“A church planter got up and told his story. As he’s speaking, I just begin to weep. Tears are coming down, my heart is starting to burn. And all of a sudden I know – I’m supposed to do this.”
Joe and Elissa Adams launched Manna Church in 2018 in the picturesque city of Colorado Springs, CO. Transplants from North Carolina, they share about the experience of being called to plant a church and the process of choosing a location to fulfill the mission of reaching military families all over the world.
When their calling was solidified at an ARC Conference, Joe recounts how he felt in that moment:
“A church planter got up and told his story. As he’s speaking, I just begin to weep. Tears are coming down, my heart is starting to burn. And all of a sudden I know – I’m supposed to do this.”
Elissa is no stranger to the life of military families, having moved around the country in her childhood and a father who came to know Jesus while in the military. Her family’s trajectory was forever impacted and she gained a heart for families who move frequently along with the challenges military families face.
“We’re not losing you. We’re sending you to advance the Kingdom of God wherever you end up.” Joe shares Manna Church’s vision for equipping military families and proving a place of support, community, and mission as they lead lives of service.
Joe and Elissa talk about the highs and lows of planting a church (including launching in the middle of a blizzard), how they decided on roles, and ways God prepared them for their calling.
Check out their church planter story here!
