Carl Tuttle

In case you haven’t heard, I am launching a church plant in Orange County called Restoration Fellowship. Believing that, from the time we enter into a relationship with Jesus, until the day we are with Him in heaven, we are all in the process of restoration, it is my heart’s desire to initiate a work that will create a loving, accepting, forgiving and patient environment for people to experience God’s love and restorative power in their lives.  All too often in the church we find ourselves lacking in these areas, especially patience, and far too often we see many succumbing to gossip even though they are equipped enough in the Scriptures to understand the Apostle Paul’s admonition to “mind your own business” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). 

Years ago when I was a part of John Wimber’s pastoral team, one of the team members reported on a person that he had prayed for during the Sunday service. I could tell he was frustrated by the experience as he looked at John and said,  “You know that guy comes forward every week and gets prayer for the same thing.”  John looked at the guy and said, “Yeah?”   “Well, I can’t believe it; I don’t think he’s repentant. He comes forward every week repenting of the same thing.”  John looked at the guy and said,  “That’s just great” with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.  The man was a bit startled and said, “What do you mean, that’s great?”  John said, “Hey man, I think it’s great that although this guy keeps blowing it, he’s not giving up. His heart is still soft, he feels convicted over his sin, and that’s wonderful. “Then in that special Wimber way he ended by saying, “It takes as long as it takes.”

I loved the whole interaction John had with the team member; it was so refreshing and so instructional.  I firmly believe in the point John was making: As long as the man keeps coming and doesn’t give up, there is a chance things will “take” one day and he will be set free.  I want to have that kind of place; a place where people can keep coming and we won’t give up on them. A place where we see our role as encouragers and supporters of the work God is doing; not judging, not condemning, but rather embracing and loving people right where they are in the restoration process.

God has done this for me and I feel called to lead a work that will be places where we can all grow and be renewed, transformed, and restored by the grace and mercy of God.   I believe that God is calling me back to the place I experienced my greatest failures to be an example of His kindness and mercy. I have learned some things in the wilderness, in the valleys and in the dark and lonely places.

First and foremost, I have learned that He is sufficient, that He is faithful, that He is forgiving and He never gives up on us.  I believe there is plenty of room in our local communities for a church like this, a fresh work----a new wineskin if you will.

The simply fact is the church nationwide is shrinking; various statistics indicate that more than 10 churches a day are closing their doors! And there are considerably less than that launching. The United States is now the largest English speaking mission field in the world.  New church plants are substantially more effective at reaching the un-churched than older and established churches. Yes, we are all aware of the exceptions, but as a rule, church planting is the most effective form of evangelism.

I expect to reach primarily two types of people:  the de-churched and the un-churched.  I expect to assimilate some folks who have quit going to church anywhere --- the “de-churched people.”  They are discouraged, feel disconnected, and no longer feel that they belong. Some are bruised and feel that the church has let them down and certainly that people have let them down. Restoration Fellowship will provide a chance for a fresh start, a place that is safe and provides a place to worship and fellowship with others who will welcome and encourage them. Restoration Fellowship will be highly relational and organic, rather than institutional.

Additionally, I expect to reach un-churched people through their connections with “de-churched” people. People who have been “out” for a while primarily have friends who don’t attend church anywhere, and through these relational networks we will be introduced to people who we can develop relationships with and dialogue with regarding “the hope we have within us.”

I believe God wants me to plant Restoration Fellowship.   He wants me to step out in faith, returning to a place where I was first introduced to Him and where I have my spiritual roots and heritage.

I don’t expect it to be easy. I expect opposition and skepticism, but that doesn’t matter. What matters to me is whether or not I am doing what God has called me to do and to be.  When you are certain of your calling and purpose, circumstances aren’t as likely to influence you.