In this episode, Lead Pastors Drew and Melissa East share the powerful and unexpected story behind the birth of Rise Up Culture Church.For the past ten years, we have been incredibly blessed to call illuminate church our home. It has been a place of growth, discipleship, and deep preparation in our lives, and we are so grateful for the leadership, community, and support we experienced there.In November 2025, we were prayerfully blessed and released to begin The Rise Up Culture, which initially started as a parachurch ministry and nonprofit dedicated to helping people rise in their identity, healing, freedom, and calling in Jesus.After a few months of stepping out in obedience, we began to sense the Lord revealing something deeper. God was actually birthing a church. We remain deeply grateful for illuminate church and the many years of investment, encouragement, and preparation they poured into us. Those years helped shape and prepare us for this new season as Rise Up Culture Church, and we honor the role they played in our journey.Pastors Drew and Melissa share the story of how God began birthing Rise Up Culture Church through prayer, obedience, and a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit. This conversation shares the real journey behind the decision. The fears, the wrestling, the spiritual battles, and the deep conviction that God was calling them to move forward now.Rise Up Culture Church was not built from a strategic plan. It was born from obedience in March 2026.In this episode we talk about:• How God unexpectedly called us to start a church• Why fear almost held us back• What we have experienced in church ministry over the past 20 years• Why Rise Up Culture Church will look different than many traditional churches• The vision to become an Antioch style church that sends, activates, and equips people• The heart behind the Rise Up Activation Highway (RUAH) as our discipleship track• Why prayer is the foundation of everything we are building• Our hope to help people rise up in their identity, healing, and calling in JesusOur prayer is that Rise Up Culture Church would be a place where people encounter the presence of God, experience healing and freedom, and step boldly into the calling the Lord has placed on their lives.We believe the Church was always meant to be a people awakened by the Spirit, walking closely with Jesus, and helping others rise into the life He created them for.If you have ever felt God stirring something new in your life but were afraid to say yes, we pray this episode encourages you to trust Him and take the next step.Connect With Ushttps://www.riseupculture.churchdrew@theriseupculture.commelissa@theriseupculture.comFollow usFacebook + Instagram: @theriseupcultureAbout The Rise Up CultureThe Rise Up Culture exists to help people rise up in their identity, healing, and calling through Jesus Christ. Through discipleship, leadership development, and Spirit-led community, our mission is to see individuals, families, and leaders transformed and activated for the Kingdom. Our discipleship track is called the Rise Up Activation Highway (RUAH), inspired by the biblical word Ruach, meaning breath, wind, and Spirit of God.Chapters00:00 The beginning of the story03:10 When God started stirring something new08:40 The fear and hesitation we had about starting a church15:20 Why Rise Up Culture Church will look different22:10 The vision for an Antioch style church28:00 RUAH and the discipleship pathway35:00 What we believe God is building👍 If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the channel and share it with someone who needs hope and courage to follow Jesus.
Mar 16 202630 mins