... where faith and life come together... Vision Prospectus

... where faith and life come together... Vision Prospectus

Table of Contents Why Georgetown? Our Vision Our Values Our Strategies Our Pastoral Team

There s a story unfolding all around us... It s a story in which we all play a part. It s the story upon which all other stories rest. In fact, this story makes sense of all other stories. It s the greatest story ever told, with the greatest news ever imagined. It s a story in which life, joy and hope are at stake, now and forever. It explains our deepest longings and our highest hopes. It s a story that tells us who we are and who we will be. It s a story that explains why the world is the way it is and why we long for something more, something better. It s a story filled with great evil and immense good, wicked sin and fantastic grace, the heights of pride and the depths of humility, soul-numbing hate and wondrous love. It is a story of redemption. This is the true story of God. This story has one central character - Jesus the Christ, one central event - the Cross, one central people - the Church, unified by one central message - the Gospel. This Gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) to bring us home to God, to forgive sin, and to once-and-for-all create a people for God out of all tribes, tongues and nations. The Gospel changes everything. God calls these Gospel people the Church, redeemed sinners who by faith in Jesus have been cleansed of the shame of sin, adopted as children of God, sealed with the Holy Spirit and sent on a mission to enjoy God, to engage and minister to their circle of influence and to invite everyone into redemptive life Tragically, many do not know this God, this story or this Gospel. In fact, many avoid Him, ignore Him, distort Him, misunderstand Him, or simply hate Him. Many, however, have simply never heard of Him. So we must go to them. What you hold in your hands is the beginning of a new Gospel work a church forming in the city of Georgetown, grounded in the message that Jesus Christ makes all things news. We invite you to read on and join us as we follow Jesus together. The story continues in Georgetown...

Why Georgetown? Overview Georgetown is the 9 th -largest city by population in the state of Kentucky and the county seat of Scott County. The city is rapidly growing with a population of 31,653 in the 2014 census (98% urban, 2% rural) a 75.1% increase since 2000. By 2017, Georgetown population is expected to increase by 11.20%. (http://www.clrsearch.com/georgetown- Demographics/KY/40511/Population-Growth-and-Population-Statistics).

Georgetown is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. The Toyota plant is the largest building in terms of acres covered under one building in the United States, with over 200 acres occupied. Georgetown has a picturesque downtown and at one time served as the training camp for the Cincinnati Bengals. It is home to Georgetown College and is close to Lexington and the University of Kentucky. Spiritual Need Georgetown is a beautiful place to live and work. Yet, amidst the beauty, creativity, ingenuity and passion of Georgetown, only 40.5% of the population claims any religious affiliation (http://city-data.com/city/georgetown-kentucky.html). 59.5 of Georgetown residents do not know the God of Scripture as being King and Creator. Some have skewed perceptions about Jesus and the Church. Others have been deeply hurt in a church context and therefore are suspicious of the Gospel message. There is a great need for a Gospel-centered church in Georgetown.

Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:5-7

Our Vision While there are a number of existing churches spread throughout Georgetown, we believe we should devote our best effort to planting a new church for the following reasons: A new church is the best way to make disciples among the lost. Studies confirm that the average new church gains 1/3 to 2/3 of its members from those not attending any worshipping body whereas churches over ten to fifteen years of age gain 80 to 90 percent of new members by transfer from other congregations. (Timothy Keller, Center Church (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), 359.) W (Timothy Keller, Center Church (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), 359.) A new church best follows the New Testament pattern of making disciples. The missionary strategy of Paul to fulfill the great commission was to plant churches in areas of influence to reach as many people groups as possible (Acts 14:21-23, 6:9-15, 12; Titus 1:5, Romans 15:19-21). In this pattern the Gospel is brought to an unreached area and new believers are equipped and encouraged to make disciples themselves as the church community grows. Afterwards the process of planting a new church begins again. This pattern best aligns with the New Testament example of making disciples. A new church is the best way to release new, creative disciples and leaders to impact the city for Christ. Because of growth factors and a missional focus, new churches are positioned to engage higher percentages of their members spiritual gifts and natural abilities. As a result, they can develop and release innovative, kingdom-focused disciples who convey the Gospel through their personal relationships and in their vocations.

Our Values CORE VALUES: As missionaries/church planters, our desire is to make an impact within our sphere of influence to incarnate the Gospel in our relationships with friends, neighbors, coworkers, fellow students and teachers, relatives and others who come into our lives. We live out the implications of the Gospel wherever we go at home and in the marketplace anywhere and everywhere faith and life come together. We are intentional about community with the Good News of the Gospel anchoring all that we do. That Good News is our motivation for loving God and loving others. We practice radical hospitality and deliberate discipleship. We gather on Sundays for prayer and passionate worship. We are committed to caring for all generations. Our desire is that Georgetown will be a better place because we are there. Church of the Crossing... where faith and life come together...

