Stories at The Well
WELL STORIES
Planting with Purpose: Church 127
From calling to action—trusting God to build His church.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1 (ESV)
Church planting is, at its heart, an act of trust. It’s the birth of a local expression of the Church, rooted in the belief that God moves powerfully through His people as they gather in worship, community, and mission. For Sage Rodrigo, Church 127 isn’t about launching a project—it’s about joining in what God is already building in the city of Tampa.
As Sage moves toward planting a church, the words of Psalm 127 have become the anchor for every step. The psalm’s reminder—that no effort, no strategy, no vision is fruitful unless the Lord is the one building—has shaped not only the mission, but the very name: Church 127.
Sage and his wife both met Christ in Tampa. Over time, they began to sense God calling them back—not just as former residents, but as builders of a new spiritual home. Tampa is the most unchurched city in Florida, a place with immense need and untapped potential for revival. “The Lord placed in me a deep love for people and for His Word,” he says. “Preaching and discipling were passions He stirred in me early. But over time, that passion became a call—to trust Him as the builder, and simply follow.”
That trust lies at the core of everything. Church 127 was born not out of ambition, but out of prayer. Sage’s family is planting not for their own name, but for the sake of God’s kingdom—because unless He watches over the city, all their effort is in vain.
In an age of hustle, isolation, and exhaustion, Sage hopes Church 127 will offer a different rhythm—one of rest, belonging, and holy purpose. “We want people to walk into Church 127 and feel like they’ve come home,” he shares. “I come from a big family. That shaped me. We want everyone—no matter their story—to know they are welcome, seen, and deeply loved.”
Church 127 will exist to make disciples of all nations, to teach the words and ways of Jesus, and to live out the gospel not just in word, but in deed. In a restless world, this church longs to be a place of peace and purpose—a reminder that God gives rest to His beloved.
We want everyone—no matter their story—to know they are welcome, seen, and deeply loved.
Just as children are a gift to be nurtured and raised, Sage believes leaders in the church must be formed with the same care, love, and responsibility. His vision for leadership is shaped by the example of Christ—serving rather than ruling, giving rather than grasping.
“I want to lead like Jesus led,” Sage says. “And I want to disciple others to do the same—to lay down their lives in service to others.”
Sage’s vision extends beyond one church. Over the next five years, he hopes Church 127 will send out another church plant nationally and launch an international team to the nations.
But Sage and his team know this is a work far bigger than any one family or city. It’s a story God is writing—and they’re inviting others to help shape the next chapters.
Church 127 is asking for prayers for protection against spiritual opposition, for wisdom in leadership, and for open hearts across Tampa. They are also in need of financial support to fuel the work of planting and growing a vibrant, gospel-centered community.
And they are looking for faithful individuals and families to come be part of the launch team in Tampa to help build a foundation of worship, community, and mission.
They know its no small thing to ask people to move with them across state lines to plant; but they trust deeply that when the Lord builds the house, the possibilities are endless—and that this story is just getting started.
