Worshipers sense the presence of God in the Aurora Community Baptist Church sanctuary during Sunday service in July.

In less than four months' time, the new church plant in Aurora, Colo., has 35 members, with Sunday evening attendance reaching 80 in July. The church expects to baptize 10 more people soon.

This plant is special for a few reasons. For one thing, it is the first Hispanic new church plant in the Rocky Mountain region in many years. It also loosely includes a small group (cell) model of new church planting. Still in its very early stages, Ministerio International Palabra de Fe (Word of Faith International Mission) was only begun April 7, 2006.

"I was moved by God to start the new church plant because I felt he sent me for a ministry such as this. Whereas other ministries' works are built upon foundations laid by others, I work where no one has built before," the Rev. Oscar Lopez said.

The Rev. Pablo Calzoncit, national coordinator – Hispanic churches strategist with National Ministries, said, "American Baptist Churches USA had a Hispanic church in the rocky mountain region that is now closed. It has been quite a few years since we have had a Hispanic church in this region."

Lopez preaches on a local radio station four mornings a week. Two church services are held each week, Sunday and Wednesday nights. Between 60 and 70 people came on Wednesday nights in July. On Tuesday night, English classes are held and taught by Oscar Lopez's wife, Vianey. Before the evening service on Wednesday, a children's dance class meets. The church also has started a food bank that reaches out to about 25 people. On Thursday and Friday evenings, home cell groups gather, as part of the church planting, G12 strategy.

For the G12 (Government 12) model, the church planter gathers at least 12 people, ideally, and disciples and leads them for one year. After this time, group members go out and begin their own groups of 12 people each. By the second year, potentially more than 144 people or couples will be gathered in cell groups. In addition to small group meetings, groups schedule a regular meeting time for the entire cell church to get together after the first year. Ministerio International Palabra de Fe has brought the G12 idea and vision to a new level.

"In American Baptist Churches Los Angeles, about 20 cell churches are utilizing the G12 strategy to spread the gospel and reach people for Christ," said Calzoncit. "What we're promoting is a cellular movement. The reason I am endorsing and promoting the cellular church movement is because, in the context of Hispanics in the United States of America, this model provides for a better opportunity for people to find new life in Christ and be discipled and for families to be cared for spiritually"

When asked specifically about G12, Lopez said that, rather than simply being a method, G12 is a God-given vision: "G12 gives churches an opportunity to speak to a generation and fit needs of listeners, breaking the mold ... it has given me the tools I need to win people for Christ," said Lopez. "I have witnessed many brothers and sisters moved from being believers whose faith did not bear fruit to faith that is characterized by an abundance of fruit."

Lopez advises those who wish to plant new churches: "Once you are sure that you sense the call to this work, you must seek guidance regarding the location in which you would build. Lay out a strategy ... derived from your vision. It is very important to have a vision, one that is not limited by circumstance. This vision will lead you to set goals and these goals will then confirm your call and God's support for what you are doing."

Aurora Community Baptist Church partners with the church plant, with leadership from a part-time pastor, Anne Dondapati Allen, and the church moderator, Bill Warren. Financial support comes from a three-year National Ministries new church planting grant, the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountain Region and Calvary Baptist Church in Colorado.

National Ministries has a vision of church planting as the healthy reproduction of churches that introduce people to Jesus Christ, and then support their growth into disciples who continue a passionate relationship with him in a community of faith. Our mission is to enable that reproduction through partnerships with American Baptist regions and congregations.

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