Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Tate.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been a minister in Livingston co since 2006. I’ve grown to love this community and specifically have grown to cherish my neighbors here in Howell. In light of this I felt called to plant a church in Howell in 2022. We as a church seek to create a community where Love leads.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t know that anyone gets a completely smooth road. I heard someone recently say “problems are a feature, and not a bug in the system” When we feel the road get bumpy and face problems & trials, all that means is that there is something that needs our attention. So the road hasn’t been completely smooth but the progress has been consistent and effective. Some of the struggles we have faced are finding space to hold a worship service and events since we don’t have a church building, as well as growing in our culture & vision as a staff & congregation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I studied at Cincinnati Christian University where I earned my bachelor degree in Biblical Studies. From there I served 4 years in southern Indiana at a local church. In 2006, I started a 16 year tenure at a fast growing multisite church in southeast Michigan. I was on staff & in executive leadership as we grew from 600 people in a middle school cafeteria to a congregation of 10,000 spread out over 7 campuses.
Now I feel like I’m taking the fruit of my education, and combining it with the wisdom of my years of ministerial work to culminate in the expression of Agapé City Church. This congregation is my thesis of what I believe the church was always meant to be and what it looks like to be a new church which honors the practices of the first church we see in the book of Acts.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Probably the most important lesson I’ve learned over the years is to “keep your dreams big, but your steps small”. Everything is allowed to start somewhere and it’s potential not perfection which matters. Great works start in small rooms, so stay diligent, humble, & unwavering in the journey. And to quote the late & great Bo Schembechler “Those who stay will be champions.”
Contact Info:
- Website: agapecity.church
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/brad_agapecity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad242
- Twitter: https://x.com/brad242
