Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Peoples.
Hi Joshua, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
How should a church respond to growth? This is the question that birthed City Light Church. I was the Associate Pastor at Providence Church in Ormond Beach for eleven years. As Providence Church continued to grow, I believed the best way to respond to that growth was through a new local church work in a close but different city. My family and around sixty individuals from Providence Church planted City Light Church in Port Orange in August 2022. We quickly partnered with the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board, their SEND Network church-planting ministry, and the East Central Baptist Association. Within nine months of planting in Port Orange, and through the generosity of many individuals, God blessed us by allowing us to purchase a nearly sixteen-acre property that will serve as our “base camp” while we reach Port Orange with the gospel of Jesus, plant more local churches at home and abroad, and build a Christian school that will help equip future generations to do the same.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
God has exceeded my expectations in every way! My priority in this new church plant was to build a good relationship with Port Orange and serve the city as best as possible. I expected this process to be extended. However, we found ourselves serving the city and building strong relationships with them within weeks. One of our church members now serves as the Port Orange Community Trust’s co-chair, which plans many of the city’s events. Sure, we have had growing pains, but we have had numerous excellent opportunities to be a blessing to the city and the people of Port Orange.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I’ve always seen myself as a “jack of all trades” church leader. My primary responsibility as a pastor is to preach the Bible. This responsibility, or better yet, privilege, led me to be around great teachers and to pursue formal education in biblical preaching. I’ve never been the best student, but through God’s help and the support of many, I earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Biblical Preaching from Anderson University in Anderson, SC. I love to preach, but I also love to walk with people as they learn to walk with God. I’m passionate about discipleship. I also lead our worship team. I’ve been playing guitar and singing for a long time now. The variety of gifts and the personality God has given me have prepared me to lead a church plant. Sometimes, you need more resources, so it’s good to be able to lead the charge in various areas.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
Most people would find it surprising that I struggle with self-confidence. I depend entirely upon God because I don’t feel I’m always the best leader. Most people only see the “stage side” of me leading the charge, commanding attention, casting vision, and pointing the way; however, many times, I feel that God’s mission for our church is way beyond me. This could help create humility and keep me from becoming a prideful leader, but most people who know me rarely see that side of me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.citylightpo.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/citylightpo
