Along with summer, a handful of new church planters have made their way to Austin. We’d like to welcome each of you by learning more about you story and ministry. (If you are a new planter in the area, please let us know via the join form.)
We’re kicking if off this morning with Jack Allen:
Name: Jack Allen
Name of your church: Austin Hope Church
Church Affiliation (denomination, network, etc.): SBC
Tell us a little about your family.
married 26 years, daughter will be a jr. at Texas State. Son just graduated Ft Lewis College (Durango), and is looking for a job in the world’s greatest city, which is Austin, of course.
What geographical area are you focusing on?
We’re starting in our home, near intersection of Mopac/71, so I guess we will focus efforts nearest to our locale. But, I really hope to have small groups throughout the Metro area within a few years (don’t we all though?).
What have you been up to prior to church planting in Austin?
Planted two in New Orleans and taught church planting at New Orleans Baptist Seminary. Before that I planted in Albuquerque, and before that I was getting all manner of fancy credentials in Ft Worth while revitalizing two churches (and wishing I’d planted instead).
What has drawn you to the Austin area?
Born here. My body left, but heart never did. I kept trying to get back and do something here, but God only now opened the doors for us. A lot of the draw has been the result of connecting with David Smith at ABA, and watching the work you guys have been doing (all you guys who are planting churches here–you’re my heroes). After Katrina, Janet and I relocated here while our house was rebuilt in New Orleans. We got a good feel for the tension between old and new Austin, the spiritual condition, and started to pray for a return. It finally just happened.
How do you hope to see the next 12 months unfold for your church?
I’d love to be able to be helpful to the city–make it an even better place to live. I’d like to see an actually church planting movement start here. It would be fantastic if we could get 7-8 groups started, though I know that’s really ambitious. I’d like to see the Holy Spirit control and guide our church into something only He can do. I’d like to see Christ become more famous and the church more accepted in Austin through our collective efforts. I’d like to continue to coach church planters–that’s been a great joy for me. If I can be helpful to the PlantR Network, that’d be great too.
How can others be praying for your work?
Connections with near and new believers, and people who want to facilitate organic style small groups in their homes. Pray for our protection–spiritual warfare gets a bit more acute when one starts a church, don’t you agree? As always, we pray for God’s provision for each others’ health (physical and emotional), and financial needs.
Where can we find you online? (blog, twitter, church site, etc.)
I’m on Facebook constantly. The church has a Facebook page, no website yet (awaiting funds and t-i-m-e). Given up tweeting for a bit, but I’m @jacksbuzz, and thinking about going back to it in a couple weeks. My website is jacksbuzz.com.
Thanks for the chance to say hello to everyone. 100,000 blessings to each of you.