The Story: Behind Emmanuel
Discernment and Prayer
In the year 2020, the leaders at Christ the King Lutheran Church (CTK) in Pipestone, MN began praying about planting a new church. With the help of AFLC Home Missions, CTK considered opportunities for a church plant in a couple of local contexts. In both cases, the timing was not right.
By the summer of 2021, Matthew Pillman (Associate Pastor at CTK) and his wife, Julia, began to pray about how God might use them in church planting. At the same time, God used various contacts and conversations to bring the city of Ankeny, IA to their attention. This led them into a season of prayer and church planter assessments.
Residency
In the spring of 2022, CTK voted as a congregation to provide accountability and administrative support for Matthew as he would prepare to plant a new church in Ankeny.
In the fall of 2022, Matthew and Julia moved to San Antonio, TX for a one-year church planter residency program alongside Pastor Matthew Ballmann and Trinity San Antonio. Residency provided a time of continued discernment, growth, learning, ministry experience, and preparation.
Church Planting in Ankeny
In August 2023, Matthew and Julia will move to Ankeny, IA to begin the process of connecting with the community, reaching the lost/unchurched, gathering a launch team, leading Bible studies, and making further preparations.
In spring 2024, the congregation anticipates beginning monthly preview services.
In fall 2024, as the Lord permits, the congregation will launch weekly services.
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