Pastors Shaun and Dianna Nepstad founded Fellowship Church in Antioch, California in 2002. They felt God gave them two words for the church: Hope & Healing. Hope for tomorrow and healing from yesterday, all found in a relationship with Jesus. The church is known for its life-giving culture and passion to see people come to Christ. Over the years, Fellowship Church grew from 350 to over 5,000 in weekly attendance, and now reaches thousands globally every week.

“Every week we’re seeing hundreds come to Christ. We know we’re lost over here. In the South, everyone thinks they’re saved - you have to get them lost before they’re saved.”

Shaun explains to Dino how they’re experiencing a hunger among people they’ve not seen in years. From universities to churches, revival is taking place as God responds to hunger. As they lead their church to develop an ever-increasing appetite for God, they’re seeing more come to Christ than they have in a long time.

It was not always this easy, however. Shuan and Dianna expound on the painful journey of being stuck for 7 years with no growth. Shaun admits he was the problem, and he had to stop being the lid to the church’s growth.

The latest Unscripted conversation spans many topics including:

They also discuss the wisdom and encouragement from Shaun’s book, Don’t Quit in the Dip, where he expounds on the lessons during the waiting period - the place where you want to give up. He expresses that successful people are not exempt from the dip; they had it too, they just didn’t stop. The dip is where God grows you the most.

“Don’t confuse your intermission with your finale. It’s in the dip that you learn.”

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,070 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.