NEWS PROVIDED BY
Send Network
Sept. 8, 2023
 
ALPHARETTA, Ga., Sept. 8, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- In 2021, Richard Pope was a 23-year-old pastor and newlywed, just one month away from the launch of his first church plant, when he received the news he was dying. Given a terminal cancer diagnosis of 3 – 5 years by his doctors, Pope decided to move forward and give life to his new church plant, even as he stared down death. Two years later, more than 125 people attend Canvas Church in Salisbury, Maryland, but it hasn't been easy. Aside from his three bouts with cancer and the onset of COVID, Pope has overcome abuse, depression and other challenges, all the more resolved to share the good news of Jesus—news that lasts beyond our lifetime and brings hope for all.

Richard shares his story in a new podcast launching on Sept. 14 called Terminal: The Dying Church Planter, an eight-part series that explores what it's like to breathe life into something with eternal impact. Before he goes, there are a few things that Richard would like listeners to know, because as it turns out, you can learn a lot of things about living after a doctor tells you you're dying.

"We're all terminal. The only difference between you and me and Richard Pope is that Richard knows how long he probably has," said podcast producer and host Tony Hudson. "It's our hope that his story encourages church planters—and any Christian who is mission-minded—that all things are possible, even when they seem impossible."

In Terminal: The Dying Church Planter, Richard Pope discusses his upbringing as a child of poverty in a broken home, including tragic situations and abuse, to his conversion to faith and Christianity and desire to build a church with the help of other churches through Send Network, in the midst of continual health battles and a global pandemic. With candor, humility and even humor, Richard recounts his story in a captivating and hopeful way, demonstrating an understanding of mercy and grace that will both convict and encourage the listener.

The podcast is available at www.TerminalChurchPlanter.com and all major streaming services.

About Richard Pope
Richard Pope is the pastor of teaching and culture at Canvas Church in Salisbury, Maryland, a church he and others planted in 2021 with resources, funding and connection to other churches through Send Network. After his cancer diagnosis, Richard walked 100 miles to raise awareness for suicide prevention, and to share the gospel. He is a 2020 Jefferson Awards Winner, honoring his commitment to public service. He and his wife, Payton, live in Salisbury.

About Send Network
Send Network is the church planting arm of the North American Mission Board and the largest church planting network in North America. This family of churches planting churches everywhere for everyone is fueled by the cooperative work and generous Annie Armstrong Easter Offering giving of more than 47,000 Southern Baptist churches.

SOURCE Send Network

CONTACT: Anna Hutsell, 770-713-0923