In early 1996, several people began to share with one another their impression that God was planting in them a seed that had something to do with a new church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Because the experience of such a common call was so unusual to all involved, they committed to a period of individual and collective discernment. It was their desire to seek the guidance and will of God in this process and to ensure that they were not being motivated by any personal agendas. They began meeting in homes in February 1996 to pray and read God's Word in an effort to gain clarity about the call they sensed God placing on their hearts. They were committed to the authority of Scripture in discerning and cooperating with God in this call.

Because they also believed that God desired that this new church be an Anglican expression of His church, a representative of the group was asked to meet with the local Episcopal bishop to share the call they all sensed to start a new church. The bishop was not supportive of their call and vision for a new church. Confused by their sense of call to plant a new Anglican witness to the Gospel in Little Rock and their rejection by the local bishop, the group sought the Godly counsel of another bishop, The Right Reverend Edward Salmon, Bishop of South Carolina. He suggested that the group contact The Rev. Dr. Jon Shuler at the North American Missionary Society (NAMS).

Although initially reluctant to become involved because they lacked the approval of the local bishop, Dr. Shuler agreed to come to Little Rock and meet with the group. After listening to their vision, Dr. Shuler recommended that they proceed with a cell-celebration model of weekly small group Bible study and monthly worship. From September 1996 through November 1997 they maintained the cell-celebration pattern with the assistance of many visiting priests from around the country and volunteer musicians from the Christian community in Little Rock.

The Rev. Thomas (TJ) Johnston moved to Little Rock in January of 1998. When the threat of ecclesiastical attack against TJ from the local bishop became a reality, The Right Reverend John Rucyahana, Bishop of the Diocese of Shiyra, Rawanda offered TJ and his new church, St. Andrew's, asylum so that they could continue with their mission. The church began weekly Sunday worship services in September of 1998 with a service attended by many supportive priests and laity from around the country.

The church has grown from a living room of 15 lay people to a congregation of over 300 in attendance each Sunday. God has had them "on the move" as they have grown. They are meeting in their third location since they began weekly worship in 1998. The people at St. Andrew's are thankful for the encouragement that they have received over the last several years and are committed to helping fulfill the vision for planting new Apostolic churches. They believe that God has given them a witness that they are to share about how God can use us all in a variety of ways to build His Kingdom and minister in His name.

As a church, St. Andrew's understands the call on its life to give away what God has so richly given them. Their heart is to be a center for new work and bold witness to Jesus Christ in the new Anglican witness in the United States.

For more information on church planting or sharing in the new Anglican Mission in America call St. Andrew's Church at 501.614.6061 or the Anglican Mission field office in Little Rock at 501.907.5501.