We desire to be an idol-shattering church, that permeates the gospel within society and culture, so that people live out their identity in Christ.

This week, I want you to meet the Houston Church Planting Network Residents. Today, Joseph Ingram tells us a little bit about himself and what he envisions his church plant to be like in Houston. I have come to appreciate tis dear brother. His counsel, advice, and prayers have been uplifting and encouraging to me in the past 5 months. Always dressing sharp, he might as well be the best dressed resident out of our group! 🙂 Meet Joseph.

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself…

“My name is Joseph Ingram. I was born and raised in Steubenville, OH, a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA along the Ohio River. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University, and subsequently worked 7 years for J.P. Morgan as an executive before turning pursuits to God’s calling as a pastor. Since then, I have obtained a Master of Theology Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, and I recently married my life partner, companion, and love, Loren.”

2. What is your family’s favorite local restaurant? 

“We enjoy many. Right now, we would probably say Common Bond Bakery.”

3. What books are you currently reading?

• “Church Unique by Will Mancini,
• Church Planter by Darren Patrick, and
• The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak, Dave Runyon and Randy Frazee.”

4. Who is your favorite dead and alive theologian?

“Augustine – I enjoy his intimacy with God and his pioneering thoughts on personal depravity.”

5. What do you do in your time of rest?

“I enjoy working out, socializing with good friends, and dancing with my wife.”

6. Where would be your family’s dream vacation destination?

“A historic city in a country like Italy with artistic history, beautiful landscapes, great food, and romance.”

7. Tell me a little bit about your ministry experience…

“Just recently, while pursuing my seminary degree, I launched and led a worship service in a housing complex located in Dallas, TX. Also, I have been an Associate Pastor at two churches and a home director for a Dallas inner city ministry that provides housing, assistance, and discipleship for those who are marginalized.”

8. Where in Houston do you desire to plant a church?

“Upper Kirby – We are seeking to establish a center city model that sits in the midst of some of the historic residential neighborhoods of Houston, including West University, River Oaks, Montrose, and the Medical District. Additionally, it contains some of Houston’s major economic centers, retail shops and restaurants.”

9. Why Houston?

“I believe metropolitan cities are one of greatest tools in this modern time to facilitate the missional mandate to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. Sheer size and spiritual decay expresses the first need. Additionally, as an world urban center, Houston brings together people from across the globe for business, health care, education, and entertainment. Thus, if we share the gospel in Houston’s diverse urban center, people will take the gospel back to their places of influence, homelands, and even throughout the world.”

10. What is your vision for your particular church plant?

“The Houston urban center is known for its wealth, shopping, food, and entertainment. So much so, that the prime importance of God isn’t a focus. We desire to be an idol-shattering church, that permeates the gospel within society and culture, so that people live out their identity in Christ.”

11. How can we pray for you?

“Please pray that we begin to make relationships in Upper Kirby for friendship, the partnering of the gospel, as well as engaging identity driven people with discipleship.”

Folks, contact Joseph through any of the ways below with your prayers, encouragement, and any information you’d like to know about his church plant…

Email: j.ingram@gatheredchurch.org
Facebook Page
Twitter: @jhenryingram

More Blog Posts on this Series:

• Introduction to The HCPN Residents Church Planters