Church Planter Seeks to Fill Spiritual Void in Rhode Island

July 29, 2009 -- When church planter Todd Murphy and his family moved to Providence, Rhode Island eight years ago, he was told that ministry in New England could not be successful. It was hard for him to argue with that. “Providence is a spiritual black hole,” he says. “People there are cautious and often consumed with their own lives.” Additional challenges include the presence of a large mafia, a sex trade and the highest number of adult bookstores per capita in the U.S. On top of that, the area’s unemployment rate is among the highest in the nation.

Residents of the growing city also possess a general distrust of the organized church: about 73 percent of the county considers itself Roman Catholic, though actual attendance is, at best, estimated below 10 percent and shrinking.

Despite all this, Murphy started Sacred Journey Church in Providence two years ago, with the support of Christian Reformed Home Missions. Why? Because he asserts that people in the area are truly searching for something spiritual in their lives. “While many in Providence have abandoned the church, they have not given up on God, and they have a dire need to hear the truths of the gospel in relevant, timely and compassionate ways,” he says.

But reaching this population is not easy. Through experiences and wisdom from others, Murphy has learned to intentionally engage in spiritual conversations—but to also avoid a forceful or aggressive approach, since this arouses suspicion and many are sensitive to being pushed. Rather, he listens and challenges gently. “For ministry to have an impact here, you have to start with Jesus and go from there,” he says. “It will take time for people to work through their questions and understand.”

Murphy, who is married with five children, is working with his team to develop various stages of discipleship, possibly through seminars or small groups. These stages will give an introduction to the gospel, discuss spiritual questions, explore what church is and its purposes, teach and encourage spiritual disciplines, and finally further develop the vision of Sacred Journey. Through this, the new church aims to enrich the spiritual life of its members and to help others progress along their journey.

—Ben Van Houten, Christian Reformed Home Missions Communications