At the time of writing, church planter Daniel Karl, from Northside Community Church, was preparing to launch Redemption Church in Clayton, North Carolina. Here’s a behind the scenes look at how it all started and where it’s headed. The church officially launched in September 2024.
Inspiration and Calling
I was serving on Northside’s staff when Adrian Dixon, our lead pastor, asked me if I had thought about church planting and if that was something I was interested in pursuing. Honestly, at that time, I hadn’t given any serious thought to it. So, it’s been incredible to see how the Lord has cultivated that calling and used all the times we said “yes” to get to where we are now.
Church Name
“Redemption” comes through faith in Christ and that’s what we seek to live out and share with our community. This word also speaks to what is happening in the legacy of the Mt. Pleasant Advent Christian Church. There’s a rebirth — a redemption taking place — that presents a new opportunity for vibrancy, life and relevancy in the community.
Vision to Reality
Support from our home church, seed families, workday volunteers, prayer and a kingdom-minded attitude of the people of Mt. Pleasant (the existing church) have made this vision a reality. And without the faith and financial support of the ENC’s Home Mission Board, we wouldn’t be able to renovate or make repairs to the church building.
Surrounding Community
Clayton is one of the top five fastest growing towns in North Carolina, and Johnston County is the fastest growing county in N.C. We’re seeing the number of unchurched people higher than it ever has been and there’s a need for new churches to match that growth.
God’s Provision
This is one of the most spiritually invigorating times of my life. God has provided again and again, testifying to his faithfulness. He’s affirmed my call through the Converge assessment center and he’s provided me a loving wife and family, a home six minutes from the church and a local job to support us. He has also given me support through my Converge church plant coach, Adrian, my extended family, our conference and region, ACGC, our core team and many other generous people. All these things give me confidence that the Lord is surely in this.
Lessons for Church Planters
My advice to church planters? Be flexible. We’ve made numerous pivots already, and that’s ok! The Lord is redirecting. Also, planting and re-planting are not the same thing. Strategically, their models for success are different. Lastly, I’d say to lean on your calling when things get tough and remember the one who called you. Be confident in his strength, not yours.
Support Redemption
Pray. Be praying for our launch! Pray that the Lord would soften the hearts of the people in our community who need to hear the gospel and that we would be effective in reaching them. Pray that God would equip our launch team for his good work and bring more like-minded believers who want to see his kingdom grow.
