The Tony Bulawa Family

Planting a Church in Surprise, Arizona

My family and I have had the privilege of being associated with Baptist International Missions, Inc., since 1998—first serving outside of the USA and now serving within our country’s borders. When we moved to the “foreign” field, having full support was not an option; it was absolutely required. Like most countries, Canada would not allow us to come and hold a job outside the church. But laying the laws of foreign countries aside, most will agree that the fully supported missionary can be more effective because he can focus all his attention and energies on the church plant.

As we returned to the States, I found that this same line of thought is not necessarily held when dealing with church planters in the United States. When the Lord directed us to church planting in the Metro-Phoenix Valley of Arizona, some asked if I would give up our support and take a secular job since we were back in our own country. While I had anticipated the question, I do not understand the reasoning behind it. Is church planting easier in the USA than outside its borders? I can say from experience it is not. Does church planting in the USA require less energy or attention from the church planter than on the “foreign field”? Again, I am certain it does not.

I have a great deal of respect and admiration for those who have held a secular job and planted a church at the same time. But as I have spoken with those that have done that, I have found most did so because when they started, that was “just the way it was done.” I find it interesting though, that these men I have spoken with are unanimous in their agreement that if they would have had the privilege of financial support, they believe they could have been more effective and the new church would have been better served. The Church of God should never settle for “that’s just the way it’s done” if there is a better and more effective means—especially when eternal souls lie in the balance!

I certainly am thankful that the Lord is giving churches across America a “new vision” in regards to the need right here inside our borders and that the vast majority of our supporting churches have determined to continue to stand by us as co-laborers. I am convinced that in the year’s time we have been in the north-west corner of the Phoenix Valley, we have been able to accomplish far more for the cause of Christ than we would have, had I been required to work a secular job as we planted the Mountain Side Baptist Church.

I praise the Lord that He is raising up the ministry of RESEEDING AMERICA, not only because as Church Planters it has helped us in accomplishing the work to which the Lord has called us but also, as a pastor, it is an effective ministry I can confidently present to our church so that we might be more effectively involved in the Great Commission. It allows our church to both give financially and yet have the opportunity to physically participate in other new church plants where a RESEEDING AMERICA team will be assisting the local church in reproducing itself.

My Dear Friend and College Missions Professor, Dr. Bob McKeever often said: “The best way to increase our missions’ force is to increase our missions’ source.” It seems to me that this is one of the primary goals of RESEEDING AMERICA. I thank the Lord that He has given me the opportunity to be a part of such a ministry—both as a Missionary Church Planter and as a Pastor.

Because He Lives,
Tony Bulawa
Missionary/Pastor
Mountain Side Baptist Church
Surprise, Arizona