Family of Believers
COMMUNITY/COMUNIDAD: Share a description of the community you are called to reach.
- Pastor Gipson has a calling to reach several groups of people. His number one focus is on the unsaved group – those who do not know about Jesus. A second group is the unchurched; a third group is the outcast – the people that no body wants to talk to. The fourth is the unknown group – his vision of a multi cultural church leads him to reach beyond his own race; and lastly the unloved – those people who are not loved or touched by anyone.
CALLING/LLAMADO: Share about your experience of God leading you to start a church.
- Pastor Gipson shares that he came out of a mega church. He was serving in five ministries
and had been sending out resumes to established churches that were seeking a pastor. He experienced that the majority of African American churches he approached wanted pastors who could sing before and after preaching, and he did not meet that criteria. Then one day, his pastor asked him to help him plant a church and so he agreed. Without funding from others, God led him to start on faith and to use some of his own funds.
VISION/VISIÓN: Tell us 5 words that are key elements of your vision.
- Faith in the vision – believe that the vision will one day happen.
- Perseverance – never give up.
- Willing to be a servant – serve people.
- Passion – do whatever needs to be done.
- Sharing the vision – share with others.
REACHING THE LOST/ALCANZANDO A LOS PERDIDOS: Share the story of someone who has come to 
know Christ and is now a part of the church.
know Christ and is now a part of the church.-
Pastor Gipson tells of Brother Axel who came to church for the first time with his cousin. He would come occasionally then one day he started attending every Sunday. One day, Brother Axel told Pastor Gipson that he had really helped him. Now, he does not miss a Sunday and if he does, he will let the pastor know in advance. Brother Axel was struggling with giving, but Pastor Gipson challenged him to trust God and ever since then he has not stop giving and even sends his offering when he cannot attend church. Also, Brother Axel is always available and willing to help in any way, says Pastor Gipson.
GOD AT WORK/DIOS TRABAJANDO: What is the most exciting thing God has done in the church?
- God has added six members between August and September and has opened up the door for Pastor Gipson to share his vision with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) and Westbury Baptist Church. Pastor Gipson grew up in Houston and as a minister’s son knew many pastors, and so he thought that his connections would help, but it was God who opened the doors that led him to find BGCT, Westbury Baptist Church, and UBA. Pastor Gipson believes that God is working things out in His timing.
LOOKING AHEAD/MIRANDO HACIA EL FUTURO: What would you like to see God do during the next year?
- Pastor Gipson would like to see God provide more members and support for this new church plant. He would also like to see Family of Believers have its own facility because they are limited to a timetable at the present location and it is hard to minister. He would like to start some mentoring and outreach programs and share his skills in computer, math, etc. with the community.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERIENCIA: What has been the most challenging or surprising thing you've experienced in
church planting?
church planting?- Pastor Gipson’s experience in planting this church has been both challenging and faith filled. His greatest challenge has been finding a reliable facility. Doors opened temporarily at a school in Alief and at a community center in Stafford then closed, but God has opened a new one. Pastor Gipson is surprised by the difficulties and opposition but more amazed by God’s provision.
WISDOM/SABIDURIA: What resource or words of wisdom would you pass on to other church planters?
- Pastor Gipson recommends a church planter to never give up in the process of planting a church. He says that it is a difficult fight, so connect and collaborate with BGCT and UBA and always consult the Lord daily. Pastor Gipson shares this phrase – we all have to have our “PhD” – pray hard daily.
NEED/NECESIDAD: How can people pray for you or partner with you?
- Pastor Gipson requests prayer for his family. He is blessed to have a wife and children whom have patience and endurance as they support him in the ministry. He asks God to continue to give each church planter favor. He believes that there is a building out there not in use, so he hopes and prays for a donation of such to the Family of Believers.
| Current Contact Information: | UBA Directory Information / website |
| Pastor: | Alvin Gipson III |
| Location for Worship Services: | 11259 Southwest Freeway, Houston 77031 |
| Date of First Worship Service: | January 10, 2010 |
| Type of Facility: | Shopping Center Facility |
| Discipleship Structure: | Small Groups |
| Language of Worship: | English |
Interview conducted by Alex Martinez, UBA Staff.