Greetings Berean, 2018 Calendar of Events Added Members Day January 27 & 28, 2018 (all) Building A Solid Youth Ministry March 23 & 24, 2018 (Gwinnett) First Fruit Weekend (Sacrificial Giving) March 31-April 1, 2018 (DeKalb) First Fruit Sunday (Sacrificial Giving) April 1, 2018 (Henry) 11 th Church Anniversary April 1, 2018 (Gwinnett) Vacation Bible School June (tba) (DeKalb & Henry) Pastor Kerwin Lee s Anniversary June 2 & 3, 2018 (DeKalb) Take Ova Youth Conference July 18-20, 2018 (DeKalb & Henry) A Word for the Times Conference October 3-5, 2018 (DeKalb) Pastor Kevin Lee s Anniversary October 7, 2018 (Gwinnett) Hallelujah Night October 31, 2018 (all) Thanksgiving Day Worship Service November 22, 2018 (all) 23 rd Church Anniversary December 1 & 2, 2018 (DeKalb) 3 rd Church Anniversary December 2, 2018 (Henry) Christmas Day Worship Service December 25, 2018 (all) New Year s Eve Worship Service December 31, 2018 (all) Luke 1:37 reads, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." This verse reveals what can happen for individuals who have the Lord in their life. The good news for us as a church is the aforementioned passage applies to organizations also. As a result of God being the leader of Berean, we as a church body were able to positively impact the lives of people greatly in the year 2017. This booklet you are viewing has several purposes. The first is to share with you some of the accomplishments that took place for us as Bereans last year. A second reason for this writing is to share what we as a church body are seeking to do this year. Please keep this document close to you in the coming months and strive to be a vital part of helping us glorify God and meet the holistic needs of our congregants and community. Thanks so much for your support over the last 12 months and down through the years. Words will never be able to convey how blessed I am to be your pastor. Let's continue to grow up, go up and blow up for Kingdom purposes! I love all of you dearly and thank God for you daily! Committed to Growth Kerwin B. Lee Dr. Kerwin B. Lee
Mission Statement The Berean Christian Church exists to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by cultivating committed Christians to minister through Worship, the Word and Witnessing to its congregation, community, city, county, country and other continents. Worship Word Witnessing Exciting and Inviting Inspirational and Motivational Local and Global Vision Statement The Berean Christian Church will fulfill its mission by: Building up Leaders Equipping the Laity Reaching the Lost Exalting the Lord Advancing by Learning Nurturing through Love Value Statements II Timothy 2:2 (Word) Ephesians 4:11, 12 (Word) II Corinthians 4:3 (Witnessing) Psalms 34:3 (Worship) Isaiah 1:17 (Word) John 13:34, 35 (Witnessing) We will be Biblical (II Tim. 3:16, 17) We will be Motivational (Heb. 10:24) Prioritizing the Word of God Inspiring others to positive actions We will be Ethical (I Corinthians 6:19, 20) We will be Practical (James 1:22) Practicing morality and integrity Applying biblical principles relevantly We will be Exceptional (Colossians 3:23) We will be Punctual (Ephesians 5:16) Operating in excellence Being time conscious 2018 Major Church Goals for Henry Establish Scholarship Program for graduating High School seniors Execute multiple outreach initiatives Hire full time/part time staff Host summer camp for young people grades 1-8 Implement leadership strategies Launch an early morning service Offer at least 15 small group opportunities Open church office Provide ongoing spiritual growth classes Purchase church vehicle(s) We will be Influential (Matthew 5:13) We will be Radical (Romans 12:2) Making an indelible impact on society Thinking outside the box We will be Instructional (II Timothy 2:2) We will be Relational (I Cor. 9:22) Teaching constantly and systematically Developing healthy relationships We will be Liberal (II Corinthians 9:6) We will be Universal (I Thess. 5:23) Sharing of our time, talent and treasures Establishing a holistic ministry
2018 Major Church Goals for Gwinnett 2017 Accomplishments January 1, 2017-December 31, 2017 Break ground for new Sanctuary/add Children & Youth Wing Build on Community Partnerships Expand the Pay It Forward challenge Involve 300 people in B4 Discipleship Teams Launch Capitol Campaign Launch Deacons in Training Secure 200 School of Biblical Education Certificates Strategize retaining and connecting added members Financial: Added Transportation and Video personnel as paid staff Closed on the property in Henry County (2 acres) located at 124 Old Conyers Road in Stockbridge Collected $192,483.00 via Kiosk Giving Collected $3,263,423.83 via Online Giving Collected $1,516,788.31 via Givelify Giving Collected $633,111.74 via Credit Card Giving Collected $353,806.10 via Text Giving Installed ipad and Kiosk Giving Stations in Henry County Launched Text to Tithe Giving initiative Purchased a 77 seat school bus Purchased additional property in Henry County (6.2 acres) located at 118 Old Conyers in Stockbridge. Redesigned the interior of the giving envelopes Renovated the Gwinnett County location (bathrooms, lobby, sanctuary, book store, lighting and over flow room)
DeKalb 2017 Financial January 1 December 31, 2017 2018 Major Church Goals for DeKalb Tithes & Offerings Ministry Support BookStore Other (Facility Rental, Wedding, Interest) Total Income Expenses Payroll (Full-Time, Part-Time, 401K, Contractors) Operation Expenses (Telecommunications, Office Supplies, Church Supplies, Building Repair, etc.) Utilities Professional Fees (Legal, Accounting, Engineering & Payroll Fees) Mortgage Payments (Principal & Interest) Insurance Ministry Expenses Broadcast/ Contributions Capital Purchases Capital Improvements Total Expenses Net Income 2017 Savings Cash Reserves on Hand at 12/31/17 $12,631,784 $317,261 $137,570 $11,263 $13,097,878 $5,494,382 $1,130,782 $397,116 $333,898 $1,308,065 $563,091 $1,478,522 $730,927 $179,951 $669,024 $12,285,758 $812,120 $694,362 $301,202 Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy Establish a church-wide Care Program for all active members Host combined initiatives for all three church locations Implement visible evangelism efforts throughout the community Increase church worship attendance by 10% through internal and external methods Launch home visitation for 500 families Offer at least 50 different small groups for the year Provide ongoing spiritual classes on a continual basis
