A StartNew Church Revitalization Story

The following is an interview with Tom Eggebrecht, StartNew Incubator team leader. Tom leads Ascension Lutheran Church in Casselberry, Florida, as the Senior Pastor.

What was your absolute biggest challenge surrounding your new start or ministry prior to partnering with FiveTwo Network?

The biggest challenge surrounding our ministry at Ascension was a lack of clarity in terms of moving an established church ministry into a new and innovative future. We needed clarity and direction. We weren’t sure WHAT we needed to do, but we knew we needed to do SOMETHING. So I gathered a group of leaders together and had them all sit in on a Five Two webinar. The webinar engendered a great deal of excitement within our team and gave our leaders much to think and dream about.

How did that challenge make you feel?  

The challenge of an uncertain future for our congregation made us feel somewhat like a ship without a rudder. We knew we needed direction for 5 or 10 years into the future, but weren’t quite sure where to start.

How did you to try to solve that challenge on your own?

We tried to solve the challenge on our own by trying a number of different things that never really panned out or gained traction.

How has being a member of the FiveTwo Incubator changed you and helped you grow your God-Given Dream?

Being a member of the Five Two Incubator gave us the tools to build a solid ministry for the future. We were given practical tools, accountability, a fantastic coach to work with, and connections with other congregations and ministries starting their own projects.

How many people total have you baptized as a result of your new or re-started ministry?

We have not yet baptized anyone as a result of our new ministry, because it hasn’t yet been launched. HOWEVER, we have made contact and have begun to build relationships with all kinds of people with whom we would never have been able if it weren’t for being a part of the Five Two Incubator. We look forward to many baptisms happening in the coming years.

What was most surprising to you about the FiveTwo Incubator?

What has been most surprising to me about the Five Two Incubator is the dedication, commitment, and helpfulness of our Coach, Dust Kunkel. Dust has been an invaluable resource and encourager. He has held us accountable in the kindest possible way, and has encouraged us just when we needed it most.

What accomplishment by your team are you the most proud of? Why?

The accomplishment that our team is most proud of has been our ability to pivot on our original idea and go down a slightly different path. I am proud of our ability to develop relationships in our community, and the fact that we have a unique idea that we believe will serve our community in many different ways, but most importantly, connect people to Jesus.