In about April of 2024, Dave, at that time an Elder at a church in Kingsport, sensed the Holy Spirit moving him to plant another church in another town, as he had before. Not really certain where, Dave reasoned that since his home was in Hawkins County, perhaps it appropriate to begin seeking a rental facility in that direction out as far as about Rogersville. After much prayer and consideration with wife Hilary, they decided to separate from their church and follow that leading.

Though Dave had no great desire to permanently be the man in the pulpit but would only do so as long as needed, he made his intentions known to the pastor and began looking for a building, though he planned to remain until the pastor would return from out of town come July. He settled on naming the church after a style familiar in structure and doctrine and so made plans to model the church plant after Grace Community Church, as he had planned some six years prior in plans for another church plant.

As things go, word got out among a small few before that pastor made a formal announcement. Dave made it clear, he would not seek to bring any members from that church with him, but only would permit it if insisted upon by someone after much prayer. Still, not many knew, including Dave’s own children yet. The pastor there desired to wait till later at a better time to announce Dave’s impending departure.

Sometime in May of 2024, word of plans for the church plant came to Kevin’s ears. Kevin, well into seminary studies, had been called into ministry to preach for some time. Kevin had expressed to the pastor a desire to preach, and actively sought opportunities. Kevin pulled Dave aside, curious about his plans and where. Kevin told Dave he had been thinking and praying about a church, maybe even starting one, out in the direction of Jonesborough where so much growth was happening.

Kevin in passing mentioned that he had often thought that if he ever planted a church, that he would call it Grace Community Church, completely unaware that Dave had even established a Facebook by that name some six or so years previous. Laughing, Dave said, “Hang on. Let me show you something,” and pulled up the site, much to Kevin’s surprise.

Kevin said he knew nothing about planting a church plant, so the two began comparing notes, doctrines, notions on church polity, etc. over the next several days. Neither Kevin nor Dave believing in coincidence began to discuss and pray more deeply. Thus the match was made by late May to press forward together, wherever the Lord might lead, from that point.

It was around this time, the second weekend of June, that the pastor finally decided to announce Dave’s plans to depart and plant a church. Kevin had not yet formalized his announcement to anyone, and it was not Dave’s news to break. The pastor announced and offered public blessings and prayer for Dave and family in their venture, by the end of July after two final sermons and upon the pastor’s return.

No venues were available during the search in Hawkins County. Some rentals were already taken and many venues would not rent on Sundays, so the search into areas other than downtown Kingsport where they had been attending church were searched out. A couple of buildings toward Bristol were considered, a couple of churches more than an hour away were not centrally enough located to the tri-cities area…

Then the first official Monday Dave was separated from his former church, the very first place he called, Gray Ruritan, was open and available. Kevin had agreed to provide the lion’s share of the preaching and so finally let his intentions be known to the pastor, with his apologies and farewells.

Plans further began to fall into place and Grace Community Church of Appalachia had their first official worship service the first week of September. We began initially with our two families, another couple from Johnson City and an old friend Dave & Hilary met upon moving to the area many years ago, and that was all. Since that time, more and more find us and a few remain! We see new faces regularly and we are now actively seeking a building of our own wherever the Lord provides, though we have since turned down two buildings so far in downtown Kingsport. We are happy where we are and remain confident we will have a building of our own, 24/7, if the Lord wills!

So much for the first few months. We are so blessed by those who come in and have remained. We also have welcomed another ordained Elder, Andrew Christian, a local pastor who has regularly provided pulpit supply in the Tri-cities, and are blessed to have his family. We are increasing services to Sunday evenings and making plans for mid-week as well. Praise and glory be to God alone!