Ordinary Disciples: A Conversation with Pastor Raph Peters of Southside Fellowship

In the heart of Houston’s Third Ward, a movement is taking shape. It’s a movement of faith, community, and discipleship—one where ordinary people are stepping into an extraordinary mission. At the forefront of this movement is Pastor Raph Peters and Southside Fellowship.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Pastor Raph to talk about the journey of church planting in an urban context, the challenges and victories they’ve experienced, and his vision for the future of gospel work in Houston.

Celebrating Growth and Changed Lives

Southside Fellowship is celebrating something powerful: people from the neighborhood are coming in, finding community, and encountering Christ.

"Some people will belong before they believe," Pastor Raph shared, emphasizing how many in their community have been longing for authentic relationships and a spiritual home.

For years, church planting in the area was challenging. The original launch of the church didn’t quite reflect the culture and heartbeat of the neighborhood. But after rebranding to Southside Fellowship, things changed. The church became more accessible, more relatable, and people began showing up—not because of invitations, but because they saw something happening.

"We’ve had people walk into the YMCA where we meet, get connected, and say, ‘This feels like home,’” he said. “It’s been refreshing to see God bring people in.”

And now, the church is preparing to baptize three new believers—people who had little or no church background but are now stepping forward in faith.

"That’s been a huge celebration. Seeing God build His church, bringing people to faith, and watching them take steps of obedience—it’s incredible."

The Rhythms of a Planting Pastor

Church planting isn’t just about Sunday services. It’s about living on mission every single day. As a husband, father, pastor, and community leader, Pastor Raph balances many roles.

So, what does a typical week look like?

1. Starting the Day with Prayer & Devotion – “Nothing happens before time with the Lord. Before my wife and kids wake up, I spend at least an hour in prayer and the Word.”

2. Sermon Preparation – The first part of the week is focused on studying scripture and preparing solid, theologically sound messages for the church.

3. Being Present in the Neighborhood – Whether it’s at McGregor Park, the YMCA, or simply walking the streets, Pastor Raph makes time to connect with people outside the church walls.

4. Meeting with Church Members & Leaders – He has blocks of time dedicated to discipleship, counseling, and leadership development.

5. Family & Personal Time – Evenings are reserved for family, with a few nights open for pastoral meetings.

6. Remaining Flexible – “Some weeks, not everything gets done, and that’s okay. The church keeps moving, and God keeps working.”

The Vision: Multiplication & Movement

Houston is home to millions—many of whom are unreached and disconnected from the gospel. Southside Fellowship’s vision is bigger than just one church; they want to see a movement spread across the city.

"We exist to see fellowship restored between God, man, and neighbor. What’s happening in the Southside, we want to see saturate the city."

Rather than focusing on rapid expansion, their goal is deep, intentional discipleship—developing ordinary believers who carry the gospel into hard places.

"Some say you can’t plant a church in the Southside. We want to change that narrative. We want to be a blueprint for how God can work in so-called ‘gospel deserts’ and show that the gospel not only survives—it thrives."

Final Thoughts: The Ordinary Disciple’s Call

As we wrapped up our conversation, Pastor Raph left me with a powerful reminder:

"The gospel moves through ordinary people. You don’t have to be a pastor to be a disciple. God wants to use you—right where you are—to restore relationships, build community, and advance the kingdom."

It’s easy to feel like urban ministry is too hard, church planting is too big, or discipleship is too complicated. But God works through the simple, the small, and the faithful.

Southside Fellowship is proof that in the places many overlook, God is doing something extraordinary.

Connect & Support Southside Fellowship

If you’re in Houston and looking for a gospel-centered, mission-driven community, Southside Fellowship would love to welcome you.

• Worship with Us – Sundays at 10 AM at the Houston YMCA (5202 Griggs Road).

• Visit Online – SouthsideFellowship.church for service times, giving options, and more.

• Follow on Social Media – Stay connected with Southside Fellowship online.

Bryant Lee is pastor of Higher Expectations Church and a church consultant for UBA. Bryant has a particular passion for mentoring bi-vocational church planters and pastors reaching urban areas.

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