• We must proclaim Christ.
• We must admonish and teach wisdom to each one who comes to Christ.
• We must seek to be a nurturing and serving community in which growth is facilitated—each one growing spiritually, each one growing to give witness to Christ through word and changed life, and, together with the local church family, each one becoming fully engaged in God’s mission to its community and world.

Pastor Waybright also knew that in order for this to happen, for multiplication to take place, he needed to mentor the pastors under his leadership. Specifically, he recognized that Pastor Albert Tate’s gifting was such that Albert should be equipped and soon commissioned for expanded local church leadership—perhaps even church planting.

In summer 2010, Albert sensed a call from the Lord as he began developing a burden in his heart for the Monrovia, Duarte, and Azusa area. He began to envision a gospel-centered and culturally diverse community that would live out the implications of God’s gospel and win the community to Jesus. After much prayer and many conversations with mentors, friends, and church planting veterans, Albert and LaRosa decided to link arms with others serving along the I-210 corridor and plant a new church—Fellowship Church. 

We believe that this initiative is evidence that God continues to work through Lake Avenue Church to fulfill Jesus’ mandate “You will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” Acts 1:8 . To be sure, these are exciting times in the life of Lake Avenue Church.

For the past several months, our Ministry Council has been in prayerful discussion of the opportunity that stands before Pastor Albert and his family. They gave their blessing to Pastor Tate to pursue God’s calling to serve this community through church planting.

This new community will not be linked to Lake Avenue Church organizationally. Using the language often used in church planting, Fellowship Church will be an autonomous church with its own spiritual leadership, budget, and organizational structure. Albert, LaRosa, and their team are seeking to build a foundation for the new church utilizing the wisdom they’ve gained from nearly 6 years of rich experience at Lake Avenue Church. What this means practically is that though there will be no organizational tie, our Lake Avenue family will be supportive in prayer, fellowship, and service under the leading and lordship of Christ. Pastor Tate is dedicated to having Fellowship Church share the same faith (what is believed), values (what is important), and mission (what is to be done) as Lake Avenue Church. Pastors Waybright and Tate are deeply committed to maintaining a strong relational tie, participating in our Father’s mission to our communities alongside one another.

We at Lake Avenue Church are blessed to be a blessing: blessed to be able to extend the message and effects of God’s gospel in new ways and blessed to be a part of helping establish a new community with a commitment to placing Jesus at its center.

Key Questions

Are We Supporting Albert Financially?

While there will not be formal financial support coming from Lake Avenue Church, we will all have the opportunity in November to contribute to a love offering for the Fellowship Church. Already, the Ministry Council is strategically developing a practical plan under Pastor Chuck Olson’s supervision to enable Pastor Tate to focus an ever-increasing amount of his time on the church plant even while he is still serving in a variety of capacities at LAC.

What Steps Are Being Taken to Prepare Pastor Tate for This Calling?

Many. The Ministry Council invited Pastor Tate to participate in all areas of the life of the church over the coming months including the Ministry Council meetings (in ways allowed by our bylaws). We want him to experience any part of the life of the church that might further his experience as a church leader. He also will be participating in a rigorous church planting “boot camp” under the guidance of Redeemer Church in Manhattan, a church pastored by Tim Keller that has been used by God to plant many churches over the past decade.
 

Is Fellowship Church Receiving Support from Other Churches?

Pastor Tate has a group of churches and individuals standing with him in many ways, one of whom is former LAC pastor Bryan Loritts. This consortium of supporters is providing wisdom and consultation for the team. Some will provide financial resources. Others will support the new church through prayer, counsel, or service. Lake Avenue Church is committed to being a part of this larger support team. Ultimately, as is the case for most church plants, Pastor Tate and the team will raise funds from many constituencies to resource this effort.
 

Has LAC Planted Churches in the Past?

While many have been called from Lake Avenue to start churches, we have never had a formal or intentional strategy for church planting. However, many of our international staff members have played—and still are playing—key roles in church planting around the world.
 

Where Will Fellowship Church Be Located?

Various sites in the Monrovia/Duarte area along the I-210 corridor are being considered. The location for a church plant is always dependent on availability. Therefore, we are asking all to be in prayer that God would lead Fellowship Church in clear and unmistakable ways and provide a place to begin the ministry.
 

When Will Fellowship Church Begin Worship Services?

Plans are to begin holding worship services in early 2012.
 

How Can I Pray for This New Church Plant?

While planting a church is thrilling because it is central to God’s mission fulfillment in the world, it is also is an arduous task. Begin praying for Albert, LaRosa, their family, and this new team in all of the ways the Lord may bring to mind. The rewards inherent in church planting come with incredible demands on the families involved. Pray for their faith to be strengthened as they launch and begin to plant roots in this community.
 

How Can I Find Out More Information about Fellowship Church?

Pastor Tate is putting together a church website. You can find a link here when it is up and running.