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Pastor Michelle, you planted a church in a suburb that was 95% white. Why?

Because God told me to. I know that sounds simple, but it really was. My husband and I had been praying about where to plant, and every time we prayed, we kept seeing this community. It made no natural sense. So we knew it was God.

What were the first six months like?

Hard. Beautiful. Lonely. Surprising. People were more open than I expected. But there were also moments when I felt profoundly out of place. I had to go back to my calling constantly and ask God: did I hear you right? And every time, the answer was yes.

How has your church navigated conversations about race?

Head on. We did not try to be a post-racial church — that is a fantasy. We are a multi-racial church, which means we honor the distinct experiences and identities people bring and create genuine community across those differences. That requires honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations.

What has surprised you most?

How hungry people are for authenticity. Suburbia can feel very curated and performance-driven. When our church showed up with radical honesty — about struggle, about race, about doubt — people were starved for it.

What is your word to pastors considering cross-cultural planting?

Do not underestimate the cost. And do not overestimate the obstacles. God goes before you into every community. Your job is to follow.