l l l l l THE STEP INITIATIVE BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER!

Transcription

1 l l l l l l l l l THE STEP l Up l INITIATIVE BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER!

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3 LETTER FROM THE PASTOR TAB Community, When I look back at the journey that has brought us to this point, I am so humbled and amazed by what God has done and is continuing to do in our community. God has allowed Julia and I to be part of such a great team and to be surrounded by All-Star leaders as we all pursue the call to Make Disciples and Release Ministers. We are now at the precipice of a massive ministry vision that God has given to The Tabernacle. Over the next several years, we are all going to see the goodness of God poured out in this community. Specifically, over the next 24 months, we will all link arms and come together with a profound sense of purpose, unity and resolve as we embark on a journey that we are calling, The Step Up Initiative. In Matthew 5, we see a thought-provoking statement: You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In this season, we refuse to let our light be little! God is calling us to Step Up and shine brightly for the Kingdom of God! We have to do this! Why? Because People Matter! We re going to Step Up and put our light on a stand so that our community can see the God that lives inside of us! I hope you ll come on this journey with me as we Step Up to the calling that God has placed on The TAB Community. Pastor Anthony Daley Senior The Tabernacle

4 Finding it s beginning in the 1950 s, The Tabernacle has grown from fourteen faithful believers in a small country church on Can t Find It Ridge - to a thriving multi-campus community that is doing ministry on nearly every continent. Although the language has changed, the vision those believers began with is still a driving force behind the ministry of The TAB. We will make disciples and release ministers. MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF MAKING DISCIPLES & RELEASING MINISTERS 2

5 JUST THE BEGINNING Why? Because People Matter. As of today, there are over 1,000 people that call The Tabernacle home and countless others that are impacted by the ministry of The TAB around the world. Hundreds of people attend weekly gatherings to Experience God in one of our worship services. Each month, more people Discover Purpose through our TAB Intro events. We have some of the best volunteers working together to Serve Others and make The TAB a radically hospitable atmosphere, and we have created a culture that showcases the importance of Building Relationships in our Connect Groups. Why? Because People Matter. People matter to God and so people matter to us. Everything we do is to fulfill the vision that God has given us as a community. We have to Make Disciples and Release Ministers! What is the Next Step? Just as we have stood on the shoulders of those original fourteen faithful saints, so now must we create a platform for future generations to stand on. We are not a church without a direction and a vision - we are a church that is looking to take the next step! More campuses will be planted and more buildings will be built. We will do ministry on the next level and make Jesus famous across this Earth. We will drill more fresh water wells, open more dental clinics, disciple more leaders, and care for widows and orphans through self-sustaining projects. How are we going to get there? We re going to Step Up! 3

6 WHAT IS STEP UP? What is The Step Up Initiative? Over the next 24 months, The Tabernacle will enter into a generosity initiative that will catapult us toward fulfilling the vision that God has given to us as a Church. We are going to laser focus on advancing in four ministry areas so that we can prepare ourselves for the long-term vision that God has for The Tabernacle. Step Up Our Opportunity We re going to create beautiful spaces for our community to experience God. Every day people who need God drive past our campuses and nothing on the outside provokes them to stop. As a result of The Step Up Initiative, you re going to see excellence in the landscaping, parking and exterior of our properties. Our outside will look so amazing that it compels people to come in. We will take our Kidz Konnection spaces to the next level. Our children s ministry will be so excellent that kids will run to mom and dad s room on Sunday morning to get them out of bed. As our community continues to grow, we will renovate and expand spaces to make sure that no one falls through the cracks. From the outside landscaping to children s ministry, we will Step Up Our Opportunity to reach lost people! Step Up Our Generosity In 2010, we as a church knew God presented an opportunity for us to build and expand our ministry so that we could reach more people for Christ. In order to have the capital to do this we were able to responsibly take out a loan. Why did we go in debt? Because People Matter! We were willing to say that changing lives, helping people Step Up, and empowering them in Christ is worth the investment! In other words, we believed that reaching people for Christ was worth incurring a responsible amount of debt. As a result we have experienced a harvest of souls, and seen the ministry grow from fourteen people to over a thousand who now call The TAB home. 3 In our last ministry expansion, we incurred debt because people matter, and now every dollar of debt that we retire will be another dollar we can put back in to ministry. In this vision we believe that God is calling us to cut our current level of debt in half. We re going to Step Up Our Generosity! 4

