About The Episode
Don’t underestimate the power of a two-year-old church. Today’s conversation with Lenny Barber, Pastor and planter of The House Church in Ferguson, MO, reminds us of the importance of pastors’ spiritual health and purity of motives in planting. Discover how Pastor Lenny continues to build up a church with multicultural intentionality to welcome people into a space that reflects the diversity of their city.
Welcome to Episode 029 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with Mike Hickerson and David Hibiske.
Insights From Lenny
SEASONS OF HEALING BEFORE PLANTING
- Don’t plant something out of pain or anger. The pain will bleed into your culture.
- Seek the Lord’s call and covering before planting.
- Seek accountability from mentors and friendships who will help talk you off the ledge.
- From “I’m going to prove you wrong” to “I’m going to prove the Lord right.”
- Make sure you’re operating out of the right spirit.
YOUNG CHURCHES SUPPORTING NEWER CHURCHES
- Don’t underestimate the power you can have even when your church is a year or two old.
VISION FOR THE CHURCH
- Focus on discipleship
- Jesus started and ended His ministry focused on discipleship. We should too.
- Steps that help build a multi-cultural church
- #1- Be intentional
- Lenny made space at the table for different demographics, even in leadership.
- Accept the tension that comes with it.
- #2- Encourage people to expand their thinking
- Be willing to hold conversations “across the tracks.”
- #3- Learn the history of your city
- Now you can rally in prayer against strongholds.
- #1- Be intentional
CHURCH DEMOGRAPHICS
- Don’t force diversity if diversity is not in your town.
- Your church should look like your community.
LANGUAGE
- Lenny comments that there are multiple cultures. There is one human race.
- Language is important.
HELPFUL VOICES IN THIS SPACE
- Derwin Gray
- Gordon Banks
- Mike Hayes
- Joel Scrivner
Episode Links
Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Check out the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/
Who Is Lenny Barber?
Lenny and Jennie met in Dallas and have been married for 20 years. They have four children – Aidyn 18, Leigh 16, Mykah 15, and Cross 12. They have been in ministry for over 25 years and are passionate about seeing communities transformed by the love of Jesus. Lenny was born and raised in St. Louis, and spent much of his time in and around Ferguson. After living in Texas for a few years, God called them back to St. Louis for full-time ministry. Lenny has worked in every area of St. Louis, from inner city to outskirt suburbs. But his heart has remained in the area where he grew up. They launched The House Church in 2022. They have a desire to see God’s people break down the walls of the church, figuratively, by being the church to those who may never step foot into the building. They have a strong conviction to impact the kingdom through discipleship; training and teaching believers to be leaders in their neighborhoods and community.
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.
A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you’re ready to advance your mission, visit Generis.com/getstarted today!
Our goal with the Ascent Leader and our church planting cohorts is to help church planters win early and finish strong. We want to resource you so that you can avoid common pitfalls and simple mistakes. Being involved in a community of leaders like our church planting cohorts is one of the best ways to wrestle through these questions. We’re here to help you, if we can be of assistance to you please feel free to reach out.
Contact our team: ops@theascentleader.org
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