2018 Monthly Themes May: Growing through the Word Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity (NIV) June: Handling Opposition while Witnessing I Thessalonians 2:2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. (NIV) July: Focusing on Family Worship I Samuel 1:19 The entire family was up early the next morning and went to the Tabernacle to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah, and when Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her petition; (TLB) August: Living by the Word Psalm 119:7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! (NLT) September: Connecting People with Witnessing Romans 16:1 & 2 Phoebe, a dear Christian woman from the town of Cenchreae, will be coming to see you soon. She has worked hard in the church there. Receive her as your sister in the Lord, giving her a warm Christian welcome. Help her in every way you can, for she has helped many in their needs, including me. (TLB) October: Worshipping through Storms Exodus 4:31 Then the people of Israel were convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. (NLT) November: Sharing the Word Strategically II Timothy 2:2 The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others. (AMP) December: Witnessing through Your Lifestyle Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV) 2017 Accomplishments (Continued) Ministerial: Administered eye exams and glasses to over 300 persons through mission work in Uganda, Africa Delivered meals weekly to 3 local fire stations in DeKalb County Donated furniture and household items to women and children transitioning from homelessness Established ministries in Henry County Facilitated Kingdom Man, Kingdom Woman, Kingdom Marriage and Kingdom Kids Held a Child Support Forum and partnered with various agencies Hosted Terrific Tuesday services in preparation for Church Anniversary Hosted Compassion International Compassion Truck Implemented a Deacons on Call effort Partnered with DeKalb County and offered Foster Care/Adoption Impact Training Partnered with WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and provided a workshop on the program changes through the DeKalb County Board of Health Provided school supplies, clothes and other resources to children in Uganda, Africa Started a Family Empowerment Area Provided free health services to the community including, flu shots, blood pressure screenings, diabetes testing, WIC registration, healthcare enrollment for Medicare/Medicaid and Affordable Care Act Provided transportation and snacks to children visiting incarcerated parents
2018 Church Theme: 2017 Accomplishments (Continued) Numerical: 350 people through Added Members Orientation Class Accommodated over 1000 children and youth for Hallelujah Night Added 2025 members across all three locations Awarded 26 high school graduates with college scholarships Awarded 2 scholarships at the Berean Christian Academy Baptized over 100 people across all locations Collected and transported over 2000 cases of water and 800 boxes of hygiene, cleaning and school supplies to Red Cross relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma Distributed over 2150 Thanksgiving Baskets Distributed over 2850 boxes of non-perishable food (25-30 lbs.) through our Outreach Center Distributed over 150,000 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables to local soup kitchens, schools, community organizations, seniors and low income residents on Fridays Donated over 90,000 articles of clothing through our Outreach Center to assist residents and clients in local agencies (DFCS, Goodwill, Women s Resource Center and the Access Resource Center, etc.) Hosted 2 Job Fairs and assisted over 150 men and women to secure employment in partnership with Goodwill of North Georgia Installed approximately 350 smoke detectors locally with the Red Cross and DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Matriculated over 100 people through MasterLife Recycled over 7000 lbs. of clothing for use in 3 rd world countries Operational: Awarded a quality rating at the Early Learning Academy Demolished the two homes located next to the Henry County property. A bid for temporary parking for this area is also in discussion. Established a male mentoring program at the Berean Christian Academy (FBI Fathers Being Involved) Hired a full-time Human Resources Generalist, maintenance personnel, Added Members Minister and a Minister to Senior Adults Installed AED cabinets in DeKalb (Defibrillators) Installed a Book Store in Gwinnett County Installed the Swing Gates on the DeKalb property. Renovated playground in DeKalb Required staff to attend mandatory training (Leadership and Harassment). Returning to Our Foundation: Worship, the Word and Witnessing Acts 17:10-14 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12) Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13) But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. 14) And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. 2018 Monthly Themes January: Prioritizing Church Worship Hebrews 10:25 Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord s coming is getting closer. (CEV) February: Learning about God's Word Joshua 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (NLT) March: Witnessing about Giving II Corinthians 8:1 & 2 Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. (MSG) April: Strengthening Your Personal Worship Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (NLT)