7 Step Up Our Impact Growing and expanding ministry also means growing and expanding our staff. In the next two years we will specifically enhance the ministry impact of The Tabernacle by adding a Director of Connections, Director of Families, Director of Worship Services, Media Team Leader and a dedicated Church Administrator. Currently, volunteer leaders are facilitating the areas of ministry represented in these proposed positions. These staff additions will greatly enhance both our current staff and volunteers. For the existing staff, it will create greater bandwidth to allow them to focus more on their specific area of ministry. For the volunteer leaders, these new staff additions will come alongside them and be another resource - creating an even greater impact in their ministry assignment. As we Step Up with staff and resourced volunteers, we will see The Tabernacle make a bigger Impact than ever before! Step Up Our Reach The Tabernacle community is Going Global. We are committed to doing missions work both at home and abroad. It s both amazing and humbling to see God open up the doors of the nations to our community. Like the man in Macedonia calling out to the Apostle Paul, so are the nations calling The Tabernacle. North America, China, India, Latin America and Africa are open to receive our community, and we must go build these self-sustaining works that empower people with opportunity. Not only do we want to expand our reach in doing more, we want to expand our reach by sending more. We want more people of The Tabernacle to go and experience the life altering impact of changing lives. The world is within reach - we must Step Up and reach out. We will see more dental clinics, more fresh water wells, more self-sustaining farming projects. We are Going Global as we Step Up Our Reach. WE HAVE TO DO THIS... BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER! 5

8 THE BREAKDOWN Facilities (150K) Debt Reduction (500K) 2017 Estimated Ministry Vision = 950, Projected Ministry Vision = 1,000,000 Staff (250K) Going Global (150K) Expanded Ministry Vision = 1,050,000 Expanded Ministry Vision Total Step Up Goal: 3,000,000 ONE FUND What we re going to do through this Step Up initiative is create a ONE FUND. This means that we re going to take the operational expenses of the church for the next two years PLUS the expanded vision in these four focus areas and combine them together into one fund. What we re asking you to consider in your commitment to this initiative is that you would do the same. Consider your giving for the next two years and then how you would want to expand your giving to see the expanded vision accomplished. It will be one fund one church all together. Just like it says in the book of Acts, where they brought all of their gifts into one place we re keeping with that same model of giving. 6

9 WHAT CAN YOU DO? How will we reach our goal? Together! It s the ONLY way! Fulfilling a vision this important and reaching a goal of at least three million dollars is significant, but we believe this is our calling. It is not beyond reason, and we are eager to see how the Holy Spirit will move us toward this goal and beyond. God is faithful in providing the resources needed to accomplish His will, and our leaders and staff are humbly expecting to see how and where God will lead us. The Step Up Initiative will require each one of us to faithfully consider our response and take action. How much am I expected to give? While we cannot all give the same amount, we can all sacrifice together. It s about equal sacrifice - not equal gifts. Your participation at any level will help propel this vision forward. Our gifts will help us impact more people, just as someone in the past helped to make a different in your life. All commitments are welcome, regardless of size, recognizing that for some a small commitment may represent a portion of their income that is equal to a much larger gift by another. We hope that everyone will be as generous as possible as we all come together to Step Up. Since you excel in so many ways you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7 7

