Mars Hill West Seattle tithes off of the tithes it receives to support church planting around the globe because we firmly believe that church planting is God’s primary ordained means of establishing the kingdom of God on earth and seeing lives changed in, through and for Jesus Christ. MHC WS has the privilege of directly supporting four church planters. The intent of the article below is to introduce you to one of them. You can get more information on each of them here. Please keep these men, their families and the churches that Jesus has called them to plan in your prayers.

Wellspring Church Lead Planter: Dwayne Bond Location: Charlotte, NC Mission: God is calling us to relentlessly saturate the hearts of thirsty people with God’s truth and love in community to transform the city. We will accomplish our mission as we create, engage, introduce, teach, surrender and scatter.

Q: Tell us about yourself, your family and your work.
I’m 41 years old, African American transplant from MD. I came to Charlotte for the sole purpose of planting Wellspring. I love Jesus, my wife, theology, gardening and helping people maximize their effectiveness for the kingdom. I’ve been married for almost 19 years to my queen, Leslie. I have 3 kids (Jarami – 15, Imani – 11, Kamin – 7).

Q: How did you discern Jesus’ call to plant a church?
He opened up my heart to shepherding God’s people and placed within me a vision for a diverse, gospel-driven evangelical church. I had no idea where to plant but prayed and begged God to show me a place where I wouldn’t be building on another man’s foundation. He led me to Charlotte, NC. I knew 1 person and had only been here once for a wedding. Upon being here for the past 2 years, I see why God sent me to this city. It’s not urban, it’s suburban. It’s not all Black like the county I came from… it’s 86% White and 4% Black – go figure. What’s up with that? God has been using us in the midst of an area that doesn’t look like me – that’s the gospel.

Q: What’s the significance of the name – Wellspring?
God gave me the name from John 4:13. “The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” We want to relentlessly saturate the heart of the people in this city with God’s truth and love in community.

Q: Why plant in Charlotte?
From God’s perspective, there’s a need for a church that has at its center Jesus Christ. I humbly believe that we are one of those churches.

Q: What are your current needs and prayer requests?
- We are praying that God will break our people from many of the idols of the suburbs (image, kids, work, busyness, me-centeredness, etc.)
- We are also in need for all of our people to tithe out of worship to God. We desire to staff up but need all of those who are benefited from the Word to give.
- We’ve just hired a part-time worship leader. Pray that he’ll transition well and grow theologically.
- We are experiencing growth which means change management. Pray that we will develop processes that allow for further growth and leadership development.

Q: What are you currently reading?
- Cross of Christ – Stott
- Vintage Jesus – Driscoll
- Systematic Theology – Grudem

Q: Favorite quote?
“Make your vision your lifestyle.” – Jerry Falwell

Q: Last movie watched?
Bourne Ultimatum

Q: What’s on your top 10 list on your iPod?
- Fred Hammond
- Deluge
- Mary Alessi
- Chris Tomlin
- Kirk Whalum
- Ben Tankard
- Israel Houghton
- Red Sea
- Flame
- Everyday Process

Q: How else can MHC West Seattle support you?
- Keep us in prayer and consider supporting us next year!!!

Thank you for your love for Wellspring and Charlotte.