A Step of Faith: Christian Lissner’s Church Planting Journey
As a new father and husband to a young wife, Christian Lissner was facing a major life decision: either take a full-time, paid pastoral position or continue down the harder road of church planting. Having completed the City to City cohort the previous summer, Christian knew he had been equipped for this calling. Still, he and his wife chose to pray and fast, asking God to lead them clearly.
After a season of prayer and fasting, both felt certain that God was calling them to the harder path. Turning down stability to say yes to a calling marked by uncertainty, financial instability, and complete dependence on God is not a decision made lightly, especially as new parents.
As Christian began gathering a core team, they started preparing for a future launch by casting vision, building culture, and applying what he had learned through his training. Christian Lissner’s church plant, Revival Collective, currently meets in Torrance and began taking shape in the months leading up to its official launch in October 2025. The church meets in a generously shared space, subleasing from another congregation, a provision that has made it possible to establish a presence in the community.
After a season of prayer and fasting, both felt certain that God was calling them to the harder path. Turning down stability to say yes to a calling marked by uncertainty, financial instability, and complete dependence on God is not a decision made lightly, especially as new parents.
As Christian began gathering a core team, they started preparing for a future launch by casting vision, building culture, and applying what he had learned through his training. Christian Lissner’s church plant, Revival Collective, currently meets in Torrance and began taking shape in the months leading up to its official launch in October 2025. The church meets in a generously shared space, subleasing from another congregation, a provision that has made it possible to establish a presence in the community.
Like many church plants, the launch service was filled with excitement and even included two baptisms. From the very beginning, it was clear that God was already at work.
But as many church planters experience, the initial momentum was followed by a quieter, more challenging reality. Attendance fluctuated, and discouragement began to creep in. Christian found himself navigating the tension of wanting to press further into community engagement while also working bi-vocationally to support his family. This is a reality many church planters face, balancing the calling to pastor and lead while carrying the weight of financial responsibility.
Currently, Christian works as a music teacher in local public schools, serving students who would not otherwise have access to music education. In June, that position will pause for the summer, creating both an opportunity and a challenge. While this season may increase financial strain, Christian sees it as a chance to lean more fully into outreach, creating space to engage the community, build relationships, and invite others into the life of the church. With faith, he continues to trust that where God calls, He will also provide.
Even in the midst of these challenges, there are clear signs of fruit. One of the young men baptized at the launch service is now serving as a social media intern, using his gifts to help tell the story of the church. In addition, a worship intern has stepped in to lead, and new small groups, including a women’s group led by Christian’s wife Kat, are beginning to take root.
With a heart to reach young adults and the surrounding community, the church is also building relationships locally. One such connection is with a nearby coffee shop owned by a young entrepreneur, which has become a potential space for outreach and connection. Together, these opportunities reflect a growing vision to meet people where they are and create meaningful entry points into community and faith.
Throughout this journey, Christian has experienced encouragement and support from fellow cohort members and mentors. He often reflects on the importance of continually preaching the Gospel to himself, especially in seasons marked by uncertainty, comparison, or slow growth.
But as many church planters experience, the initial momentum was followed by a quieter, more challenging reality. Attendance fluctuated, and discouragement began to creep in. Christian found himself navigating the tension of wanting to press further into community engagement while also working bi-vocationally to support his family. This is a reality many church planters face, balancing the calling to pastor and lead while carrying the weight of financial responsibility.
Currently, Christian works as a music teacher in local public schools, serving students who would not otherwise have access to music education. In June, that position will pause for the summer, creating both an opportunity and a challenge. While this season may increase financial strain, Christian sees it as a chance to lean more fully into outreach, creating space to engage the community, build relationships, and invite others into the life of the church. With faith, he continues to trust that where God calls, He will also provide.
Even in the midst of these challenges, there are clear signs of fruit. One of the young men baptized at the launch service is now serving as a social media intern, using his gifts to help tell the story of the church. In addition, a worship intern has stepped in to lead, and new small groups, including a women’s group led by Christian’s wife Kat, are beginning to take root.
With a heart to reach young adults and the surrounding community, the church is also building relationships locally. One such connection is with a nearby coffee shop owned by a young entrepreneur, which has become a potential space for outreach and connection. Together, these opportunities reflect a growing vision to meet people where they are and create meaningful entry points into community and faith.
Throughout this journey, Christian has experienced encouragement and support from fellow cohort members and mentors. He often reflects on the importance of continually preaching the Gospel to himself, especially in seasons marked by uncertainty, comparison, or slow growth.
As they look ahead, Christian and his family remain committed to the calling God has placed before them. With a deep trust that God will sustain them, they continue to faithfully build, believing that through obedience, God will bring growth, transformation, and multiplication in His time.
As Christian shared, “There are definitely moments where I feel the weight of it all, providing for my family, leading the church, and wondering if I’m doing enough. But God keeps reminding me to trust Him, to stay faithful, and to preach the Gospel to myself every day.”
As Christian shared, “There are definitely moments where I feel the weight of it all, providing for my family, leading the church, and wondering if I’m doing enough. But God keeps reminding me to trust Him, to stay faithful, and to preach the Gospel to myself every day.”
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
As Christian and his family continue in this season of faith and sacrifice, we invite you to pray alongside him and his church:
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for calling Christian and his family to this work. We ask that You would strengthen them in seasons of uncertainty, provide for their every need, and give them endurance as they faithfully serve. Would You continue to transform lives through their church, raise up new leaders, and open doors for meaningful connection in their community. Remind them daily that You are with them, sustaining them, and working through them. Amen.
As Christian and his family continue in this season of faith and sacrifice, we invite you to pray alongside him and his church:
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for calling Christian and his family to this work. We ask that You would strengthen them in seasons of uncertainty, provide for their every need, and give them endurance as they faithfully serve. Would You continue to transform lives through their church, raise up new leaders, and open doors for meaningful connection in their community. Remind them daily that You are with them, sustaining them, and working through them. Amen.
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