Alabama

The first-ever Encounter in Alabama was held in Florence on November 21–22, hosted by a former church plant that is now seeking to become a multiplying church. Although the congregation didn’t fully know what to expect, they entered the weekend eager for God to speak and ready to follow wherever the Holy Spirit might lead.

He did not disappoint.

God Moves Through Listening People

Throughout the Encounter, the Spirit stirred the hearts of men and women across the church. What unfolded wasn’t the product of strategic planning or committee work—it was the organic, unmistakable movement of God among people who were willing to listen.

A Church Courageous Enough to Obey

Several powerful callings emerged:

• A prayer ministry began to take shape as individuals sensed God inviting them to intercede faithfully for their community.

• A ministry to widows was born when participants recognized the unmet grief and loneliness among widowed women and felt compelled to respond.

• A potential partnership with a local school emerged as leaders were prompted to consider how they could serve families, students, and staff more intentionally.

None of this was pre-planned. Each initiative surfaced through prayer and the Spirit’s prompting—clear signs that God was enlarging the church’s vision for mission and multiplication.

Obedience Always Requires a Step Beyond Comfort

For many involved, the challenge wasn’t hearing God. It was obeying Him. Starting something new—especially ministries that require emotional investment or ongoing commitment—can feel daunting. But the Encounter helped participants see that multiplication doesn’t begin with perfection; it begins with obedience.

This is the tension every church faces as it grows beyond its current boundaries: Will we remain comfortable, or will we follow the Spirit into the unknown?

A Teachable Moment for Every Church

This story offers a powerful reminder: Encounters don’t simply create inspiration—they activate mission.

Real multiplication happens when everyday believers take the next faithful step God places in front of them. In Florence, that meant prayer, care for widows, and a new vision for serving a local school. For another church, the steps may look different—but the principle is the same.

When a community listens to God together, the seeds of multiplication begin to take root.

This Could Be You

Want to see this kind of Spirit-led movement in your own church or network?
Consider hosting an Encounter or joining an upcoming one.
When God speaks, new stories begin.