Church Planter Report - Grace Life

Church Planter Report

Matt - McNaughton - Grace Life

It's hard to believe we are at the forefront of another year. It's even harder for me to believe that in a few short weeks, Grace Life Church will turn two. To see what has transpired since Julie and I embarked on this journey is quite humbling and further evidence that we serve a mighty God who has a mission to save the world.

Since our last update, we've had a few things worth sharing. 

• We had over 600 people attend our Movie in the Park on December 17th. As people were arriving to the park, our church volunteers passed out information had several meaningful conversations about life, our church, and Jesus.
• We had our first KidLife Christmas play! We had over 20 of our kids in this production and personally, it was awesome to sit back and watch Colton and Merritt sing (or try to sing) a few Christmas songs.
• On a personal note, I was able to take two weeks off around Christmas time. Church planting is emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting for me and my family. To enjoy those two weeks at home with them and with God was rejuvenating.

As we head into the New Year, we're also celebrating the growth we saw in 2016

• We doubled our LifeGroups and I officially only lead one, meaning we have 3 other couples faithfully leading their groups.
• Between October 1st and December 4th, our church brought 50 of their friends. This number only includes first time guests who were brought by someone who is a part of Grace Life.
• 57% of our church attends a LifeGroup.
• Are average attendance increased by 53%.
• We had 5 baptisms 
• We have increased giving from internal resources. As we grew older, we knew we would approach deadlines on promised monthly support. However, as that has occurred, we have seen new families begin giving. 
• We were given a truck for the sole purpose of towing our trailer.
• We have 43 adults and teenagers who regularly serve on the weekend.
• We started a Student Ministry and saw over 20 kids attend over 6 sessions.

I fully believe our church, by the power of God, will continue to make a lasting impact in our community. Please pray with us as we follow God and live on mission for him. Below, you'll see a few pictures that tell just part of the story of what's happening in Lake Asbury.

Thank you again for all your prayers and generous support. I look forward to telling you more about what God is doing in Lake Asbury.

You can keep up-to-date with our church by liking us on Facebook at fb.com/thegracelifechurch. I look forward to updating you in April!

By His Grace,
Matt MacNaughton
matt@thegracelifechurch.org