Scripture References: (N/A - This was primarily a ministry update)
Intro: Speaker Mike Young (pastor planting Radiant Sacramento) expresses joy at being back at Radiant Visalia ("home from home"). Introduces his family (Katie, Eric & Lori Young also present). Sets the context: giving an update on the Sacramento church plant, celebrating the upcoming Tulare plant, and reflecting on the journey as part of the wider church family.
Key Points:
- Celebrating Church Planting (Tulare & Beyond):
- Expresses excitement for Radiant Tulare plant led by Jared & Rachel.
- Recalls Radiant Visalia's decision years ago to become a church-planting church, growing by sending.
- Emphasizes church plants develop uniquely; no rigid "birth order" or need for one plant to mature before starting another. Focus is on faith and God's leading.
- Sacramento team is committed to praying for Tulare. We're one family on mission.
- Sacramento Update (Since Feb 2016):
- The Team: Started with the Youngs, Atkins (Billy/Amanda), Kuklas, Gonzalez/Alford. Atkins & others praised for faithfulness in transition. Lori & Katie honored as "heroes" for homeschooling, hosting, and bringing timely, God-inspired words/ideas (leading to rest, initiating worship nights).
- Early Challenges: Post-retreat sickness, initial meetings not taking shape, led to a counter-intuitive season of rest (Mar/Apr), cancelling meetings to wait on God.
- Recent Momentum: Emerging from rest, experienced new energy. Worship nights in May grew (15-20 people). New connections forming, people asking questions.
- Family Connections: Visits from Radiant Visalia leaders (Turners, Condys, Aikins) were vital for encouragement, wisdom, fun, and showing Sacramento contacts the wider family connection.
- Current Focus: Building the core team. Holding vision/value nights. Aiming for 15 committed adults by fall, praying for a church name and regular Sunday meetings starting September 2017. Need a core on mission together before public launch.
- Dependence on God: Church planting highlights weakness and forces dependence. God's presence is key; He's a better recruiter than any human effort.
Conclusion: Despite challenges and the counter-intuitive nature of church planting, God is faithful. Momentum is building in Sacramento as the core team forms. The partnership between Visalia, Sacramento, and now Tulare reflects the beauty of being a family on mission together, trusting God's provision and timing.
Call to Action: Please pray for Radiant Sacramento: for the core team to solidify (goal of 15 committed adults), for wisdom in planning, for a church name, for continued momentum, and for God's presence to draw people. Pray also for Radiant Tulare as they launch. Consider how you can support these plants through prayer, giving, or potentially going.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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