Embracing Black Mountain
The Black Mountain Church Plant will boldly declare the gospel in Black Mountain and the nations!
Meet Alan-Michael
God called me to himself when I was 8 years old. While I strayed for some time, that call was confirmed at the age of 17 when he called me to ministry. Since then, I have worked in every area of Family Ministry. Now, God has called me and my family to plant Mission Oak Church in Black Mountain, NC.
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Bethany, since March 2015. Bethany is a local girl from right here in Marion and works at the VA Hospital in Asheville. We have one son, Christian. We love puzzles, singing songs, and playing outside.
Growing up in Knoxville, TN, I am a huge fan of the Tennessee Volunteers. I also love the Braves, golf, and an avid reader. My favorite hobby of all time is eating. I love sushi, fried chicken, ice cream, pizza, wings, cake, and all the foods.
new churches are the most effective way to reach the lost and unchurched.
Our Mission Is To...
Boldly Declare the Gospel
Raise Up True Disciples
Reach Black Mountain & The Nations
FAQ
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A church plant is “a new church that’s engaging in God’s mission, is focused on the kingdom, and is part of the culture you’re trying to reach.” (Ed Stetzer)
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This is biblical. The Great Commission is not just to make disciples, but to baptize them into a community. The book of Acts mentions this several times. The apostle Paul planted churches in many cities.
The foundation of a church plant is that it is missional. According to data by Tim Keller, new churches are the most effective way to reach the lost and unchurched.
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Mission Oak Church
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Black Mountain, NC
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According to the Baptist State Convention, around 60% of Black Mountain is lost. Lost people will not drive from Black Mountain to Marion to attend Grace Community Church. The most effective way to reach them is to plant a gospel-centered church among them.
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I, Alan-Michael, have been wrestling with this call for nearly two years. I’ve known that God’s call for me is to pastor a local church. I haven’t been sure in what capacity. God has opened this door, and I have such a peace about where God is leading me and my family. He has given me such a love for the people in Black Mountain. My vision for Mercy Ridge Church is to minister to the needs of the people in Black Mountain, be a missional church that sends out people to live on mission, and to worship Jesus Christ boldly.
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September 2022: Alan-Michael becomes full-time for working with church plant.
September 2022-June 2023: Alan Michael will have several interest meetings for people to partner towards church plant He will be visiting many churches asking for partnerships.
January 2023: Alan-Michael will begin meeting with the Launch Team.
June 2023: Alan-Michael will move to Black Mountain
September 2023: The church will launch.
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The church will take on much of Grace’s DNA. The church will mirror Grace in its doctrinal beliefs. Since the Launch Team might consist of mostly people from Grace, it will naturally have similarities in the way that it feels. Over time, the church will develop its own culture as new believers become part of the makeup of the congregation. The church will never change its stance on doctrinal beliefs or values.
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Yes. The Missional Director of Buncombe County has already given his blessing for the church plant. Bethany and Alan Michael will begin a training process with the State Convention in August.
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Grace will pay Alan-Michael’s salary through December 2022. Upon approval of the budget by the Stewardship Team, Grace will pay Alan-Michael’s salary through June 2023. Beginning in July of 2023, Grace will give annually from our Missions Budget until June of 2027. (Amount to be determined)
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In September Adrian will begin to oversee family ministry and the leaders within that area of ministry.
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15-30 people
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No
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Grace will act as a “parent” church with the Black Mountain church plant.
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Yes. Montreat students can still come to Grace. We will have Life Groups and fellowship opportunities with them.
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Yes. Much of Alan-Michael’s preparation to launch the Black Mountain church is to partner with many people and churches who are like-minded in theology and practice. These churches can partner through prayer, financial support, or sending people to help launch the church.
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Please come to an interest meeting on September 18th in Room 1 at 10:15am or 5pm at Phil’s Bbq in Black Mountain (RSVP by contacting Alan-Michael at am@graceforall.org
