By Pastor Doug
As Seeds of Change continues to grow, it’s been exciting to watch how God keeps opening new doors. One of the key people He has used in this journey is Jason Stewart, Executive Director of Mobilization for Exponential - a global organization committed to advancing church planting and disciple-making movements.
A few months ago, Jason encouraged me to consider pitching Seeds of Change at the NEXT Ventures Shark Tank event. This annual gathering highlights innovative ministry leaders who are actively shaping the future of the Church. Each year, 12 leaders are selected to present initiatives that are already making an impact and have the potential to multiply. Those chosen receive not only funding, but also coaching, visibility, and strategic connections to help accelerate their mission.
In January, I submitted an application for the opportunity to pitch at the Exponential Global Conference in Orlando in March. By February, I received word that Seeds of Change had been selected. Out of approximately 350-400 applicants, the field had been narrowed down to around 40 ministries—an encouraging and humbling moment.
The process was both simple and intense: submit the application, attend the conference, and deliver a precise seven-minute pitch - no more, no less - followed by three minutes of questions from a panel of four judges.
My turn came on Wednesday, March 18th at 3:13 p.m. I was the final presenter in a group of four. The presenter before me shared an impressive vision of planting micro-churches around the world using breakdancing as a way to reach people - a tough act to follow.
When I stepped up, I simply told our story.
I shared how LifeWater Community Church has, over the past 13 years, transitioned from a Level 2 church - a church that has plateaued - to a Level 4 multiplying church. Today, we are seeing disciple-making extend to the third and fourth generation, and we’ve helped plant other churches - all without growing beyond 100 people. That story is what Seeds of Change is built on: helping small churches become multiplying churches.
After the pitch, I was told I would be notified whether I would advance to the next stage—an opportunity to present at the national event in Houston this September.
No matter what happens next, one thing is clear: God is moving.
And I can’t wait to see where He leads next.
What a ride.
