It was the fall of 2006, I couldn’t shake the reality that most of my college peers had no interest in Jesus.
They liked the idea of Him, but the whole Lordship thing felt like too much. At the same time, most of the Christians I had met in campus ministry seemed awkward, shy and disconnected from Jesus.
I was asked to become the ministry’s president in hopes of reviving it. My first move was to take a few of them to church. It seemed like an obvious first step – but after thirty minutes of the preacher’s rant about wine really being grape juice, I began to wonder:
Did Christianity mean you had to be awkward, shy and disconnected from Jesus?
I was discouraged. I was burdened to reach my generation with the gospel – the very gospel that had transformed my life – but I was frustrated with the process. I began to wonder if it was even possible to see the hand of God move in our generation.
Little did I know, God was using my time at Illinois State to plant a seed – a seed that would take sixteen years to grow.
Fast forward to the fall of 2016. I was married with two kids, working full-time as a worship and youth director, and beginning my M.Div. at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis.During that season, God called me to plant a church.
As I wrestled with that calling, a friend encouraged me to consider Flagstaff, Arizona, as a possible place to start. The idea stayed with me, and before long, I had convinced a few good friends to join me on a vision trip out West.
In May 2019, Cliff and Eric joined me for that trip to Arizona. We spent time in Tempe, Flagstaff, and Scottsdale, with a quick trip up to the Grand Canyon. I left with equal parts excitement and fear.
I was excited by the need for more churches in this rapidly growing area. But also fearful, knowing it would cost my family far more than money.
And those fears would not be unfounded.
The journey of raising support, building a team, finishing my M.Div., and welcoming two more kids into our family would become one of the greatest trials of my life. Yet through it all, the Lord remained gracious and near to me.
I cannot imagine planting this church without that season. In the depths of my misery, He showed me the vastness of His love.
In January of 2022, Melinda and I moved to the East Valley with our four kids. Eventually, 21 adults from Illinois joined us to help plant Flatiron Church.
What began as a small Bible study in my home has grown into something only God could build. After many seasons, spaces, and locations, we celebrated our Grand Opening in July 2023. Today, Flatiron exists to reach the lost and disciple the found – so that more people would know the risen Christ and live every day for Jesus.
My prayer is that when you walk through our doors on a Sunday, you encounter Jesus – the Name above every name and the only One who saves.
Come find me in the lobby. I’d love to meet you.
Pastor Brian.
Sept 2022 - Jan 2023
START: Our first public gatherings began here. What started with 24 people became a church family of more than 80 people.
Feb 2023- Jun 2023
FIRST MOVE: We quickly outgrew our first home and grew from around 80 people to nearly 200 each Sunday.
Jun 2023 - Dec 2023
GRAND OPENING:
We launched full Sunday services and grew from around 200 people to more than 400.
Jan 2024 - Today
TODAY:
We’ve continued growing in discipleship, building biblical community, and reaching more people, from roughly 400 to more than 700.
God has already done more than we could have imagined, and we believe this is only the beginning. One day, this land will become a permanent church home – a place built to last for generations to come.
As we take the next step, our Ministry Opportunity Fund helps us prepare for what’s ahead, including the future building God is leading us toward.
Let’s build what God has already begun.