10 WE WILL STEP UP! We are asking that you make a sacrificial commitment to generosity whatever it is that God leads you to do. Follow His leading nothing more - nothing less. Prepare your heart to hear Him, and then listen to what He says. - First and foremost, pray and seek God s leading on what He is asking of you. - Engage in personal reflection. Personally ask God how He would use you in this community with your time, talent, and treasure. - Talk with your spouse and your family about what this commitment will mean for this next exciting season of your lives. Pray that you would let God lead you. Ask how God would ask you to expand your current level of giving to this Step Up Initiative so that we can fulfill the vision that God has for us. - Fill out your Commitment Card and be prepared to submit your commitment to Step Up. - Expect to be amazed! It is an awesome God that we serve and He is going to show up in huge ways as we anticipate our collective Step Up commitments. Prepare to experience a life changing journey as we see the vision that God has for this community coming to life! Below is a sample Step Up commitment card. You will calculate what you normally give in a year x2 plus your expanded generosity for the Step Up Initiative to reach your total Step Up commitment number. The Step Up! Initiative Gift Profile Guide 3,000, Goal Gifts Gift Level Needed , , ,000 50,000 35,000 20,000 10,000 5,000 My two-year Step Up Commitment What I normally give in a year (tithes, general fund, gifts, etc) Weekly Monthly Annual Total My expanded generosity 1,442 6,250 75, ,000 for the Step Up commitment PL= 962 4,167 50, ,000 = PL 721 3,125 37, ,500 Years = Ex x ,083 Step Up Gift My Total Step Up 600,000 Commitment for , ,000 AM083 M25, , Time Special 1, and the Lord added to their number daily 3,575, those who were being saved. SA337 M17, ,000 10,000M10, ,000 A 5,000M5,000 A SA192 SA96 SA48 AM I will not sacrafice to God that which costs me nothing. 2 Samuel 24:24 5,000SA SAMPLE NAME PHONE + 8

11 GENEROSITY LADDER EXTRAVAGANT TITHING INTENTIONAL OCCASIONAL FIRST TIME I m ready to give beyond my tithe to The TAB. I m ready to give 10% of my income to The TAB. I m now ready to give a percentage of my income consistently to The TAB I m ready to now consistently give to The TAB I m ready to start giving to The TAB. Generosity has been referred to as the Sleeping Giant of disciple making. There is very little in our lives that we do, where a financial decision is not made. Do we purchase a new car or a used car; do we buy the gas-station coffee on the way to work or swing by a Starbucks for the fancy latte; the expensive designer jeans or the bluelight special? Most believers, if honest, will have to admit that they flirt on a regular basis with the god of money. Because of this reality, Jesus spoke a great deal about the use of our possessions; our attitude about our possessions; and ultimately, to whom these possessions truly belong. The Bible is clear (see the story of the rich young ruler Matt. 19:16-22) that to misunderstand our stewardship responsibilities has Kingdom consequences. We must however, always remember there is much more to generosity than just a financial transaction. In God s eyes, our growth in generosity is less about a financial transaction and more about transformation. It is truly a matter of the heart! The diagram above is a model that can help us think about this journey; and make no mistake about it, to move up the Generosity Ladder requires a transformation of the heart. But always remember, climbing the ladder does not make one a super Christian; climbing the ladder brings one to a higher understanding of God - not a higher view of self. As you look and think about this ladder, ask yourself this question - What drives you to be generous? Below is a tool (based on an example of 50,000 income) to help you think about your commitment to The Step Up Initiative. Annual Income 50,000 Intentional Tithing Extravagant Percentage of Income 3% 5% 8% 10% 12% 15% Weekly (52x a year) Bi-Weekly (26x a year) Monthly (12x a year) Quarterly (4x a year) ,000 1,250 1,500 1,875 Total Annual Giving 1,500 2,500 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,500 9

