The Opportunity of Our Lives : Unpacking the Dream of a church plant

Kim and I have the opportunity to make an imprint into countless lives by planting a “Life Giving Church”.  God has uniquely positioned us to be able to speak life and vision into hurting and lost people.

You know how the saying goes… “Never say never or it will likely come to pass”.  Well, I did and now…we are!  I’ve known since I was 16 that I would always be in some form of ministry.  Until now, I’ve always sought out the role of support staff or associate…you know…the comfortable place we all love, but quickly found that comfort doesn’t always bring peace and purpose.

Well, God has once again purged us out of any and all comfort.  All that we had found security in is gone.  All plans and dreams….changed or morphed into something totally different.  We’re standing on the pinnacle of vision about to jump off.  Now, whether there is a hang-glider or parachute attached, is up for debate.  Whatever the method of descent….rest assured that we will make the journey into the land God has called us to!

As we enter the pioneering stage of this church plant it will no doubt be an incredible journey.  We’re casting this vision to our friends and family asking you to watch, pray and come alongside us as the dreams and visions take form…it will be amazing!  There will be many uncertainties and leaps of faith and we thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

The dream God has placed in our hearts is just like being blessed with a child.  This church plant could not happen without Kim.  God has truly blessed me with the perfect spouse…she is a strong leader that hears the voice of God and supports me faithfully in every area.  In the following pages you will hear from our hearts as we unpack the dream of a church plant.

Our Passion: The Why Behind the What

So, why Philly? This is a question we have heard many times from friends and family as we watched their eyes widen with wonderment.  The basic answer is God has placed Philly in our hearts.

The greater Philadelphia area is made up of over 5.8 million people.  This makes it the 4th largest urban population and the 4th largest consumer media market.   Our passion is to share with these people the real, relevant and enjoyable experience and truth of Jesus Christ.  To bring the good news that Jesus loves us in spite of all of our mistakes and short comings and that we do not have to be perfect before Jesus will love us, His love is unconditional.  All Jesus asks of us is that we believe in Him.  Unfortunately, Christianity in the traditional sense is all about rules and religion.  Our passion is to show others the heart of Jesus, which is love and relationship.

Steven and I want to speak to the lives of those looking and longing for more and to those who feel they have everything they need, but have no relationship with their Creator.  We have been set apart to bring them the hope of Jesus Christ.  Celebration Church-Philly will minister to people right where they are; those who are content, broken, hurting, lost, addicted to drugs or alcohol, searching for a better life or longing to fill a void.  God’s Word is simple and we desire to communicate that simplicity for those whom God places in our path.

We know the work will be difficult and exciting!   So, our passion must be clear to reach all people–the people of the Philadelphia area and offer to them a place to find LIFE.  A place they will encounter the presence of a real God and will leave with purpose and changed for eternity.  We’re not teaching people about a theory or personal choice.  We’re helping them accept the TRUTH & FACTS.  Celebration Church–Philly will be a church that looks like Heaven, that is real, relevant and enjoyable.  A life-giving ministry that accepts people just like they are and empowers them to live a God First Life!

Our Partners: Linking up With ARC

The Association of Related Churches brings together people with a passion for planting and growing life-giving churches.

If you are interested, the following is a brief history of ARC’s beginning:  While serving as a senior associate pastor of a large church, Billy Hornsby developed a small group ministry that became a model used to train thousands of pastors around America. Several years later, Billy visited Greg Surratt and Seacoast Church in Charleston, SC and was moved by how effective and relevant their Sunday services were. He approached Greg about planting churches that combined the philosophy of the Seacoast Sunday service with the relational dynamics of small groups. Greg expressed how it had been his desire to plant 2000 churches across America. The two decided that it made a great fit and that day the vision for the ARC was born.

In 2000, these two joined together with Dino Rizzo, Scott Hornsby, Chris Hodges and Rick Bezet to form ARC. Chris and Rick had both made plans to plant a church. With Seacoast supplying $25,000 each towards their start-up funds, Chris and Rick utilized these funds for the new church plants. Chris planted a church in Birmingham, AL and Rick Bezet in Conway, AR in early 2001. In return, they were asked to re-invest that money into church planting making it available for future church planters. They continued giving 2% of their church’s income to ARC.

ARC has planted almost 200 churches in 36 states. Together with more than 200 ARC partner churches, ARC gives over $8 million a year to missions around the world. It is an honor for Kim and I as we proudly partner with ARC to plant Life-Giving Churches!!!! (check them out at www.weplantlife.com)

Our Process: The Next Few Steps

While there are many steps to take and much structure to be built–the form of the foundation is set and poured.  The following is a list of very important steps and goals:

1. 1.To continue to bring structure to our vision and overall plan.
2. 2.To expand our base of committed support by building a “core-launch team” of 15 families.
3. 3.To raise our pre-launch budget.
4. 4.To raise our operating budget for the first year.
5. 5.To raise awareness and support for our Celebration Dream Center Proposal.
6. 6.To expand our “Prayer Connect Team” by establishing participants in the local Philadelphia area.
7. 7.To prepare for our move to Philly in July of 2011.