100 servings of pineapple water. 100 servings of horchata. 80 servings of fajitas — chicken, veggie, or beef. What do these mouth-watering menu items have to do with church planting in Texas?
Only God knows.
Yet one local congregation is praying that such simple ingredients might nourish something far greater — a new intercultural expression of the Church in Austin.
After launching a string of new churches in the 2010s, ACTS Church Lakeway and its partner, the ACTS Church Network, have been waiting expectantly for their next opportunity. What will the 2020s hold?
As they engaged with other leaders through the Exponential Learning Communities, sponsored by the Texas District, a new possibility began to emerge. Their next church plant might look very different from those that came before. Was God leading them to focus on Austin’s growing Hispanic population?
It’s one thing to dream about an intercultural church. It’s another thing entirely to see it come to life.
What might the next steps be? Could a local congregation be formed from more than one tribe, nation, and tongue?
As the leaders of ACTS Lakeway prayed over this opportunity, God opened their eyes to what He had already placed before them. Every Sunday afternoon, a Spanish-speaking congregation had been renting their facility for worship. Was the Holy Spirit transforming this relationship from one of shared space into one of shared ministry?
A creative idea soon took shape, guided by a clear intention. After applying for funding through the Catalyst Innovation Lab of the Texas District, the congregation was ready to move forward. They invited Pastor Lincon Guerra, who leads the Hispanic Ministry of the Texas District, into the conversation. With his guidance, leaders from both churches gathered to explore what God might be doing.
An event was planned: the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking congregations would come together for a time of singing and praise. Lunch would follow, made possible through Catalyst Innovation Lab funding. And, of course, it would be a joyful fiesta of Mexican food.
Moving from shared space to shared ministry is not easy. Language and cultural barriers must be crossed with humility and grace. Yet the congregation is hopeful that these interactions will serve as a training ground for their next church plant — one composed of both Anglo and Latino disciples of Jesus.
This story is still being written.
Only God knows how it will unfold.
But already, the learnings outweigh the challenges. Perhaps there is a lesson here for you as well:
- State a clear intention that aligns with the Great Commission, and watch how God fulfills it.
- Don’t rush the season of prayer and discernment.
- Look first to what God has placed right in front of you.
- Rely on ministry partners — fellow leaders, congregations, and the Texas District — as you carry out the mission entrusted to Christ’s Church.
After all, sometimes the Kingdom of God advances through prayer, friendship, and a shared table — and even 100 servings of pineapple water.
Rev. Pete Mueller
Mission Strategist, Area C