Intermountain Church Planters

At a Glance - 2024 Highlights

2 New Churches

• Hill City West - Launch September 8th - Launch Attendance 226, Average attendance 110

• Rooted Bible Church - Launch - October 20th - Launch Attendance 164, Average attendance 150

56 Baptisms in 2024 from our last 5 church plants

• Cultivate Community Church (September 2022) Salt City Underground (February 2023), Valley Real Life Riverside (September 2023), Hill City West (September 2024), Rooted Bible Church October 2024

People are the Prize

• Over 20,000 bookmarks are out

• Churches are experiencing more baptisms than ever before

300 In Attendance - 51 Baptisms

Kelly Armstrong has been a fantastic leader, and Valley Real Life Riverside has experienced remarkable growth and fruit in a short time. Since launching just over a year ago, the Riverside campus has baptized 51 people and engaged approximately 150 individuals in ministry teams. The church has averaged around 250 in weekly attendance, with an exceptional Sunday where they reached 300 attendees outside of any special occasion. Over the past year, Riverside has connected with over 1,600 individuals through services and outreach events, showcasing their strong community impact.

New Model of Planting

The model of church Kelly and Dan Shields are pioneering is unique. While many churches start campuses, these often lack depth in leadership development. Riverside is intentionally focused on becoming an independent church, aiming to foster operational and ministry independence from Valley Real Life Barker. This includes elder development and creating sustainable systems for discipleship and group ministry. As Kelly puts it, "If we had to cut the cord today, we would be fine," reflecting their readiness for autonomy.

Passing Along Their Experience

In addition to leading Riverside, Kelly is coaching Nick Duffel at Hill City West, helping another church planter navigate the challenges of launching a new church. This collaborative approach highlights the ICPA’s vision of equipping and connecting leaders across the region to multiply disciples and churches.

170 in Attendance

Rooted Bible Church in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, is experiencing a remarkable move of God. Led by Isaac Tolpin, the church has already expanded its meeting space to accommodate the growing congregation. On their largest Sunday, they welcomed 170 attendees, representing 17% of the town's 1,000 residents.

Team approach

This growth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local leaders dedicated to community transformation. Kelly Shattuck, through Youth Dynamics, has been instrumental in reaching the youth, fostering a new generation of believers. Looking ahead, Dustin Weiss is set to join a church planting residency in 2025, further strengthening the leadership team.

Community Impact

The unity among these leaders and the congregation reflects a collective desire to see God move powerfully in their midst. Their commitment to biblical teaching, community engagement, and discipleship is creating a ripple effect, drawing more individuals to experience the love and truth of the gospel.

Generational Disciple-Making

Salt City Underground has reached an incredible milestone in generational disciple-making. As of October 2024, a 5th generation Discovery Bible Study (DBS) has been established, following the biblical standard of 2 Timothy 2:2, which calling for generational discipleship. Generational disciple-making is at the heart of movement, and this milestone demonstrates the power of obedience, multiplication, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Multiplication of faith and faith communities

Salt City has been blessed with 27 active DBS groups, 22 within the state and 5 beyond, as well as 16 baptisms this year, bringing their total to 29. They continue to innovate by organizing medium-sized regional gatherings to foster a stronger sense of community within their larger network. With their emphasis on prayer, discipleship, and sending, Salt City is living out its vision to see Jesus bring life to every community.

Staff and Board

• Executive Admin - Jenny Arellano (January 2024) - 5 hours per week overseeing communications.

• Operations Director - Crystal Combs (December 2024) - 10 hours per week overseeing new projects and operations.

• Dan Shields and Steve Allen - Valley Real Life have joined the Board and share a seat.

Launching the Church Planting Residency (March 2025)

In March, we will officially begin the ICPA Residency Program, an initiative to equip the next generation of church planters with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to plant healthy, reproducing churches. Through hands-on training, one-on-one coaching, and collaboration with experienced leaders, this program will lay a foundation for future church plants across the Intermountain West.

Developing the School of Ministry and Mission

In May, our Action Team will meet for a strategic planning session to design a School of Ministry and Mission. This initiative will focus on developing leaders who can serve in local churches, plant new churches, and foster discipleship movements. Our goal is to create a dynamic training environment where leaders are equipped for practical ministry and long-term mission.

Continued Work in Herriman, UT, and Lewiston, ID

We’re excited to support new church plants in Herriman, UT, and Lewiston, ID.

• Herriman: We are working with a seasoned couple right now who will be sent to assessment in early 2025 for a new church in Herriman, UT

• Lewiston: We’re continuing to lay the groundwork for a new church plant in this key area, focusing on raising up leaders and partnerships to establish a gospel presence in the community.

Building Momentum in Prayer and Partnerships

2025 will also include a renewed focus on prayer initiatives and partnerships as we seek to deepen our collaboration with churches and individuals who share our vision. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or joining prayer teams, there are countless ways to get involved in what God is doing across the Intermountain West.

Join Us in 2025

As we step into this new season, we invite you to partner with us in prayer, support, and action. The opportunities before us are abundant, and together, we can see even more churches planted, leaders raised, and lives transformed for Christ.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let’s move forward into 2025 with faith, boldness, and a shared commitment to God’s mission!