Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Beyond Sunday. I'm your host, Pastor Jeff Carlson from Connection Point Church, and today I have the extraordinary Pastor Jim Walsh with me.

We recently shared some exciting news a few weeks back – Pastor Jim and Robin are leading a team to the southeast side of Lafayette to plant a new church. Initially, it will be a campus of Connection Point Church, with Pastor Jim preaching live, just a genuine extension of our church to an area in need.

Jim, having been part of this church since 1993, serving in various roles shares a bit about his history here and the journey that led him to this new endeavor?

Jim reflects on the extensive time spent in youth ministry, starting at 15, and the evolution of his roles within the church. From youth pastor to worship team leader, his heart was always aligned with serving the church in whatever capacity necessary. He even humorously embraces the title of the "Swiss Army Knife" of the church, ready for any role.

The conversation shifts to the essence of community and why Lafayette has been home for Jim and Robin. The strong family values, work ethic, and optimistic mindset were attractive, especially when raising their kids. Jim emphasizes the impact of growing up in challenging circumstances, fostering compassion for the marginalized and forgotten.

Pastor Jeff delves into Jim's passion for outreach, a hallmark of his ministry. Jim traces it back to personal experiences, highlighting the importance of being aware of those usually overlooked. The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining compassion, especially when others might not share the same values.

As the dialogue unfolds, the focus shifts to the decision to plant a new church now. Pastor Jeff prods Jim about the timing, considering his wealth of experience and the potential for pastoring earlier. Jim shares that it's about obedience, saying "yes" to God's leading, and recognizing the seasons of ministry.

Jim elaborates on the sense of urgency, emphasizing the need to multiply and extend the church's reach. The demographic growth in the community outpaces the church's ability to keep up, necessitating new plants. Both pastors express the belief that this is just the beginning of a series of church plants, acknowledging the potential for more.

Looking ahead, they outline plans for an information meeting on October 15th, inviting anyone interested in the new church plant to join. Additionally, they discuss a church planter training in Dallas and the strategy sessions planned for early next year. The goal is to officially launch the new church in September.

Pastor Jeff emphasizes the need for active participants, not just attendees, in this venture. He encourages those interested to attend the meeting, sign up on the church center app, and be part of a collective effort to reach new territories for God's kingdom.

As the conversation concludes, the excitement for this new chapter in the church's journey is palpable. It's not just about starting a new church but expanding the impact of the church collectively. The call to prayer, active involvement, and a sense of adventure underscore the journey ahead.