God is Building Something New in the city of Lynn

Every so often, I stop in the middle of a Sunday gathering and take it all in: the sound of voices singing, the quiet hum of prayer, the sense of something larger than ourselves unfolding before our eyes.  It's in those moments that I'm reminded that Jesus is, in fact, building His church.  Not brick by brick, but heart by heart.

That feeling came rushing back to me recently at our 4th interest meeting.  You can view the recap here.  We gathered at the newly renovated Demakes YMCA rooftop in Lynn, unsure of what to expect.  Would people show up?  Would the vision and mission resonate?  Would this even feel like the beginning of a church family?  By the time we closed in prayer, I had my answer.  The place was filled with eager attendees, palpable excitement, spiritual hunger, and a deep, undeniable sense that our beloved city of Lynn is genuinely ready for something new—a fresh outpouring of God's grace and a vibrant community ready to experience it.

As people shared their stories, I was struck by the profound longing that exists in this city, longing for community, healing, and a place where people can grow in faith and discover their purpose.  Some spoke of praying for a church like this - one that is diverse, open to grappling with hard questions, rooted in Scripture, and welcoming.  Others said they weren't sure why they came, only that they felt drawn.  By the end, it was clear: God is already stirring hearts.  He is already writing a story here, and we're being invited into it.  

I left that meeting in awe of God's faithfulness.  We are stepping into a work that God has already been doing.  

It's been a few days since that meeting, and I've been reflecting on the journey so far.  When my wife and I followed God's call to start a church, we knew it would require faith, prayer, and a strong sense of community.  We also knew it would take time.  Planting a church is never simple, but the joy comes in moments like these - when we can see lives being changed, people stepping into their callings, and a family of believers beginning to take shape.

One of the most beautiful parts of this journey has been the diversity that God has brought together.  At every gathering - whether an interest meeting or a Sunday service - I see people of different ages, backgrounds, and even different Christian traditions.  Some are brand-new to the faith.  Some are returning after a long time away, after being hurt.  Some have been walking with Jesus for years.  Together, we are discovering what it means to follow Him in this city, side by side.

This interest meeting reminded us of the hunger and the need that already exists.  Now, we're building on that momentum through our preview services, held on the 1st and 2nd Sundays of every month at 1:00 p.m. at 233 Eastern Ave in Lynn.  We are meeting at the 1st Church of the Nazarene.  These preview services are moments of worship, prayer, and community that offer people a glimpse of what God is doing as we move toward our official launch on Easter Sunday, 2026.  

What's amazing is that every time someone walks into a preview service, I see the same thing I saw at our Interest Meeting: Openness, Curiosity, and a desire to belong.  And every time, I'm reminded that Jesus is faithful to His promise: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18)

Some may wonder, "Why start another church?"  The answer is simple:  Because the need is real.  Our city is full of people who don't yet know the love of Jesus, feel like they don't fit in anywhere, or have been hurt by others in the church in the past (I wrote a little more about that here).  A new church creates a fresh space for people to encounter God, maybe for the very first time.  A new church creates an invitation to experience grace anew, to heal old wounds, and to discover a community where they can belong.  It's an opportunity to re-imagine what faith can be.  

And the more I immerse myself in this journey - listening intently to eager voices that filled our interest meeting, engaging deeply with those who now joyfully join us on Sundays for worship and fellowship - the more I am profoundly convinced with unwavering certainty that this endeavor is far more than just a well-intentioned human initiative.  This is far more than a good idea born from strategic planning or a passionate desire alone.  No, this is unmistakably God's idea, and He is calling us to participate in something truly extraordinary that He is building in the heart of Lynn.

There is a sermon series we put together a few months ago titled "Whatever happens...Jesus". In it, we discover that Jesus is always present, faithful, and worthy of our trust in every chapter of our lives.  

Church planting comes with challenges.  Living in this city also presents its own challenges.  But Jesus is steady.  "He is the vine, and we are the branches" (John 15:5). As long as we remain in Him, He will remain faithful.  That's what we saw in the interest meeting.  That's what we see at every preview service.  And that's what gives me confidence that God is building this church.

If you're reading this, I want you to know:  There is a place for you here.  Whether you're deeply rooted in faith, cautiously returning, or simply curious - You belong.  

Our preview services take place on the 1st and 2nd Sundays of every month at 1:00 PM, and we would love for you to join us.  You'll be attending a worship service, but you'll also be part of something that God is building from the ground up.  You'll get to experience firsthand the joy of community, the power of worship, and the hope we find in Jesus.

So consider this your invitation.  See for yourself what God is doing in this new church.  Bring your questions, your hopes, your fears.  And together, let's keep looking to Jesus - the faithful one, the one who is building, the one who promises to be with us forever.