International Church Planter: Nate Schoen

Nate Schoen has been examined by Immanuel's Pastors and it is our joy to present him to the whole church as an International Church Planter! The process of examining Nate has been extensive. Of course, Nate has served and led in different capacities at Immanuel including leadership of a Gospel Community Group. During his service, we have observed Nate and been encouraged by his faithfulness and character. We invited Nate to answer 56 questions ranging everywhere from questions about doctrinal positions, to family life, to church planting methodology. After Nate answered those questions, all Immanuel's pastors read through his answers and two pastors followed up with Nate about any concerns or clarifications that might have been necessary. After that follow up, all the pastors again considered Nate according to the biblical requirements for elders and only when there was full consent among the pastors was Nate presented to the whole church.

Now that Nate has been presented, or nominated, by the Elders to serve as an elder-qualified International Church Planter, the whole church at Immanuel will consider Nate, ask Nate any questions they may have, ask the Elders any questions they may have, and generally consider whether Nate is qualified to serve in this capacity. Of course we know that not everyone at Immanuel knows Nate as well as we do, and we're not asking that every single one of you know Nate in that way. In an effort to give everyone some brief information about Nate, we've asked him to answer a few questions which you'll see below. There will also be time at our upcoming Members' Meeting (Feb. 26th)to hear from Nate and ask him any questions you may have.

Nate, how did you come to follow after Jesus?
I was raised in a moral but non-Christian home and I lived as a "good person" in the world until I was 21 years old. At that time I was regularly overcome with guilt and remorse over my lifestyle, but I still felt that I was essentially a good person. I believed God was real, and I hoped that he would look more on my good actions than my bad when I died.

I began attending a Bible study at a university church for (what seemed like) no particular reason, where we worked our way through Luke over five weeks. As I read Luke's account of Jesus' life and as I asked questions about his teaching, I came to realize for the first time that God's standards are MUCH higher than my own. For the first time I realized that I was a sinner, and that the punishment for sin is hell. I walked around for two weeks with a massive burden on my shoulders as I wrestled with the understanding that I was going to hell. I thought about the good life that I might be able to live for God, but then I despaired over my past sins - already enough to condemn me. After two weeks of long walks and sleepless nights, the gospel finally sunk in. I don't have to make myself right with God because He has already done it if only I believe that Jesus has died for me! Alone one night, while mulling these things over, I broke down in repentance and turned to God for forgiveness. I woke the next morning to find my burden completely gone. I still had (and have!) much to learn and many areas for growth, but the burden has never returned and I now rest in Christ alone for my salvation.

What are some of the significant ways Immanuel has shaped you as a believer?
At Immanuel I have seen the gospel transform individuals, each living for ourselves, into a community shaped by love, accountability, humility, and right doctrine. I have grown in my understanding of the unity we have in Christ and this has made me more passionate about building up Christian community. I have learned the joy of submitting to our elders and I have experienced the love that comes from having teachable leadership. I have been shaped by the tender care and servant leadership of our elders and deacons. This body has given me more growth in my Christian walk than all my hours in seminary.

Where are you going to serve internationally and what will you be doing?
We will be serving among the Yao people in Northern Mozambique where we will focus on evangelism, discipleship and church planting. This is a Muslim people group, and we believe there are currently about ten new believers in the area where we will be living. We hope to see God raise up leadership for a Yao church, and we hope to teach them to treasure evangelism, community, and Christ-likeness.