In 2019, our lead pastor (Patient Matadi) sought the counsel of trusted mentors as he discerned the call to plant a church. After completing training with Excel Leadership Network, a core team was formed and began developing the mission, vision, and strategic plan for what would soon become The Garage Community Church. This team met consistently before the effects of Covid-19 presented significant challenges in the planning process. Restrictions on gathering made it difficult to partner with other churches overwhelmed with the needs of their congregations, and the pursuit of financial support seemed impossible.
Despite the barriers that arose, the core team remained faithful in prayer and chose to focus on the foundational structure of the church and being prepared for a launch when the time was appropriate. Momentum built slowly through online meetings with future church members and ministry partners to discuss avenues of support for the church. In 2021, a soft launch of the church took place at a home located in East Fresno on Friday nights. Averaging about forty individuals per week, we shared about plans for the church plant and encouraged others to be involved in the process. Over time, we identified individuals who would become part of our pastoral ministry, worship team, and children’s ministry.
Despite the barriers that arose, the core team remained faithful in prayer and chose to focus on the foundational structure of the church and being prepared for a launch when the time was appropriate. Momentum built slowly through online meetings with future church members and ministry partners to discuss avenues of support for the church. In 2021, a soft launch of the church took place at a home located in East Fresno on Friday nights. Averaging about forty individuals per week, we shared about plans for the church plant and encouraged others to be involved in the process. Over time, we identified individuals who would become part of our pastoral ministry, worship team, and children’s ministry.
As we put systems into place, the core team began scouting out locations that would meet our needs. In August of 2021, with just $150 in our bank account, we stumbled upon a property located on Ashlan and Cedar Avenue. Though this space required a great deal of work, the ministry partnerships developed in the two years prior helped us complete renovations in December of 2021. Friday night services began in 2022 and this change in location led to great growth among our budding church community.
After months of trial and error, we transitioned to Sunday service on April 17, 2022. This service brought over one hundred people and gave us a chance to connect with our community. In the months that have followed, it has been a blessing to see exponential growth in several areas. We have managed to establish a children’s ministry (including the dedication of four children), experienced great growth in our young adults ministry (including the baptism of five people) and have a budding partnership with the administrative staff at Pyle Elementary which allows us to be involved in the lives of young families in the area. With confidence, we believe that God will continue to guide us as we navigate the transition of becoming his church as we work to make disciples and glorify the name of Christ.
After months of trial and error, we transitioned to Sunday service on April 17, 2022. This service brought over one hundred people and gave us a chance to connect with our community. In the months that have followed, it has been a blessing to see exponential growth in several areas. We have managed to establish a children’s ministry (including the dedication of four children), experienced great growth in our young adults ministry (including the baptism of five people) and have a budding partnership with the administrative staff at Pyle Elementary which allows us to be involved in the lives of young families in the area. With confidence, we believe that God will continue to guide us as we navigate the transition of becoming his church as we work to make disciples and glorify the name of Christ.
