Breakthrough + City Lights
The Story God Is Writing:
When churches merge, people sometimes assume something is ending. But what I believe God is doing here isn't ending a story—He's continuing one.
Many of you know that Pastor Mike Nelson has been much more than a pastor to me. He has been a spiritual father in my life. Years ago, when I was broken, searching, and in need of God, this church—Breakthrough Church—was the place where God met me.
- This is where I was saved.
- This is where I was delivered.
- This is where God brought breakthrough into my life.
Many years later, God called me to plant City Lights Church here in Spartanburg. And our heart has always come from the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." City Lights has always been about bringing the light of Christ into our city!
The Prophetic Story:
But recently, as we have prayed about this merger, God reminded me of something in Scripture that I'd never connected before: Perez and Zerah.
In the story of Judah and Tamar, they had twin sons named Perez and Zerah. The names are fascinating. Perez means "breakthrough." Zerah means "rising of light," "sunrise," or "the dawning of light." Two brothers. One named Breakthrough. The other named Rising Light.
When I saw that, it stopped me in my tracks! Because in many ways, that is the story of these two churches. Breakthrough Church represents the place where God broke things open for many people—including me! City Lights represents the call to shine the light of Jesus Christ into our city. And just like Perez and Zerah...these ministries are kin!
- They are not competitors.
- They are not strangers.
- They are family.
But here's the thing . . . another part of the story struck me deeply. When you trace the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus (recorded in Matthew 1), the line does not continue through Zerah. It continues through Perez—Breakthrough!
When I saw that, I felt the Lord speak something to my heart: "Breakthrough is not just the past of this house—it's the prophetic future of it."
Why the Name Matters:
Pastor Mike told me something incredibly humble and beautiful. He said, "Ben, the name doesn't matter to me. I just want the church to be healthy. I just want it to thrive." Those are words spoken from the heart of a true shepherd—a man who genuinely wants what's best for the flock. But for me, keeping the name Breakthrough isn't just a matter of preference—It's a matter of honor and inheritance!
- It honors the ground that has already been plowed.
- It honors the prayers that have already been prayed.
- It honors the lives that have already been changed.
And it declares that the breakthrough is not over!!!
What This Means for the Future:
This merger isn't about one church disappearing into another. It's about two brothers becoming one family again. The breakthrough and the light are not competing—they belong together! Breakthrough brings the testimony . . . City Lights brings a fresh vision . . . and together we will be a church where:
- Breakthrough happens!
- Light shines in the darkness!
- And people encounter Jesus!
Breakthrough was my beginning. City Lights was my assignment. But now God is bringing the breakthrough and the light together for the sake of this city:
Breakthrough opens the door . . . and the light shows people the way in!!!
Breakthrough Church
City Lights Church will officially take the name of Breakthrough Church moving forward. So get ready! Prepare yourselves! We serve the Lord of the Breakthrough, and He has incredible things in store for our church family!