When Zion Church (formerly Covenant Presbyterian) became part of the PCA in 1979, we were the first PCA church in Nebraska. We were originally part of the North Texas Presbytery. Have you ever looked at a map and seen the distance from Lincoln, NE to North Texas?! Way back then there was a vision to have smaller Presbyteries so we could actually have meaningful relationships with our sister churches. In the Book of Church Order, our area would be called a “Destitute Region.” The vision–from the beginning–was to create geographically smaller Presbyteries, but to continue to pool resources to promote church planting. That vision is what created the Great Plains Church Planting Network. Since the PCA was formed, this region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas) has gone from 6 PCA churches to roughly 44 churches and missions. We are pooling our resources to 1) pay for assessment of candidates and 2) give grants to planters. We currently have 4 planters in the field who have each received a $50k grant.
The Planters in the Field:
TE JONATHAN COOK / AKSARBEN PROJECT (OMAHA, NE)
Jonathan was part of the staff at Grace Central (PCA Omaha) with a view toward church planting from the beginning. He and his family are targeting the Aksarben area in central Omaha.
TE TOWER KOUNTZE / TREE OF LIFE CHURCH (OMAHA, NE)
Tower grew up in Omaha and his family has deep roots there. His vision is to plant a multi-ethnic congregation and the doors have been opening up for that to become a reality. He has received mentoring/coaching from several African-American pastors in Omaha. The Omaha metro runs around 900k, so there is a lot of room for more PCA churches!
TE JOHN ST. MARTIN / RESURRECTION CHURCH (FARGO, ND)
John is from Minnesota and totally understands the culture of Fargo/Moorhead. He is sinking deep roots and Resurrection Church (mission) hopes to become the first PCA church in North Dakota!
TE ISAAC FERRELL / TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA)
Isaac is working with a sponsoring church in Iowa to plant the first PCA congregation in Cedar Rapids (metro of about 250k). He continues to tent-make, not only as a way to create income but also to network in the community. Isaac is very familiar with the Iowa culture and is planting with the long-term in view.