Starting a new church can seem like a blank canvas, where anything is possible, but that reality is far from the truth. The church isn’t a fully customizable “iChurch” catering to personal preferences; it’s a community of believers—messy people, coming together to worship and follow Jesus. This idea is rooted in the early church, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where the first church plant emerged.
In this passage, the early Christians gathered around God’s Word, shared life together, took communion, and prayed as a community. This was not about individual preferences but about unity in Christ—what I call “WeChurch.”
Gathering around God’s Word unites us despite our differences, centering us on Christ and the gospel. Doing life together means embracing both the joys and the messiness of our fellowship. Sharing meals and taking communion deepen our bonds, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice and praying together strengthens our communal ties, keeping us aligned with God’s will.
What is the result? The church grows. As we live out God’s Word, share our lives in fellowship, and worship joyfully, we create a witness that draws others to Christ. In WeChurch, we grow together, in faith and in numbers, as we live out the calling of the early church.
Soul Tattoo: The church grows when we live out God’s Word, share our lives in fellowship, and are joyful in worship.
Hello, my name is Lillian Bower and I’m a junior at Missouri Western University. This summer, I was given an opportunity to go to São Paulo Brazil for a missions trip. I’ve done mission trips within The States, but this experience changed my life. For a week we got to evangelize in the streets to the homeless and those struggling with addiction. Partnering with Cristo Lândia; we offered breakfast, lunch, showers, clean clothes, and a chance to accept Jesus Christ. It was an honor to sit, eat, pray, and serve with those who usually go unseen. I felt filled with purpose being on the ground, doing the work that many don’t want to do. My favorite part was going to the favelas, doing home evangelizing and loving on the kids. It’s amazing how you don’t have to speak the same language to connect with someone. Kindness is a universal language. I loved hearing other testimonies and getting to share mine. Being able to bond over shared experiences of how God has changed our lives, it was humbling. Whether you’re in The States or across the world, every Christian has a story. I believe sharing our stories can encourage others and bring others to Christ.
The visit to São Paulo, Brazil, provided a valuable and immersive cultural experience. Engaging with local communities outside of typical tourist areas provided me with a meaningful exchange of perspectives. The opportunity to positively impact individuals ranging in age, and making them feel acknowledged was particularly fulfilling. Being able to observing the diverse journeys and circumstances of the people we encountered was very insightful. Interacting with the children and being able to connect with them on a playful level was an enriching experience. Reflecting on the trip, it became evident that it was an important pivotal moment for me in my spiritual growth, and deeper understanding of faith.
It was a blessing being able to serve the people of São Paulo along with the churches, translators, leaders, my team, and other believers. Even though there were challenges and hardships going on in people’s lives, they were still open to talking to us and open for prayer. The people, culture, and delicious foods is something I’ll never forget!My favorite part of the trip was interacting with the children in the favela. They were so happy and excited to play! Another favorite part was listening to testimonies at one of the house visits we did. I woke up every morning in awe that I was in another country, let alone another continent! I thank the Lord for being able to use me in any way, shape, and form and for working in the lives of the people of São Paulo!
The first was our second working day. We partnered with a ministry that held two worship services and gave out a free sandwich and drink at the end. First, after having orientation and going on a prayer walk at the park, we went out to eat for lunch. However, we had some complications and ended up about an hour behind. But God. After we finished, we went back to the park and began to invite people to the services. After inviting and evangelizing, we went back to the place of worship, where we proceeded to have three fully packed out services. Afterwards, many people stayed to chat with us as they ate. It was an amazing day.
We assisted the local churches of Saõ Paulo, Brazil with their daily work such as feeding the homeless, letting them take showers, and playing with children from the favelas. My favorite part was worshipping with the churches and trying the locals’ food which were really tasty. I saw God moving in places where no hope and broken souls lived. He was breathing life in people where others would let them continue on their path of death. It truly was a amazing experience.
My first time out the country was my mission trip to Brazil. This Mission trip allowed me to understand the Lord’s patience and his grace. Being a part of a collegiate team of people that are strong in their faith and walk and able to help spread his word is a huge blessing. I kept reminding myself it’s bigger than me, everything I do for the Lord is bigger than all of us. Being able to spread his word no matter the language barrier or the difficulties allowed me to see the spiritual gifts he put into my life. I love brazil, the culture the food and more. I would love to go there again. Over the trip it allowed me to wonder if the Lord is calling me to missions. Vai Palmeries 💪🏽
My time in Brazil was fun, but also challenging. Seeing the culture and hearing the language It was lovely. What I love most though was the love that was everywhere. It was beautiful while also being there though the thing I struggled with most was my focus and even though I struggled with that, I remember the mission at hand which was to extend the hand of ministry. Also growing closer to God and getting better at sharing my testimony. Now that’s I’m back I feel that I did that but I know I still have room to grow.
As many of you know Don Hinkle, founding editor of the Missouri Baptist Conventions “Pathway”, stepped into the presence of Jesus yesterday. Recently, he had planned to transition away from the Pathway at the end of the year, yet his transition came early and to a much better position. The day his transition was announced I had the opportunity to say “Thank you” for his years of service and express my excitement of his next venture.