12 SMALL INCREASES MATTER What will it take for us to get to our ultimate goal of three million dollars over two years? Certainly it will take some large gifts. But it could also happen by each of us making small changes in our lifestyles to sacrifice something that has value for something that we value more - partnering with The Tabernacle in our effort to Make Disciples and Release Ministers. Here is an example of how a small change could become very large if we are all committed in this effort: Activity per week Average Cost x104 Weeks x250 Families 1 Cup of Coffee ,000 1 Fast Food Meal 20 2, ,000 for Family 1 Round of Golf or 40 4,160 1,040,000 Manicure/Pedicure Total: 1,664,000 In this season - God is stirring within us a renewed passion, unity, and resolve. We will Step Up our opportunity to reach lost people for Christ. We will Step Up our generosity to advance the Kingdom of God. We will Step Up our impact. There s too much at stake not to. We will Step Up our reach. We have to Go Global. The message of the gospel must be preached. We have to do this. The mission of this community is to Make Disciples and Release Ministers both locally and abroad. We have to passionately pursue this 24-month vision God has given The Tabernacle so that not only can more people be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also so we can strengthen our own community and continue to build lasting relationships at The TAB. This is just the beginning to the great vision that God has for our community. I will not sacrifice to God that which costs me nothing. - 2 SAMUEL 24:24 10

13 STEP UP SERIES Sermon Notes & Connect Group Conversations

14 SESSION ONE Step Up : Because People Matter You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Today, we begin a conversation that will continue over the next five weeks, launching us into a 24-month generosity initiative. This initiative is called Step Up. We are going to ask you to Step Up and partner with this vision to make Disciples and Release Ministers. We call it Commitment Sunday! This will catapult us into a 24-month initiative that will unify us into common goals. A. Together we will Step Up our opportunity to build a place people can experience God. B. We will Step Up our generosity in such a way that we will see ministry expand reducing our financial commitment, adding new resources and tools into the hands of those who serve. C. We will Step Up our impact as we empower others to walk in their calling. D. Finally, we will Step Up our reach to touch more nameless and faceless people we ve yet to look at or know. Let s Start with the why? People often ask WHY? What are we doing? Why are we doing it now? What does cost it cost? What do you want me to do? The answer in a phrase - Because People Matter! 1. What are we doing? Step Up to your Opportunity - For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. (Luke 19:10, NLT). Everything Jesus does is- Because People Matter! 2. Why are we doing it now? Step Up your Impact- We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:4 5, NLT). Jesus seized the moment- Because People Matter! 12

15 3. What does it cost? Step Up your Generosity- Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much! (Luke 19:8, NLT). Jesus gave His all- Because People Matter! 4. What do you want me to do? Step Up your Reach and be like Jesus! You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Close: Jesus reached out to everyone... Because People Matter! The Why? Because People Matter- For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16 17, NLT). 13

16 CONNECT GROUP Conversation One Step Up : Because People Matter Theme Scripture: You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). What does it look like for you to be the light of the world? What are we doing? For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. (Luke 19:10, NLT). If you had to define the opportunity our church community has in front of us - what would you say? What can you do to exhibit more boldness in sharing Christ with others? Why are we doing it now? We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:4 5, NLT). What is the calling God has on your life? What obstacle do you see that are keeping you from doing what God has called you to do now? What does it cost? Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much! (Luke 19:8, NLT). What do you have that your willing to give but you haven t? What price is too much of a sacrifice? What do you want me to do? You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). When you consider the why you do what you do - what s your answer? 14

17 REFLECTIONS 15

18 SESSION TWO Step Up Our Opportunity You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Presentation Matters- When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:22 23, NLT). 1. Men Look on Outside- But the LORD said to Samuel, Don t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT). Two Fold Principles: A. The Lord Looks at the Heart- Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Matthew 6:21, NLT). B. Men Look at the Outside- When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, Surely this is the LORD s anointed! (1 Samuel 16:6, NLT). 2. God Builds with Intention- Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. (Genesis 2:8, NLT). Two Things God directed people to Build: A. An Ark Noah- Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. (Genesis 6:14, NLT). B. A Tabernacle Moses- Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you. (Exodus 25:8 9, NLT). 16

