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Freddy Wyatt
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New York City gives Wyatt and family global perspective Lead Pastor, The Gallery Church, New York City Twitter handle: @FreddyT Web site/blog: gallerychurch.com, thecityresource.com Hometown: Clarksville, Tenn. Degree: M.Div. from the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism
In 2008, Freddy Wyatt, a SBTS M.Div. graduate, became lead pastor of The Gallery Church in New York City. That fall, Wyatt moved his wife, Susan, and toddler, Jack, into their small Manhattan apartment – one month later, the Wyatts welcomed twins, Elliot and Lillie. Ministering to New York’s more than 22 million people and 800 language groups stretched the Wyatts’ faith like never before. Three years later, God continues to provide for every need of the Wyatt family, and their love for New York City and New Yorkers has grown.
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My first visit to New York City was in April 2004 to propose to my wife,
fore. I felt naked and completely stripped of everything other than the Lord.
who was working with a North American Mission Board (NAMB) church plant in New Brunswick, N.J. The impact the city had on me was immediate, progressive and continues today. I was immediately overwhelmed and yet energized by the city’s size.
It seems to be a pretty historic time in New York City with how the evangelical church is on the advance. Forty percent of the evangelical
The 13 weeks I spent living with my wife in New Brunswick, N.J., in 2004 laid the groundwork for our calling to New York City. Susan was in a year-long program with NAMB and I worked as a Nehemiah church planting intern. In addition to my internship and a side job at Starbucks, I’d take the train into Manhattan a couple of days a week to work with NAMB’s “New Hope New York” team. It was during this short 13-week stint that I became convinced that New York City was one of the most strategic places on the planet for God’s global purposes. The move to New York City required us to sell most of our material possessions and raise support for a family of five to live in Manhattan. The months that entailed stretched our faith like never be-
SOUTHERN SEMINARY | WINTER 2012
churches that exist in city-center Manhattan have been planted since Sept. 11, 2001. When I really take time to think about all God is doing here, it is quite exhilarating.
We love how globally minded the city is and how it shapes our kids. They interact with friends from all over the world. Our kids will all probably be more cultured at age six than we were at 18. There are many unique things for kids to do in New York City. Living in small spaces causes you to be very close as a family.
It’s crazy … you can get almost any kind of food delivered to your door almost any time of day. We love trying new places. Bluebell Cafe is my current favorite, best tomato bisque I’ve ever had! NYC coffee shops are so good that they’ve almost ruined my Starbucks experience. Stumptown Coffee is two blocks up from The Gallery Church.