What Is OCPN and Why Did We Start It?
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Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Plant Orlando podcast, where we dive deep into the vital conversations surrounding church planting in the vibrant city of Orlando. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories and insights from local leaders committed to fostering gospel saturation and community growth in this ever-evolving landscape.
The Heart of Orlando
In our first episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with two influential figures in the Orlando community: Melo Sauval, pastor at One Family Church, and Michael Graham, director of the TGC’s Keller Center. Both guests shared their unique journeys and reasons for loving Orlando. Melo, who moved to the city in 2007, expressed his love for Orlando’s diversity and family-friendly atmosphere. He emphasized that Orlando is not just about tourism; it’s a place rich in opportunities for families to grow and thrive. Michael, having lived in Orlando since 1986, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the city’s vibrant business landscape and recreational offerings.
The Birth of the Orlando Church Planting Network
As the conversation progressed, we delved into the origin story of the Orlando Church Planting Network (OCPN). Michael painted a picture of the early conversations that sparked the formation of this network in 2018-2019. He described how various pastors and church leaders were operating in silos, each carrying out their missions separately. Recognizing the need for collaboration, they sought to pool resources—be it knowledge, financial support, or strategic planning—to enhance the success rates of church planting in Orlando.
Michael shared an insightful report that he and I wrote, which pointed out the fastest-growing and most underserved areas in the city, providing a roadmap for future church plants. This report underscored the critical need for more churches to cater to Orlando’s population, which continues to grow at a rapid pace.
The Journey Towards Planting
Melo recounted his personal journey towards planting a church, which began amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his wife felt a calling to start preparing for church planting and found support in the Summit Collaborative. This program provided them with training and resources, empowering them to engage with their local community effectively. As Melo shared, "If planting is what you want to do, you just can’t go wrong in a city like Orlando; just pick somewhere and start engaging the city."
Current Landscape and Future Aspirations
Fast forward to today, the need for more churches in Orlando remains pressing. Michael highlighted that Orlando’s growth trajectory mirrors that of major metro areas like Los Angeles, but with fewer geographical constraints. With 1,500 people moving to Orlando each week, the potential for impactful church planting is immense. He noted the increased collaboration among local pastors and the shared understanding that, despite their collective efforts, they are still behind in meeting the needs of the growing population.
Both guests expressed optimism about the future of church planting in Orlando. With initiatives like OCPN, there’s a greater sense of community and shared mission among churches, promising a brighter future for gospel outreach in this dynamic city.
Conclusion:
As we concluded our discussion, it became clear that the journey of church planting in Orlando is one of hope and collaboration. The city’s unique blend of diversity and growth presents both challenges and opportunities for local churches. Key takeaways from our conversation include the importance of collaboration among churches, the pressing need for more churches in rapidly growing areas, and the inspiring stories of leaders like Melo and Michael who are committed to making a difference.