Kaufman, Kaufman, Texas
Kaufman is an Antioch church. We were touched by the hearts of the elders after spending one evening with them. We found them to be mighty men of prayer with a passion for the mission of God and a desire for continued spiritual renewal. Above all, they are men who are willing to take risks for the kingdom of God. After hearing the call to become a church-planting church, they commissioned the Missions Ministry to learn from us. This ministry, in turn, not only learned about “Christ-formed church planting” but also worked with the elders to develop a process for the entire church to understand their identity. Following Antioch’s example, Kaufman spent 40 days in prayer and reflection about becoming God’s missionaries to their geographic region. After this period they selected their preaching minister and his wife, Ben and Shannon Stevens, as church planters to Forney, Texas. The contribution on their recent Missions Sunday was $225,000, which will finance the church planting as well as other mission endeavors. Ben and Shannon are developing the core team that will help with this church planting. Six families have already committed to working closely with the Stevens to plant a new church in Forney. We praise God for the faith and focus of the Kaufman church!