“[God’s] kingdom continues to expand as he continues to draw people to himself. The church becomes the means through which this expansion takes place. The church does not build the kingdom, but she bears witness to the coming kingdom. Her participation in bearing witness to the coming kingdom takes place through the planting of gospel-centered churches who multiply disciples, leaders, ministries, and new churches.” — Heber Ticas
Read below how two congregations have launched new expressions of healthy church.
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US
On September 7, 2025, Grace Communion Steele Creek (GC Steele Creek) had our official launch. It was a day of great celebration, with many of those present commenting that they felt the presence of God. Since our beginning as a merger between a church plant and an existing congregation in October 2023, the members of GC Steele Creek have followed the leading of the Spirit in rebuilding our faith community from the ground up. We especially gave (and continue to give) our attention to developing meaningful relationships with our neighbors (Love Avenue) and intentionally living out our core values of belonging, celebration, restorative justice, truth, and unity. The result was a launch day overflowing with joy in the Lord and gratitude for his faithfulness.
The group that gathered on launch day, in a small way, reflected images of heaven we see in Scripture. People from different ages, stages of life, ethnicities, and experience following Christ worshiped the Lord together. I was especially grateful for the children God brought into our fellowship. They bring a vibrancy that is contagious.
We believe God has laid a strong foundation for GC Steele Creek and revealed our presence in our community in a beautiful way. We are excited to see where he leads us next.
By Dishon Mills. Pastor
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US
Lemon Grove, California, US
The idea that we’ve been “blessed to be a blessing” is woven through both the Old and New Testaments. This has always been our desire at GC Lemon Grove. Ever since my husband and I began pastoring here more than 24 years ago, we’ve striven to serve the residents in this 3.5 square mile city that lies just seven miles East of San Diego
Five years ago, when COVID gave us time to reflect, pray, ask questions, and dream, God revealed a fresh and specific vision for reaching Lemon Grove with the good news. This dream involved finding a commercial space in the heart of our city’s downtown corridor that would serve as a church and an event space where neighbors could connect with neighbors — and ultimately, be encouraged to connect with God.
After 5 years of denominational high support / high challenge, and very consistent and intentional relationship building with our neighbors, it was beyond thrilling to host the Grand Opening of our new space on August 22. The weekend included a ribbon cutting, community concert, open house, game night and worship gathering. God has truly blessed us, and we are thrilled to pay this blessing forward to Lemon Grove.
Watch our September video update here.
By Anne Stapleton, Pastor
Lemon Grove, California, US
