I first sat down with Pastor Sammy Gomes of Fray Church and was struck by his sincerity. He wasn’t just talking about tactics; he was sharing the story of how God called a teenager from Georgia to plant a church in a college town and how that calling still shapes every decision he makes. We recorded our conversation for the ChurchCandy podcast, but there was so much wisdom I wanted to share with pastors who are hungry to reach people and grow healthy churches.
In this article I’m going to recount Sammy’s journey in his words and add some of my own reflections from our chat. Whether you’re a youth pastor with a dream to plant, or you’re already leading a congregation and need fresh inspiration, his story will stir you to take action.
From calling to launch: a fifteen‑year‑old’s obedience
Pastor Sammy told me that he first sensed a call to ministry at 15 years old. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, he started serving and learning wherever he could. Over the years that call narrowed from “serve the church” to “plant a church.” In 2021, after years of serving students and young adults, he and his wife felt the Lord directing them to plant in Athens, Georgia.
“We didn’t pick Athens because it was easy,” Sammy told me. “We picked it because God gave us a heart for college students and families in this town.” Their launch team was small, but the mission was clear: create a church where people could encounter Jesus and find community.
Building a church in a college town
Starting a church in a city filled with university students meant dealing with constant transition. Sammy shared how they had to learn to disciple people who might only be in town for a few years. “Pastoring in a college town is unique,” he said. “You have to be okay with sending people out after you’ve poured into them.”
He also spoke candidly about the challenges of gathering people when you don’t have a permanent building. They met in borrowed spaces and focused on relationships over facilities. The result? A core community that stuck together because they were invested in the mission, not the building.
Harnessing the power of social media
One of the most practical lessons from our conversation was Sammy’s use of social media. He didn’t see platforms like Instagram and Facebook as optional add‑ons; he saw them as mission fields. “Social media is how we stay in front of people between Sundays,” he explained. For a new church, consistent social media outreach allowed them to share stories, invite people to gatherings, and remind their community that church isn’t just a once‑a‑week event.
Here are a few social media tips Sammy shared that any pastor can implement:
- Be authentic. Post real stories of what God is doing in your church rather than polished marketing slogans.
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- Invite engagement. Ask questions, encourage comments, and respond quickly so people feel seen.
If you’d like to see how other pastors are using digital outreach, check out my conversations with Pastor Joe Angelo of Vivid Church and Pastor Brandon Holmes.
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