19 Two thing God said He d build- A. A Church- Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means rock ), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Matthew 16:18, NLT). B. A City- Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. (Hebrews 11:10, NLT). 3. Building By People For People- So the people of Israel every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the LORD had given them through Moses brought their gifts and gave them freely to the LORD. (Exodus 35:29, NLT). The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God s workers. And you are God s field. You are God s building. Because of God s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. (1 Corinthians 3:8 10, NLT) 4. What We Build He Fills- Then he hung the curtains forming the courtyard around the Tabernacle and the altar. And he set up the curtain at the entrance of the courtyard. So at last Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle. (Exodus 40:33 34, NLT). On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. (Acts 2:1 4, NLT). Close: Lets make God s House a Priority- This is what the LORD of Heaven s Armies says: The people are saying, The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD. Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? (Haggai 1:2 4, NLT). 17

20 CONNECT GROUP Conversation Two Step Up Our Opportunity Theme Scripture: You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Presentation Matters - When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:22 23, NLT). Give an example when you shared your Christian faith and it was misunderstood? Name one way you could adjust your life to be more influential at winning others to Christ? Men Look on Outside - Read 1 Samuel 16:7 If the motive of ministry matters the most - should the appearance of the ministry matter? God builds with Intention - Read Genesis 2:8 What was the intent of the garden for man? A Tabernacle - Read Exodus 25:8 9 Why did God ask them to build The Tabernacle? Building By People For People - Read Exodus 35:29 Why does God ask us to be generous towards His work? What We Build He Fills - Read Exodus 40:33 34 Why did God wait until the house was in order to fill it with His glory? Lets make God s House a Priority - This is what the LORD of Heaven s Armies says: The people are saying, The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD. Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? (Haggai 1:2 4, NLT). How can you make the gathering place of God s people a priority in your finances? 18

21 REFLECTIONS 19

22 SESSION THREE Step Up Our Generosity You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Step Up our Generosity: Living a generous life is the call for us all. Prosperity is reciprocity of a generous life. A generous person understands the life and resources God has given and is both diligent and intentional to share them so that others can know Christ better. What We Know: God Has Saved Us - For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NLT). Called us - For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9, NLT). Empowered Us - By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3, NLT). Step Up to Generosity: 1. Recognize - And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father. (Genesis 26:1 3, KJV). O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn t let me. (Matthew 23:3, NLT). 20

23 2. Respond - Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. (Genesis 26:12, KJV). Willing and Obedient - If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. (Isaiah 1:19, NLT). Then he told them a story: A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, What should I do? I don t have room for all my crops. Then he said, I know! I ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry! But God said to him, You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for? Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. (Luke 12:16 21, NLT). 3. Reward - And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. (Genesis 26:13 14, KJV). Close: There will always be a harvest - Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. (Psalm 126:5 6, NLT). Rain is Here - Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don t know if profit will come from one activity or another or maybe both. (Ecclesiastes 11:4 6, NLT). Trust the Promises of God - For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20, KJV). 21

24 CONNECT GROUP Conversation Three Step Up Our Generosity Theme Scripture: You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Where in your life is your witness being ineffective? Recognize - And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father. (Genesis 26:1 3, KJV). What in your life appears to be an obstacle to your sowing? Respond - Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. (Genesis 26:12, KJV). How does your faith help you overcome fear in finances? Reward - And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. (Genesis 26:13 14, KJV). Share a story where you stepped up and God stepped in with a blessing? Rain is Here - Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don t know if profit will come from one activity or another or maybe both. (Ecclesiastes 11:4 6, NLT). What ways does God bring increase through what I have? Trust the Promises of God - For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20, KJV). Share one promise you are waiting for God to fulfill? 22

25 REFLECTIONS 23

26 SESSION FOUR Step Up Our Impact You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Our call by God is to go into all the world and Make Disciples and Release Ministers. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19 20, NLT). Kingdom Advancement operates with the collaboration of numerous dynamics. A. Governance that provides visional direction, oversight and accountability to ministry operation, which we do through our Elders, Deacons and Executive Directors. We re not leading in secret. B. Making Disciples through preaching and teaching the word of God. We do this through our corporate gatherings and Connect Groups for adults, students and children. C. Outreach Objectives to lost world, which we do through Going Global. D. Family and Personal ministry objective with such things as marriage counseling and benevolent assistance. E. Financial Management- Collection and distribution of finances for properties, staff and operations. Within the Kingdom advancement there are two types of ministries who are both committed with their time, talent and treasure. A. Full Time Staff - The one whose full time focus is strategizing, preparing and overseeing the ministry advancement. B. Volunteers - Those whose furnishing resources through volunteering to serve in varying capacities. Together we make a huge Impact. Step Up our Impact: And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:44 47, NLT). 24