The Church of the Crossing is part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance - a Christ-centered global movement more than 6 million strong. We re Christ-Centered We celebrate Jesus the image of the invisible God, the Lord of all Creation! For in Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. Colossians 2:9-10 Our heartbeat is to know Jesus as our: Savior Acts 4:12 Sanctifier 1 Corinthians 1:30 Healer James 5:15 Coming King Acts 1:11 We Rely on His Spirit Acts 1:8 is in our DNA. We are convinced it is only by the Holy Spirit s empowerment that we can fully express Jesus love, compassion, and mercy to those who do not know Him. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 We Are Family We are part of Christ s Church His chosen means to fulfill His purposes on earth. so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5 We Love Our Neighbors and Our World We extend His love to everyone we meet; we walk with our neighbors through the steep challenges life brings, introducing them to the One who offers true hope. We send and support international workers who serve 70 nations caring for the sick, befriending the lonely and introducing people to Christ, the hope of the world.

Our Strategies Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1 Pre-launch phase: Recruit prayer team. Establish giving partnerships through identifying the need for a new church and launch team buy-in. Recruit launch team. Establish church brand. Begin building strategic relationships with Georgetown municipal, educational, business and non-profit institutions and organizations for the purpose of outreach. Equip leaders and establish small groups. Establish website and social media presence. Secure a lease for a ministry center from which to launch Church of the Crossing. (Lease secured at Canewood Center). Equip and grow launch team at our leased ministry center. Build financial support. Grow and multiply gatherings/small groups. Begin launch team Sunday gatherings.

Pre-launch phase (continued): Establish founding documents (non-profit status, incorporation, bank account, accounting procedures, legal documents). Recruit key staff as needed nursery/children, worship, admin, etc. Begin advertising strategy for public launch. Have discipleship strategy and member process established at launch. LAUNCH Goal: 100+ attendees after public launch. Growth Phase: Once we have launched, we will: Continue to multiply small groups. Establish leadership support. Continue outreach efforts. Staff and launch youth and adult programs as needed. Achieve financial independence. Establish a 3 year growth plan. Goal: Self-sufficiency, fiscal viability, and when we ve grown significantly, begin preparing for our next church plant.

Start-up and Launch Expenses: (All amounts are estimates) Portable sound system $5000 Computer and printer $1500 Musical Instruments Large screen TV $ 800-1000 Nursery equipment $ 750 Banners and signage $1000 Children s ministry equipment $ 500 Podium and music stands $ 400 Lobby tables $ 300 Bibles and offering baskets $ 300 Launch mailings $8000 Color brochures $1000 To be determined First time visitor gifts $1200 Ministry Center Lease $1500/month in year 1, $1800/month if extended into 2 nd year The income of the church will be allocated as follows: 33% staff salary 33% mortgage/lease 6% Christian and Missionary Alliance support 18% outreach and educational needs 10% missions

Support Us: PRAY, GIVE, JOIN We need your help. Please consider how Jesus may be inviting you to support whether through prayer, giving or joing us as we follow Jesus in planting a new church in Georgetown. Pray We need prayer. For all our strategizing and preparation, we cannot succeed without the Spirit of God building His Church. Please pray with and for us daily. Jesus will build His Church, but He does so through the faithful work, service and prayers of His people. Please join us in prayer to our God who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask, think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Please pray that... We would be a church marked by a deep love for Jesus and for people. Many souls will be saved and lives transformed through this new church plant. We would have wisdom, discernment and grace in our efforts. We will be given favor by the city of Georgetown. God would provide all of our financial needs. God would bring the right people at the right time. Georgetown would be loved, served, challenged and changed through the Gospel. Give

Church of the Crossing is operating on a minimalistic budget as there aren t salaries, allowances or benefits to be paid out at this time. However, renting facilities, insuring them and some simple operational coasts add up quickly. Would you consider giving to the mission and work of Church of the Crossing? Your giving helps us meet these needs, as well as plan for outreach and mission and, ultimately, to set forward a budget for the years to come. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7 Join We are praying that God would put a spark into those who He s calling to come work with us in this new church plant. Would you consider joining us? Are you a risk taker, a dreamer, a planner who loves Jesus and His church? Pray about moving to Georgetown. Pray about getting a job, starting a business, or raising money and becoming an integral part of this new work. We would love to see you joining this family of disciple-makers who love Jesus, one another and the city of Georgetown, I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.... Philippians 1:3-5... where faith and life come together... 104 Canewood Center Drive, Georgetown, KY 40324 502-601-8667 www.churchofthecrossing.org