47: Overcoming obstacles in planting

Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee are joined by Don Willeman to discuss some of the challenges he’s faced planting in the Northeast.

0:29 Don planted his church 20 years ago in Hanover, New Hampshire, home to Dartmouth College.

1:33 Don talks about how God has given his church an open door "in a place where people said it was impossible to plant a church."

2:48 Don’s church has met at Hanover High School for the past 20 years.

3:29 Because of outdated zoning laws, his church has been unable to get permanent space in town.

4:35 Twelve years ago, the church initially tried to build in a commercial district but was told it was not allowed. The zoning laws say the building has to be in a residential neighborhood.

4:57 Three years ago, the church purchased a 9-acre parcel of land to build on. They’ve been before the zoning board for the last 2 ½ years and still don’t have a resolution.

6:16 Don discusses doing setup and teardown for 20 years as a portable church.

8:33 Don talks about how they’ve tried not to have an antagonism against the town or its residents.

12:23 Don encourages planters who are facing similar challenges "to take a big step back and make sure you see this through the big picture."