C4SO began as a church planting movement in 2009, and church planting is still at the core of our DNA. God has raised up amazing women and men to partner with C4SO in establishing outposts of Jesus’ person, word, and power in the midst of a struggling humanity. Two of these creative and called individuals are Tanner and Kara Griffith of Raleigh, North Carolina, who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on July 19. They are part of the Church Planting Deanery under the leadership of our Director of Church Planting, the Rev. Dr. Bradley Swope.
We are so excited to welcome the Griffiths to the C4SO community, and to hear firsthand some of the joys and struggles of their early church planting experience!
When did you first feel the call to plant a church?
Kara Griffith: Tanner planted a site church in 2013 with a non-denominational multi-site church, so church planting is something we have been passionate about for a long time. We first began to feel this call to plant an Anglican church in 2020.
What is appealing about church planting vs. pastoring an established church?
KG: It became clear to both of us that we wanted to build and establish an Anglican church. The appeal of planting to us is twofold. First, our discernment led us to a place where we realized that planting a church will be how we follow Christ. The Spirit has been working in our lives for over 15 years in Raleigh, both shaping and forming us and developing relationships in this area. Secondly, the appeal of planting is the appeal of setting the vision and culture of an Anglican church that has the values of hospitality, formation, justice, and mission.
What excites you about engaging people in a post-Christian world?
KG: People in a post-Christian world love their families, love beauty, and long for meaning and purpose like people have throughout all time. We are excited to help folks see truth, beauty, and goodness in the world around them and articulate the meaning and purpose of those things in Jesus Christ.
What draws you to Raleigh?
KG: We have lived in Raleigh for the last 17 years, and it is now our home. We love the city because at its heart, it is a city that cares about oak trees, good food, good music, and creating space for people to enjoy those things. The Raleigh area has a diverse population, many colleges and universities, and lots of green spaces. We are excited to continue living in and giving to this city.
What are some of the needs and challenges in the city that you hope to meet?
KG: Raleigh is a wealthy and educated city, and we believe that those things can sometimes be our greatest challenges. We hope to remind people that they are loved by God not for these strengths but because of who they are created to be. However, there are also a lot of diverse peoples and needs in the city, and we are hoping to love them, minister to them, and learn from them.
What is your dream for what your church plant will look, feel and sound like?
KG: Our dream is that our plant is a relational and hospitable environment. We pray that we are a people united by a love of Christ and are actively serving him in our vocations, home, and city.
What makes the risk worth it for you?
KG: Jesus! He is near, and loving, and kind, and we want to offer Jesus and his kingdom to this city. We chose the name Christ Our Life because we want Jesus to be at the center of all we do.
What is the timeline for you …. what stage of planting are you in, and what do you foresee as the steps to launch?
KG: We are in the beginning phases of fundraising and gathering a core group. We are meeting weekly for prayer and a book club with folks who are interested in joining our core group. We are hoping to do a soft launch in early fall, and our actual launch in the late fall of this year.
Why are you excited about planting with C4SO?
KG: We love the vision of C4SO. We are excited to be a part of a diocese with a heart for racial justice, contemplative practices, and kingdom minded service. It has been an encouraging experience to be mentored by [Director of Church Planting] Brad Swope and be a part of a cohort of like minded people. There has been space for learning, questions, and an overall excitement about planting.
How can we pray for you?
KG: Pray that we continue to rely on God, and that we continue to listen to his timing and his desires for the kingdom. Pray that we can find a location that will serve us well. Pray that our core group will be united in love.
Reach out to the Griffiths to let them know you are praying for them!
Interested in church planting with C4SO? Contact us—we’d love to hear from you!