When I sat down with Pastor Derrick Hawkins for the ChurchCandy podcast, I knew we weren’t just recording another episode. We were documenting a miracle. Derrick planted Promise City Church in Salisbury, North Carolina and saw 950 people show up on their very first Sunday. That kind of turnout doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of prayer, perseverance, and a willingness to do ministry differently.
Meeting Derrick and Catching the Vision
Derrick’s journey into church planting wasn’t straightforward. He’d been serving in ministry, but felt a stirring to do something new. Through prayer and counsel he sensed God leading him to Salisbury, yet there were countless questions about how to start from scratch. In our conversation he told me how vital it was to discern God’s will even when the next step wasn’t obvious. Many pastors rush ahead or give up when they face delays; Derrick learned to stay patient and trust God’s timing.
Challenges, Setbacks and Divine Guidance
Like most church planters, Derrick faced early setbacks. There were logistical hurdles, financial limitations and moments where the dream seemed out of reach. Instead of quitting, he kept asking, “Lord, what do you want to do here?” That prayerful posture allowed him to see obstacles as opportunities for divine guidance. He and his team aligned with the Association of Related Churches (ARC) and hosted interest parties to share the vision and invite people to join. Those gatherings built momentum and allowed potential team members to experience the heart behind Promise City.
Building the Launch Team and Casting Vision
Derrick told me that building a launch team wasn’t just about gathering bodies—it was about gathering believers who were unified around a mission. He personally met with people, listened to their stories and helped them see where their gifts fit. Vision casting happened over coffee tables and in living rooms. The team wasn’t built overnight; it was built through relationships and community engagement.
Strategic Ads and Personal Connections
As the core team grew, Derrick leaned on strategic advertising to reach the broader community. By partnering with ChurchCandy, he ran Facebook and Instagram ads that invited people to learn more about the new church. Yet ads alone weren’t enough. Derrick and his team prioritized personal follow‑up—calling, texting and meeting people for coffee to hear their stories. That combination of digital outreach and personal connection had an enormous impact. During our conversation he noted that many of their first members came because of these ads, but they stayed because someone took the time to know their name.
A Leap of Faith: Launch Sunday Miracles
Despite careful planning, God still surprised everyone. In the weeks leading up to launch day, Promise City didn’t even have a permanent venue. Doors would close, plans would change and then—at the last minute—new options would appear. Derrick calls these moments divine appointments. When they finally secured a building and opened the doors on launch Sunday, nearly 950 people walked in. It was a leap of faith that paid off in miraculous fashion. People encountered Jesus, relationships were formed and a new church was born.
Lessons from the First Year
The story didn’t end after that first Sunday. Promise City quickly had to adapt—adding more chairs, creating systems and eventually preparing for multiple services. Derrick learned that growth brings its own challenges. They needed to develop leaders, strengthen follow‑up processes and stay faithful to the mission as excitement waned and real discipleship work began. One of his biggest takeaways was that personal connection can’t be replaced by programs. Even as the church grew, he continued to make space for coffee meetings and one‑on‑one conversations.
Encouragement for Church Planters
When I asked Derrick what he’d say to pastors who feel called to plant but are hesitant, he didn’t skip a beat. “Take the leap,” he said, “but don’t do it alone.” Find mentors, build a team, and invest in relationships. Lean into digital marketing and follow up personally. Most of all, trust that God cares more about the people in your city than you do. If He has called you, He will provide.
Final Thought
Promise City Church’s story is proof that a combination of prayer, strategic ads and genuine relationships can spark explosive growth. If you’re a pastor wondering how to reach people who feel forgotten, start by meeting them face‑to‑face, hearing their stories and inviting them into community. And if you want help implementing a proven system to fill your church with new guests, let’s talk. Schedule a discovery call with our team and learn how ChurchCandy can help you launch big and grow for the long haul.
About The Author
I’m Brady Sticker, founder of ChurchCandy. My team and I help churches use digital marketing to connect with people who might never set foot in a church otherwise. We’ve seen it work across the country—whether it’s “Coffee With a Pastor” campaigns or record‑breaking launch services—and we’d love to help your church, too.
About The Author
