Church” beautifully expresses our desire to creatively live out the mission God has given us to “encounter God, embrace people, and engage culture, in the way of Jesus.” The imagery is inspired directly by the scripture, which says:
“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
— The Apostle Paul (Ephesians 2:10)
God is the “master artisan,” creating everything — including us — to be part of his redemptive design. We are simply called to be faithful apprentices of Jesus, to do the “good work” of sharing his blessings with our friends, family, neighbors, community, and world. You’re welcome to the journey!