January 2004

In July 2003, John, Nancy Dorsch and their sons Caleb, Jeremiah, and Jordan began walking out a dream the Lord had given them: to start a non-traditional church. One church growth guru calls this method a “parachute drop” – where a family chooses the area to plant, then secures work and assets to sustain themselves, “parachutes” in and prepares to reach people and take the land. This means no buildings or staffs initially, but a network of small groups meeting in homes that really practice community and outreach. John says, “The Lord made me a relational person. A non-traditional church gives me the ability to reach people in a more personal fashion. After pastoring in a traditional church I came to the conclusion that there is much more opportunity to meet unsaved and un-churched people in a home and field based church ministry.”

To begin, they garnered prayer support from over fifty intercessors, to whom they were relationally connected. Then the Dorsch's made their “drop” into Bel Air, Maryland. Since they are in the early stages of this effort, the name of the new church has not been decided upon. John and Nancy have been spending their time mostly talking with people and sharing their dreams of what the church will look like. “We dream of meeting together in small intimate settings where there is more dialogue and personal ministry and less monologue. We want to walk out our faith in practical love and service to others, and teach them to do the same.” Helping others grow through personal discipling, mentoring, and coaching will be the vehicle they use to build leaders. These leaders will be taught to go out into the marketplace and reach others for Christ. Periodically (perhaps on a monthly basis) they foresee everyone gathering for a larger celebration that involves communing together and encouraging one another in worship and testimony of God’s activity in their lives.

John and Nancy draw on a variety life experiences, training, and a distinct call from the Lord as they enter into this new area of ministry. John was saved over seventeen years ago in a radical conversion. “Soon after I led Nancy to the Lord and we have served together in various ministries through fourteen years of marriage.” After several years, John sensed God saying is was time to be equipped for ministry. “I knew a pastor who had attended Regent University. His character and knowledge of the scripture came through to me in a way that I wanted to emulate. As I looked into Regent it became clear that it was God’s choice for me too.”

After a three-year stay at Regent University School of Divinity and a tour of duty at New Life Christian Fellowship in Great Bridge, John joined Vanguard Ministries because of the alliances and friendships formed through New Life and Regent. From there John served as associate pastor and interim senior pastor at a community church in Northern Virginia.

Now John is using skills from many years experience as a business owner in the carpentry and renovation field to pursue the arena of marketplace ministry. “Most of the jobs I do take 1-2 weeks to complete. During this time I communicate in two ways. First, I speak through a good work ethic by producing good quality work for a fair price. Secondly, I outwardly share Christian values as the client initiates conversation on topics from sports to politics to religion. After finishing my last job the client expressed the desire to attend our first home group bible study.” Nancy’s vocation also allows her to share her life. “As a full-time dental hygienist, I meet about 8 new people everyday that I’m in the office. Of course as a mom I have multiple opportunities to connect—in the neighborhood, at the boys’ sports events, and school activities.”

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On Halloween they joined together with two neighbors and set up a block party with food, games, music and even a giant moon bounce for the kids! (The adults bounced around as well). After the cleanup was over, John and two of his neighbors sat in the driveway and began to chat about everything from sports to politics. As the night began to chill, one neighbor pulled out a kerosene heater and they enjoyed each other’s company until past midnight. John recalled, “This experience was a sign that relationships are the foundation for leading people to the Lord and for good church planting.”

Even Hurricane Isabel became an opportunity as the Dorsch family served the neighbors in a crisis situation. Some future outreach ideas include helping the neighbors with yard work and snow removal; banding together to do home improvement projects; recreation and sporting events with the men; and ladies night out for the moms. Also, several ladies in the neighborhood have approached Nancy desiring to begin a woman’s bible study. “The relationships that have been built so far have opened the door to make this possible. This is a milestone for our new church."

When asked what has been the biggest challenge, John says it has been “parachuting” in with only his family. “Being on our own has caused us to go out and forge relationships immediately because the future of the church depends upon new contacts.” Consequently the greatest challenge has resulted in the greatest joy. Because they have had to be outward focused they have met many people. “In the 6 months we have been here, we have made relationships with over 40 people representing 10 families who do not go to church. We’ve invited them into our home where we have inquired about their lives, dreams, successes and failures. In return we have begun relationships and shared our vision of what the church can be.”

John says, “Through Vanguard’s apostolic leadership and personal coaching, the Lord has made the leap into the world of church planting a positive growth experience for our family. Please pray for us—for patience and perseverance to continue with God's call to plant this new church, as well as God's wisdom, strategies, and provision.”

John and Nancy can be reached at:

2203 Woodstove Ct.

Bel Air, Maryland 21015

443-512-8332

regentjd@comcast.net