The Conviction to Plant
Peoria and the Metro Area

There is a tremendous opportunity for the gospel in Peoria. The presence of a healthy church in the downtown area provides a strategic location to proclaim the glory of Christ to a city in desperate need of good news. The people here need the renewal that only Jesus can bring (John 8:24). According to a study done by CBS in 2019, Peoria was the 15th deadliest city in the U.S.—with about 23 murders per 100,000 people annually. 43% of households with children in Peoria are single parent homes and about 20% of the city is currently living in poverty. These statistics grieve us. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We believe in a God who saves (Joel 2:28-32) by rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into the kingdom of his beloved Son (Col. 1:13). Through the planting and strengthening of many Christ-exalting churches, God will redeem his people as the gospel is proclaimed and lived throughout the city.

Planting Timeline
Cultivate (January 2025 - April 2026)
Recruit and finalize our core team; Connect with people who do not know Christ throughout the city; Gather regularly with core team for prayer, community, and training; Develop a prayer team who is regularly praying for our efforts to plant in Peoria; Begin gathering as a Community Group; Find a space to worship on Sundays.
Plant (May 2026 - October 2026)
Leadership development and training for our core team; Continued recruitment for team; Start 1-2 New Community Groups; Finalize founding documents; Begin a monthly prayer gathering; Covenant together as a new church; Begin Sunday Worship Services Downtown.
Harvest (November 2026 - May 2027)
Start New Community Groups; Advent 2026; First baptisms; Begin new members process; training elder & deacon candidates; Open House lunches; Regular Evangelism & Discipleship; Easter 2027.

Partnership

Join us as we proclaim Christ to the city.