A STORY STILL UNFOLDING

After six years in traditional church ministry the Van Pay’s decided to step out for awhile to rethink what it is to be the church.  They decided to leave all of the securities in Texas and move back to Claremore, Oklahoma, with no job, no money, and a house still on the market.  They simply took a risk into the unknown.  God had led them back to the place where they first served as Student/Worship Pastors at a local church seven years ago.

On September 23, 2007, after a series of God moments, it was crystal clear that God had crossed every “t” and dotted every “I” in their lives.  A journey started that night as they put their trust in God to orchestrate every step after.  Over the next three months Ricky awoke many times during the night and would drive out of Claremore with a breaking in his heart.  

During a drive back into town he had what he called a holy discontent.  He had grown tired of hearing about people driving into Tulsa to go to a more relevant church.  Then, while doing a “prayer jog” through Rogers State University, he came to the end of a trail that ended up right behind the new dorms.  God impressed upon his heart that inside that building were students that were not being reached and he felt God urge him to do something about it. 

After nearly three years of thinking, listening, and praying God stirred their hearts to serve the community of Claremore Oklahoma.  Unknowingly as the Van Pay’s started knocking on neighbors doors and spending time with the elderly at Wood Manor, the endeavor of The Well had begun.  Ricky began interviewing people from all over the community finding out unmet needs and reasons why people didn’t attend church.

Starting in April 2008 a small band of authentic people began gathering together monthly at a local pizza place to rethink the church.  It is there that a passion for the names of friends that were far from God was listed and prayers began to go out.  On September 7 a committed team was assembled and began meeting weekly at the Van Pay home.  The kids had full reign of the house to learn about Christ, while the adults met in the garage to think of creative ways they can fulfill the vision of The Well.  The heart of the team was that a community would not just hear about the love of God - but see it with their hands and feet as they serve.  They initiated relationships with many in the community and went public on February 22, 2009 at the local theater.  You can click here to see pics from that day by.

The Well is approaching their 1st birthday and will be celebrating a huge party on February 21st at the theater.  Over 50 people have received Christ and over 20 have been baptized in water in the first chapter.  They are now looking ahead as they enter chapter 2.  The future of The Well is in the hands of a God that has and will orchestrate every step that this small band has taken.  Seeds are being planted and watered, but only God can make them grow.  Their lives are not their own and they’ve chosen to give themselves away to a community that is well deserving. 

That's our story thus far.  Or maybe it's God story, and we're just a part of it.  Either way, we hope you come check out what we're doing and who knows, maybe you'll become a part of this story as well.  

The Well is Now Serving……….