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From the very beginning, the dream of REUNION Christian Church was to be a church for the un-churched and de-churched. Their mission is to help people find their way back to God. Even their name reflects this idea. Taken from the fifteenth chapter of Luke, REUNION reflects the moment of the prodigal son being embraced by a loving father. It's the moment where hurting, searching, isolated, or lost people can return home.
In October 2005, Hank Wilson moved with his wife, Julie, and four children, to Boston. Hank comes from Community Christian in Naperville, IL, where he served as the minister of one of the multi-site locations as well as the student ministries director. Mike and Karen Brown, John Tischer, Phil McArdle and others became a part of the first wave of people who relocated to the Boston area.
In the first year, their time was spent primarily building relationships, fundraising, and in prayer for what would lie ahead. In March 2006, they launched Community Groups that met in homes and began to find ways to serve in the Boston community. September 2006 was supposed to be the launch date for weekly services, but due to loss of a movie theater as a worship location, the launch was delayed. Just two months later, REUNION started weekly services with no marketing, just word of mouth and relationships. During this time, the church grew to about 95 people. After the new year, REUNION "re-launched" with all of its marketing efforts: postcards, subway posters, and newspaper ads. On February 19, 2007, 219 people came as a result.
It's been over two months since REUNION's Re-Launch. Hank would tell you they have been somewhat surprised and definitely humbled by the warm reception they've received. He says, "Boston is a unique and difficult place to start a church, but it's the most exciting and rewarding thing we've ever been a part of. We continue to see people engage in a conversation about faith in Jesus Christ here, many of which disengaged long ago. We're blessed that God has allowed our dream for this church to exist. Although I think He was dreaming and planning it long before we got here."
For more information, go to REUNION's website at www.REUNIONboston.com.
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Fellowship Time at the Hilton Hotel
Worship Time at the Hilton Hotel
Boston City Skyline
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Lead Planter:
Hank & Julie Wilson and family
 
Phil & Jen McArdle and daughter
John & Anisha Tischer
 
Mike & Karen Brown and children
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What's happening at REUNION:
- Currently REUNION is averaging 181.
- They are working with seven people concerning baptism and expect these in May.
- They partner with Sojourn Collegiate Ministry to better reach the 35% of their attendance that are college and graduate students.
- They have 12 community groups in place with just over half of its attendance involved in a group.
- There are about 45 people who are serving generously inside and outside the church to make their gatherings and service in the community happen.
How you can pray for REUNION:
- Thank God for REUNION's attendance for worship, community groups, and people who are leading and serving.
- Pray for those who are in the process learning about faith and baptism.
- Pray for the leaders and their families of this young church.
- Pray for the spread of Gospel among young people in the greater Boston area.
- Pray for God to send more church planters to New England.
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