Meeting the newest church planters at North American Ministries...

A Season of Growth

In an exciting and historic season for North American Ministries, we are thrilled to introduce the largest group of newly approved church planters in a one-month period in the history of our department. These planters and their teams are following the Lord’s leading into diverse and often challenging fields to plant and revitalize churches across the United States. We are honored to come alongside them as they begin this next chapter of ministry and invite you to join us in supporting their gospel efforts.

Dwayne & Tina James and Kip & Megan McNeill: Replanting in Jackson, TN

Dwayne and Tina James, along with their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Kip McNeill, have been approved to replant Victory Free Will Baptist Church — now Renew Church — in Jackson, Tennessee. This effort is a joint plant initiative between North American Ministries and the Tennessee State Home Missions Board.

Graduates of Southeastern FWB College, Dwayne and Tina bring decades of pastoral and ministry experience, most recently at Friendship FWB Church in Ashland City, Tennessee, where Dwayne served as both associate and lead pastor. Tina has been a beloved teacher at Pleasant View Christian School for over 20 years. In addition to Megan, the James have two younger daughters, Sofia and Jackie.

Kip and Megan, both graduates of Welch College, have served alongside the James at Friendship FWB Church since 2018. Kip has experience in pastoral ministry as well as business, and Megan has been an elementary school teacher in the Cheatham County School System. The McNeills have three children, Juana (14), Madilyn (4), and Michael (2).

Jackson, strategically located between Memphis and Nashville, is a key city in West Tennessee with a population of 68,000 and a daily service reach of over 400,000 due to its universities and regional influence. However, over a third of its residents are nonreligious, and 12% identify with non-Christian groups, making it a vital mission field. The James and McNeill families are committed to seeing Renew Church become a thriving gospel witness in this spiritually needy city.

Corbin & Erica Madden: Planting in Bozeman, MT

Corbin and Erica Madden of Springfield, Tennessee, have been approved as associate church planters to Bozeman, Montana, where they will serve alongside lead planters Seth and Lacey Price. Corbin, a Welch College graduate, most recently pastored West End FWB Church and currently works at D6 Family Ministry. Erica is a devoted homemaker and key ministry partner. They have a young son, Asher, and a newborn daughter named Mia.

Bozeman is the fastest growing micropolitan area in the country and a cultural hub known for an outdoor lifestyle and strong economy. Yet, less than 10% of its population identify as evangelical Christian. The Maddens are committed to partnering not only with the Prices but also with nearby NAM church plant Summit FWB Church to strengthen the gospel presence in the region and form a network of churches in Montana.

Caleb and Sara Mackie: Planting in Waco, TX

Caleb and Sara Mackie of Sparta, Tennessee, have been approved as associate church planters at Quest Free Will Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. They will join lead planters Jim and Tracey Kilgore, who launched Quest Church in the fall of 2022. Since its launch, the church has experienced significant growth, including the blessing of a permanent facility, expanding outreach efforts, and a thriving, gospel-focused congregation.

The Mackies have 13 years of ministry experience in Tennessee, where Caleb served as a youth pastor in two churches before pastoring at Union Grove FWB Church in Cookeville.

They have two young children, Benjamin (6) and Brynleigh (2), and feel called to serve in Waco — a city known for Baylor University, Magnolia, and a steady influx of visitors and new residents. Quest Church is focused on reaching the rapidly growing China Spring area, home to over 30,000 people.

With a heart for evangelism and discipleship, Caleb and Sara are excited to follow God’s call to Waco. They are deeply burdened for the community and are committed to sharing the hope of Christ with those who do not yet know Him as Savior.

Levi Johnson: Ministry Support in San Diego, CA

Levi Johnson of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, has been approved as a ministry support leader at The Altar Church in San Diego, California. Levi first sensed a call to church planting during a Teamwork Missions trip last summer, where he saw firsthand the spiritual hunger and gospel need in the city.

Joining lead planters Christopher and Ashly Littlecreek and fellow support leader Leah Williams, Levi brings a passion for reaching the next generation. His return to San Diego exemplifies how short-term trips can spark long-term commitments to ministry. In a city of over 1.3 million residents, where cultural diversity and spiritual openness intersect, Levi is eager to invest in deep, gospel-centered relationships and discipleship.

How Can You Help?

This season of growth is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of His people. We are thankful for these new planters and their willingness to obey God’s calling. Please pray for their transitions, their families, and the people they are reaching. Consider supporting them financially and learning more about how you and your church can partner with them in the mission to reach the lost with the hope of Christ.

Together, we can plant, water, and watch God give the increase. Learn more at fwbnam.com/churchplanting/.