Faith for the Long Haul

By Sam Chand

I met Pastors Benny and Wendy Perez on September 8, 2005, as they were in the throes of launching a church in Las Vegas. I fell in love with them as people, their passionate pursuit of His kingdom and their authentic love for others. They’re a dynamic duo.

Pastor Benny can preach but can’t sing—Pastor Wendy does both exceptionally! I’ve had the awesome honor of serving them and their vision, as well as speaking with them on platforms globally. Their tenacious and courageous obedience has positioned them as a father and mother in the faith, leading and guiding established as well as emerging leaders.

Their greatest legacy and highest-yielding fruit, however, are their gorgeous and godly children. My highest regard and honor extends to them without reservations. Learn more about them and their God-story below.

Sam Chand: How did you experience God’s call to plant a church?

Benny Perez: The call to plant a church wasn’t a sudden, dramatic revelation but a journey of gradual clarity and obedience. My wife, Wendy, and I felt an undeniable stirring in our hearts—a sense that God was leading us to a new chapter, but we didn’t initially know where He wanted us to go. As we sought clarity, I began to feel a specific pull toward Las Vegas. However, I firmly believe that decisions of this magnitude must be grounded in unity and collective agreement within the family. So, I waited and prayed for Wendy to have her own encounter with the Holy Spirit to confirm what I was sensing.

This aspect of the process was pivotal. It’s a side note but an essential one: your whole family needs a word from God when making a significant decision. Hearing from God individually creates unity and fosters shared confidence in what lies ahead.

When Wendy and I were both aligned, we wasted no time. We found a babysitter for our son and immediately flew to Las Vegas. At the time, the city was experiencing a housing boom, and builders had wait lists for homes. Despite this, we knew exactly what we wanted: a loft, a cul-de-sac location and a view of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. With faith, we visited a subdivision we loved, only to be told by the sales agent that there were no houses available. Still, we asked to walk through the model homes.

What happened next was nothing short of divine confirmation. By the time we returned to the sales office, the agent greeted us with unexpected news: “You won’t believe this—we just had a house fall through. What are you looking for?” Astonishingly, the available house was precisely what we had prayed for—a loft, on a cul-de-sac, with a view of the Strip.

That house wasn’t just a home; it became a constant reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness. In the early years of ChurchLV, when challenges arose, that home stood as a tangible symbol of His provision and a testament that He had called us to this city for His purpose.

SC: Tell us a highlight (and a “lowlight”) of the first few years.

BP: The early years of ChurchLV were a mixture of highs and lows, often deeply intertwined. Looking back, my highlight and lowlight revolve around the same event—the Great Recession.

During the financial crisis, our church building became financially “upside down.” The property’s value plummeted, leaving us with a significant gap between what we owed and what the building was worth. This led to a series of legal battles, depositions and immense financial strain, culminating in the need to file for bankruptcy protection. It was one of the most challenging seasons of our lives.

But even in the darkest moments, God’s faithfulness shone through. With foreclosure looming, Wendy and I witnessed one of the greatest miracles of our lives. A Canadian business couple stepped in at the eleventh hour, providing the means to settle our debt with the bank. This intervention happened within a 24-hour window, just as we were about to lose the building.

This moment taught me that God is never late—He is always right on time. The miracle not only preserved our church but also strengthened our faith, proving that God’s hand remains on His work, even when circumstances seem impossible.

SC: What do you wish you had known then that you know now? What would you do differently, and what would you do the same?

BP: Reflecting on 22 years of ministry, I’ve learned several invaluable lessons. If I could go back, one thing I wish I had known is that not everyone is meant to journey with you for a lifetime. In ministry, relationships often come and go. Some people will play a pivotal role in building your church or ministry for a season and then move on to their next assignment from God.

Early in my ministry, I found this difficult to accept. I often viewed departures as losses or failures. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace these transitions with open hands, celebrating the impact those individuals made during their season with us and blessing them as they move forward in their spiritual journey. This mindset shift has brought immense peace and allowed me to focus on the long-term health and vision of the church.

What I wouldn’t change is prioritizing my family. Ministry can be all-consuming, but I’ve been blessed with mentors like you, who reminded me to keep my family as my first ministry. I intentionally made decisions to ensure that my wife and children felt valued and included in the journey. That focus has paid dividends—I now have the privilege of serving alongside my adult children at ChurchLV, one of the greatest blessings of my life.

SC: How did church planting affect your family—marriage, children, extended family?

BP: Church planting is a family endeavor, and from the very beginning Wendy and I knew we couldn’t do this without our children’s buy-in. We shared the vision with them and invited them to believe with us that God was calling not just Wendy and me but our entire family to be vital to the success of ChurchLV.

This sense of ownership shaped our family dynamic. Our children weren’t just along for the ride—they were active participants in the mission. They served, prayed and grew alongside us as the church grew. This collective investment deepened our bonds and gave our children a front-row seat to witnessing God’s faithfulness.

Today, I’m incredibly grateful that my adult children are still involved in the ministry. Watching them serve, lead and flourish within ChurchLV is a testament to the intentionality we placed on prioritizing family while pursuing God’s call.

SC: What would be your top three counsels for those considering planting a church?

BP: First, define “the win.” Before you start, take the time to clearly define what success looks like for you. Ask yourself, How do I define the win? and work backward to create a strategy that aligns with that vision. Over time, your definition of success may evolve. In the early days, I measured success by attendance numbers and visible growth. Today, I define success more holistically—by spiritual depth, the health of my team and the lasting impact we’re making in our community.

Second, get a therapist. Ministry is deeply rewarding but also incredibly challenging. The weight of leadership, the emotional toll of supporting others and the pressure to meet expectations can lead to burnout if not managed well. Having a professional therapist to talk to can be a game-changer. A therapist provides a safe space to process emotions, gain perspective and develop strategies for maintaining emotional and mental health.

Finally, celebrate the wins and learn from the losses. Don’t wait too long to celebrate what God is doing in your ministry. Every small victory is worth acknowledging, whether it’s a new family joining your church, a testimony of transformation or a financial breakthrough. Celebrating these moments fosters gratitude and builds momentum. On the flip side, don’t let losses define you. Every challenge or setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep moving forward, trusting that God is working through it all.

Church planting is an incredible journey, filled with both triumphs and trials. It requires faith, resilience and a willingness to adapt. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness every step of the way. He’s provided in miraculous ways, grown our family through the process and taught me lessons I’ll carry for a lifetime.

If you feel called to plant a church, know this: God will equip you, guide you and surround you with the right people. Trust Him, prioritize your family and never stop celebrating the incredible privilege of building His kingdom.