How One Church Plant Got Creative to Engage Their Community

Written by: Olivia Meade 

Olivia Meade works as a content editor for Acts 29. She’s a member of New Heights Church in West Virginia, where she leads women’s ministry and discipleship. She’s the author of Ordinary Faithfulness and contributing editor for Church Out Here. Olivia is married to Matt and they have two daughters.  

This following content was originally published on Acts 29’s website, linked HERE.


Acts 29 churches are innovative and creative, especially in engaging their communities. The Well Church in Americus, Georgia, pastored by John Schroeder, is no exception—as they’ve had a noticeable presence in their community since their inception one year ago. 

The Well Church’s first Sunday service at their downtown location in Americus, Georgia.

Schroeder started The Americus Podcast to support their church’s mission to be all-in for the city. “We know we will be here for years, and first impressions in a small town are crucial. The podcast has helped build strong relationships with people in the community and has opened doors for our church’s needs for location, networking, and awareness,” he said. Each episode focuses on a different topic, but they all seek to establish a foundation for being a good neighbor.

Schroeder has interviewed business leaders, fellow pastors, musicians, healthcare professionals, and even their local sheriff. He started the podcast because he “needed to understand the culture better. Hear the stories. I’ve met neighbors, pastors, playmakers, and city officials through the podcast. The conversations have brought great wonder and love for my city.” First impressions in a small town are crucial. The podcast has helped build strong relationships with people in the community and has opened doors for our church’s needs. –John Schroeder CLICK TO TWEET

The Well Church is still in its first year of church planting, averaging 45 people on Sundays. Many of these people have not attended church in a long time, and by God’s grace, the church has already celebrated new converts coming to faith! It’s a joy to celebrate these stories of God’s work through local churches in Acts 29.