by Iván Martí

The landscape of church planting in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, church planters were often white, male, and seminary trained; but today, the new faces of church planters reflect our nation’s diversity. This shift is not only changing the demographics of church leadership but also reshaping the methods and missions of new congregations. Let us explore the innovative approaches, community-focused missions, and diverse backgrounds of modern Alliance church planters that are redefining the spiritual landscape of The Alliance.

Diverse Demographics

The mission and vision of The Alliance are deeply rooted in the call to a deeper life in Christ, originating from our early days as a movement. This drive continues to inspire us to reach the lost and expand God’s Kingdom, which is needed now in the United States.

One notable change in church planting is the increasing diversity of those leading new congregations. More women, people of color, and individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds are joining our church-planting teams. This shift reflects the growing recognition that leadership in our churches should mirror the diversity of the congregations they serve.

While women have long played vital roles in our Alliance church communities, their presence as part of the leadership in church-planting teams is relatively new and gaining momentum. The Alliance desires to actively support women in church leadership roles, providing resources and networks to overcome historical barriers. These female leaders bring unique perspectives and strengths, fostering inclusive environments and addressing issues that deeply resonate with a broad range of congregants.

Similarly, church planters of color are bringing fresh energy and perspectives to the task. African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American leaders are planting churches that speak directly to their communities’ cultural and spiritual needs. Pastors Roger and Teresita Abe, who are on their third Filipino plant in Austintown, Ohio; Brian and Jodi-Gaye Henderson in Cleveland, Ohio; Michael and Kenberlynn Xiong in Pahoa, Hawaii; Ricardo and Veronica Puente in Cathedral City, California; Weston and Esther Mumford in La Mesa, California; and Mark Little Elk in Cass Lake, Minnesota, are examples of planters with diverse backgrounds reaching their communities through church plants and multisite campuses.

These leaders often draw on rich traditions and practices from their cultural backgrounds, creating worship experiences that resonate deeply with their congregations. By addressing specific social and economic issues within their communities, these churches are not just places of worship but also centers of support and advocacy.

Innovative Approaches

The new wave of church planters is diverse and also highly innovative. These leaders are rethinking traditional church-planting models and embracing new methods that are more sustainable and impactful in today’s fast-changing world.

One significant trend is the rise of bi-vocational ministry, where church planters hold secular jobs alongside pastoral duties. This approach provides financial stability and deepens connections with the broader community. Bi-vocational ministers often find that their secular work offers unique opportunities for ministry and outreach, enabling them to build relationships and serve in contexts far removed from traditional church settings. One of these bi-vocational pastors is Rafael Perez. He is a university professor with degrees in computer engineering and a PhD in business administration. After God used several encounters, including church-planting conferences and training, he started a church with his wife, Lorna, in Puerto Rico.

The digital revolution has also impacted church planting. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online worship and virtual communities, and many new church planters are continuing to build on this foundation. Launching an online church campus involves creating e-communities that gather for worship, small groups, and fellowship via digital platforms. This approach allows church planters to reach geographically dispersed or homebound individuals and provides a flexible option for those seeking community in the digital age. One of our churches exploring this alternative is Movement Church in Port Charlotte, Florida. In a conversation with Worship Pastor Andres Martí, he discussed the importance of having the right technology, systems, and leaders before you launch. Currently, they are continuing to build the necessary infrastructure. Still, they have a weekly online attendance of more than 250 people and are working on the steps to have it as a fully functional online campus.

Another innovative approach is the formation of microchurch networks. Planters of these churches create intimate, local gatherings emphasizing personal relationships and discipleship. These personal connections are the heart of their approach, involving building strong bonds with members, identifying and empowering potential leaders, and ensuring that each microchurch remains adaptable and relevant to its unique cultural context. This model often appeals to those disillusioned with traditional church structures and those who are looking for a more hands-on, practical expression of their faith. We see them in urban and rural areas—from Bloomfield, New Jersey, with The Alliance Underground to New London, Ohio, where lay elders are working to establish a rural area microchurch network.

Community-Focused Missions

The new church-planting movement is deeply committed to community-focused missions. Modern church planters are acutely aware of their communities’ social and economic challenges and are taking meaningful action to address them. For example, two of our churches decided to reach the Deaf communities in their areas. One is Alliance Bible Church in Waco, Texas, where Pastor Mark Failing has challenged his congregation to volunteer and learn sign language to better support, encourage, and evangelize a growing population of Deaf people in the surrounding areas of Waco and their universities. Pastor Richard Larson, who is Deaf himself, already has boots on the ground, meeting with Deaf community groups, nonprofits, and schools, introducing himself and the new church plant, Spring Forth Deaf Church. Another example is ACM Isabela, where Pastor Danny Bobé challenged his congregation to learn sign language. This resulted in a significant outreach to their town’s Deaf community.

Some new church plants are deeply involved in social justice work, advocating for marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequalities. These churches often collaborate with local organizations, participate in advocacy efforts, and directly support those in need. This focus on social justice is rooted in a belief that faith should be lived out through actions that promote justice and equality.

Economic empowerment is also a priority for many new church plants, particularly those in underserved communities. Job training programs, financial literacy workshops, and small business incubators are common in these new church plants. These programs aim to provide individuals with the skills and resources to achieve economic stability and independence. By addressing economic disparities, these churches are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

A Dynamic, Transformative Force

The future of Alliance church planting in the United States looks bright, driven by the passion and creativity of these new leaders. The diverse demographic, innovative approaches, and community-focused missions of modern church planters are setting the stage for a more inclusive and impactful church landscape.

As these leaders continue redefining what it means to plant and lead a church, they challenge traditional notions of church structure and function. Their work underscores the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others. By embracing diversity and innovation, they ensure that the church remains relevant and vital in an ever-changing world.

The new faces of church planters in The Alliance represent a dynamic and transformative force within our tribe. Their efforts are revitalizing faith communities and making a significant impact on society at large. As they continue to lead with vision and compassion, these modern church planters are charting a course for a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future for the church and the communities they serve. What about you—will you consider being one of our next Alliance church planters?

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