Facilitator for Emerging Faith Communities Chris Scott shares his personal journey and calling into church planting. He describes how he pastored and planted churches even before seminary, initially assuming it was a common interest, but later recognizing it as a unique vocation. He earned a Doctor of Ministry focused on church planting from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2018, mentored by Professor Emeriti Art McPhee. While serving on staff at a Methodist church during seminary, he realized his theological alignment with Anabaptist/Mennonite traditions and transitioned to the Mennonite Church.
Guided by prayer, conversations with friends, and a sense of the Holy Spirit’s leading, he felt called to plant a church in Winchester, Virginia. This led to the formation of The Exchange, a faith community. They started informally with Bible studies, community events, and invitations, integrating into Winchester’s arts scene (visual arts, music, and local talents).
Everyone contributes — sharing hymns, Scriptures, personal reflections — reflecting early New Testament house church dynamics. The community engages in service (e.g., soup kitchens), interfaith activities, and outreach, particularly to those with negative church experiences or limited knowledge of Jesus (he shares an example of someone who only knew Jesus as “the one who walked on water”).
Chris highlights why church planting excites him: it allows authentic connection with people, contextual communication of the gospel within culture, and tangible expressions of God’s love.
