Introduction:

On separate occasions, in different places, and under unusual circumstances, the Lord has given John and Lynne a call to the ministry based on this strong mandate to the church in Isaiah 61:1-3:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour….”

Through the years, John has exercised his gift for preaching and teaching in churches around the world, and Lynne has exercised her gift of compassion and personal ministry wherever the Spirit has lead. Together they have a heart to see the church renewed. A few years ago they established a non-profit society called “Reconciliation Ministries”, its main focus being “to help facilitate renewal among the churches”.

During that time, many friends suggested that they start their own church. “Keep it simple,” they said. “Focus on the Biblical mandate of Matthew 28:19-20, which is to go and make disciples.” So, from June to mid-September 2004, fifteen people gathered week after week in John and Lynne’s living room to pray for direction concerning pursuit of this vision. They reached the unanimous agreement that a church plant was the will of God. With this conviction, they set out to call together a number of unchurched individuals and friends without a church home. Their first meeting was on Thanksgiving weekend, October 10, 2004. Just over 40 people attended.