Thank You, Chase Abner, for 8 Years of Service
We are saddened to announce that, as of November 1, 2024, Chase Abner will step down as Lead Church Planting Catalyst in Iowa for NAMB and BCI. This change comes as part of a strategic reorganization by NAMB, which is transitioning the Iowa church planting position from full-time to part-time.
Though other states have made similar adjustments, it remains difficult news. The BCI family is deeply grateful for Chase’s exemplary work and is praying for his next steps.
Tim Lubinus, BCI Executive Director said, “Speaking for many in Iowa and beyond, I want to express my appreciation for Chase’s leadership for church planting in Iowa. He impacted many church leaders toward church planting through his personal encouragement and careful coaching. Let’s all continue to pray together for continued progress in cooperative church planting in Iowa, this is our most strategic ministry to reach new communities in Iowa.”
During Chase’s tenure, 22 new church plants were started in Iowa, with his guidance and leadership. He also assisted with over 20 collegiate church plants outside of Iowa, including some within the Salt Network but also beyond. In the last year, three new churches have launched under his support: Corridor Church in Milford, Veritas Church in Dubuque, and Iglesia Bautista Cristo es la Roca in Humboldt.
Eric Schumacher, “Chase is a humble, compassionate servant who wants to see disciples and churches multiplied throughout Iowa. He’s skillful in helping churches do that. He will be missed.”
Uniquely Qualified
Chase began his role as Church Planting Catalyst on January 1, 2017, bringing over a decade of ministry experience, uniquely preparing him for the position. His earlier work with NAMB started in 2007, when he served as a US/C2 missionary in Illinois as Collegiate Evangelism Strategist for the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA). There, he focused on starting and strengthening churches to reach nearly one million college students in the state.
Following that, he became the Director of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, where he continued his work in collegiate ministry. From 2009 to 2015, Chase served as a church planting strategist, partnering with over 200 churches in Southern Illinois as part of a jointly funded role with IBSA.
Before taking on the Church Planting Catalyst role with BCI, Chase served as Associate Director of the Salt Company at Cornerstone Church of Ames. His experience in collegiate ministry and church planting allowed him to bring a wealth of knowledge to his work with NAMB and BCI.
In addition to his work in Iowa, Chase has been a consultant for The Salt Network, walking alongside over a dozen church planters as they went through the SEND Network process. He has also contributed his experience to collegiate ministry training and strategy events across the country, helping develop the next generation of church leaders.
Strategic Influence & Significant Impact
Over the nearly eight years that Chase has served with BCI, he has been instrumental in mobilizing, assessing, training, and coaching church planters in Iowa and beyond. His impact on the church planting landscape is significant, and he will be greatly missed.
Reflecting on his time, Chase shared, “I want to express my gratitude to the BCI family for the last eight years of partnership and support. Though I am a transplant, Iowa feels like home for me because of the many people who have treated me like family. It’s been a pleasure to serve.”
As Chase transitions, Ryan Johnston will serve as interim director of Send Network Iowa. Ryan, originally from Jamaica, IA, now resides in Omaha with his family.
Chase lives in Ames and is a member of Cornerstone Church. He is a devoted father to his three children – Simon, Jonas, and Charlotte.