27 1. Throwing a Net - But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. (Acts 6:1, NLT). 2. Empowering Others - So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. (Acts 6:2 3, NLT). 3. Focused Leaders - Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word. (Acts 6:4, NLT). 4. Releasing Ministers - Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:5 6, NLT). Close: As we step up with staff and resourced volunteers we will see the ministry make an Impact like never before. Another Level of Impact: A. Stephen - Stephen, a man full of God s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8, NLT). B. Philip - But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. Many evil* spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:4 8, NLT). 25

28 CONNECT GROUP Conversation Four Step Up Our Impact Theme Scripture: You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). What does doing good deeds look like to you? Make Disciples and Releasing Ministers- Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19 20, NLT). How are you living and serving in this great commission? Step Up our Impact: Read Acts 2:44 47 Where do you see yourself making the biggest contribution within the above strategy of serving during worship gatherings, participating in connect groups and/or giving generous with your resources? Throwing a Net - Read Acts 6:1 Share an instance where someone was neglected by the church due to lack of leaders? Empowering Others - Read Acts 6:2 3 What do you feel is the most important quality needed for ministry? Focused Leaders - Read Acts 6:4 What is the greatest benefit of people doing more of what their called to and less of what there not? Releasing Ministers- Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:5 6, NLT). If time, responsibility and money were not an issue and you could do anything for God - what would it be? 26

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30 SESSION FIVE Step Up Our Reach You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). Step Up our Reach: If one person according to scripture can put a thousand people to flight and two can put ten thousand. How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? (Deuteronomy 32:30, NLT). How far can we reach as a community who has placed our time, talent and treasure into a unified vision? We can Reach a world! The world is within reach and we are going Global We must Step Up Our Reach 1. We must have a heart to give - So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. (2 Corinthians 9:5, NLT). 2. We understand God provides money - For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. (2 Corinthians 9:10 11, NLT). 3. We change lives through meeting needs - So two good things will result from this ministry of giving the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12, NLT). Close: Connecting to the World- As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:13 15, NLT). 28

31 We have to do to this. The mission of this community is to make disciples and release ministers both locally and abroad. We have to passionately pursue this 24-month vision God has given The Tabernacle so that not only can more people be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but we strengthen our own community. Through the spiritual growth of our community we continue to reproduce new leaders and build a greater level of excellence in the ministries of our church. We empower our community and the world with self-sustaining opportunities to impact our world for Christ one disciple at a time. BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTER People matter to God So people must matter to us It s time to Step Up! 29

32 CONNECT GROUP Conversation Five Step Up Our Reach Theme Scripture: You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14 16, NLT). What is the opportunity you have when your good deeds in Christ are being noticed? Step Up our Reach - How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? (Deuteronomy 32:30, NLT). How far can we reach as a community who has placed our time, talent and treasure into a unified vision? We must have a heart to give - So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. (2 Corinthians 9:5, NLT). Does the attitude in how a person gives change the outcome? We understand God provides money - For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. (2 Corinthians 9:10 11, NLT). What can you expect as a result of being generous with your money? We change lives through meeting needs - So two good things will result from this ministry of giving the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12, NLT). How does giving cause people to see Jesus better? Connecting to the World - As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:13 15, NLT). Why is it important that we Step Up our Reach in giving? 30

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35 THE TABERNACLE Making Disciples & Releasing Ministers

36 The Tabernacle - Main Office 1020 Garrettsburg Rd Clarksville, TN stepup@thetabernacle.us