Greetings, ALIVE family -- and all who are interested in PROJECT 20!
We are 3 years into this legacy initiative to start 20 Christ-centered communities in 10 years. So far, we’ve committed over $400,000 to reach spiritually hungry people in 7 different locations. Through PROJECT 20 we’ve been able to start new works-- to recruit, train, and coach church planters and to help local ministries.
Here's what’s happening with our two latest projects. . .
God has called Fred and Susan Johnson to launch OUR HOME – our first PROJECT 20 microsite and Christ-centered community #6 in their home in Rainsville, Alabama. OUR HOME gathers weekly to share ALIVE’s live-stream service and ALIVE Kid’s ministry. More than a small group, a microsite is a precursor to a church plant where they meet for fellowship, the Apostle’s teaching, the breaking of bread, and for prayer (Acts 2:42). Their connection to ALIVE is both spiritual and relational, combining the life-giving resources of ALIVE with their local passion for Jesus. Fred and Susan’s long-term vision is to develop a core team that will work towards establishing a Wesleyan church in Rainsville establishing a church that leaves a lasting Kingdom impact.
The Church Gathering in Easley -- pastored by Chasen and Casey Callahan -- will be our Christ-centered Community #7! The Church Gathering began as a small group meeting in Chasen and Casey’s home in the Spring of 2024. This organic gathering included a shared meal, a time of worship, a sharing of God’s Word, and several community “mission” projects. They began to grow and grow -- reaching 45 by Summer, 115 at Thanksgiving and 140 for their Christmas celebration. Sensing God’s leading toward a church plant, we began to formulate a Project 20 plan, working through staff and logistical timelines with ALIVE Executive team and LBA. The Church Gathering has emerged as an exciting new work that will reach spiritually hungry people in the fast-growing City of Easley. Chasen and Casey will co-lead this work and are eager to engage in all that God has in store. Chasen and Casey will remain in their current roles here at ALIVE through September 1 and commence their weekly pre-launch services on September 7 heading for full public launch on Sunday, September 28.
Not numbered as a Christ-centered community, PROJECT 20 is also partnering with the REDIL Hispanic Church Planting Network (along with SC District, United Wesleyan, and Welcome Wesleyan). Edinson Comacho is leading a cohort of 35 Hispanic pastoral candidates through training in Theology, Church Leadership and Discipleship looking to plant churches in the Upstate when their training is complete. PROJECT 20 is sharing in the financial support of this endeavor and each partner is eager to work with the graduates of this program to plant new works in the region.
I continue to believe PROJECT 20 to be the boldest faith-filled initiative that I’ve seen emerge from a local church in our generation. Thank you for the privilege of serving our ALIVE community through our PROJECT 20.
Rob Campbell
Pastor of Multiplication/PROJECT 20
