My wife, Anna, and I both had life-changing experiences with God at a young age in the church. We remember the good news being presented and deciding to follow Jesus. We felt the love of a Heavenly Father who gave his Son for us. He was so gracious to forgive us, renew us and give us the assurance of eternal life with Him. In that moment, and in moments since then, we've felt the abiding presence of God.

Like many other Christians, we've been telling family, friends, and even strangers about Jesus ever since. Honestly, our marriage and family wouldn't work without Him. He's the center of everything we are!

Along this journey of faith, of over 20 years, God's been faithful to send other Christian leaders our way to let us know He's called me to be a pastor and church planter.

Like every other leader, there's been an exciting and challenging season of preparation. Since 1999, I've served on the pastoral team of Destiny Church in San Antonio, Texas. Pastor Dave Bell gave me my first opportunity in ministry. It's been a joy to serve as a worship leader, youth pastor, children's pastor, executive pastor, and on the elder team.

In 2002, I received a prophetic word that confirmed a desire that God had placed in my heart nearly 10 years before. It was that God had called me to pastor a congregation and that I wouldn't be an orphan from the Destiny family. Like other prophetic words, I tucked it away for God to bring it to pass in his timing.

In December of 2011, God began to unfold this new church vision to me. It was right after my grandfather, whom I'm named after, passed away. I got the whole picture within a few days. Our name, LifeShare Church. Our mission, Connecting people to a loving Heavenly Father in everyday life. Our key verse, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly"  John 10:10. Our values. There was a stirring in my spirit!

I shared the vision with Pastor Dave and he expressed agreement and a belief that it was God's will. Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly a few months later due to heart complications. This was extremely difficult for his family and the congregation, but we all pulled together to strengthen one another.

Now that Destiny Church is strong again and being well led by Dave's eldest son, Matthew, I feel the leading of the Spirit to launch out and start LifeShare Church on March 5, 2017. Pastor Matt Bell and the Destiny Elders have sent me and my family with their blessing, along with a launch team. It's an honor to be sister ministries and to reach another community in San Antonio for the glory of God. - Pastor Ted Thevaos