Vision Booklet

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For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

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Yea rs ago I heard the s tatement, “You mus t s eiz e the opportunity o f a lifetime in the lifetime of the opportunity. ” If there is one w o rd that des c ribes this s eas on in the life of Temple B aptis t Church it is the word “opportunity. ” In J anuary 2016, when we f irst launched our s trategic plan c alled “SATURATE, ” we k new Go d was c alling us to “s aturate the Pinebelt and the world with the gos pel. ” The s trategic initiatives in our plan are coming to f ruition, and we now move into the next phas es of this s eas on of o pportunity. We are humbled by the privilege and res pons ibility Go d has entrus ted to us indiv idually and as a church. A s you read this booklet, it is our hope that y our pas s ion and visio n for the Lord and His work will be renewed and refres hed. Yo u will be reminded of our v is ion initiatives and infor med of the next s teps we will take together. Our v is ion is fueled by a deep burden for the los t, the hurting, and thos e needing hope in Chris t. W hile the infor mation in this booklet is not ex haus tive, it does pro vide a c lear path for s us taining, growing, and ex panding our a bility to “Saturate the Pinebelt and the world with the gos pel. ” I n the mov ie “Luther”, the great Chris tian refor mer was preparing f o r his trial where he had been ordered to recant his teachings co nc er ning s alv ation by grace through faith alone in Chris t alone. H e said to his father in the minis try, “When you s ent me out to cha n ge the world, did y ou think it would c os t me nothing? ” As we co nsider the future generations who will be bles s ed and reached by th es e endeavors , we are as k ing that each member of Temple pra yerfully read this material and as k the following: Lo rd, where are you s ending me? Lo rd, mak e me a pray er warrior! Lo rd, help me to grow in the grac e of giving! E a ch one of us has been entrus ted with one “lifetime. ” I implore yo u to s eiz e this opportunity G od has given y ou to mak e an eter n al impact that will las t beyond this life and into eter nity. To gether we c an SATURATE the Pinebelt and the world with the go spel! Dr. Darry l Craft

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T ERMS T O K NOW

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SAT URAT E

CONTENTS SATU RATE VISION BO O K

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P RES ENT C ORE VALUES

T H E P URP OS E OF S AT URAT E

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S ENDI NG

B UI LDI NG F ROM T H E F OUNDAT I ON

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D I S C I P LES H I P

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P I NEB ELT

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C H URC H P LANT I NG

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P RAY I NG

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ONE F UND MODEL

PA R T NERS H I P S

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GI VI NG

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Y OUR ROLE I N SAT URAT E

S AT URAT E F UNDI NG I NI T I AT I VE

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2 8 DAY S OF P RAY ER

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S ERMON NOT ES

GAP

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B I B LE F ELLOWS H I P NOT ES

TERMS TO KNOW CORE VALUES

Temple’s core values are the guiding principles that define our behavior and actions. Our heart at Temple is to see Life Change, and we see this happening through three core values: Life Worship, Life Together, and Life Mission.

SATURATE

Saturate is Temple’s five-year strategic plan to saturate the Pinebelt and the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that Saturate is a God-given vision for our church.

SATURATE FUNDING INITIATIVE

The Saturate Funding Initiative is a two-year financial plan that enables us to fund the initial stages of our Saturate Vision.

ONE FUND GIVING MODEL

The “One Fund Giving Model” enables us to see that everything we do is missional. A part of this initiative is to challenge each of us to increase our financial support with a two-year commitment to the Lord’s work through our church.

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BUILDING FROM THE FOUNDATION God has greatly blessed the historical commitment to being on mission that embodies Temple Baptist Church. As a result, we have been blessed greatly with people, resources, and opportunity. Believing Luke 12:48 “from everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more,” we better understand Paul’s statement in Romans 1:14, “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.”

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In 1907, 15 Baptists came together for the purpose of offering Sunday School for their children in a location nearer to their homes. They began meeting in a small servant’s house on Sunday after noons, eventually moving to a home as their numbers grew. Their desire to foster a community of worship and spiritual lear ning would keep growing, becoming the Temple Baptist Church of today. A small group of 15 believers is now over 4,000 and continues to grow.

1907

1908

I n J une, co ns truction begins on a major expansion for the Hardy Street Church.

As members hip grows , Temple v otes to leas e 50 acres in Lamar County on Old Highway 11.

1950

Saturate fiv e- year initiativ e begins .

2007 1985

1995

2016

Temple’s res ident members hip grows to 4, 493.

1907

Th e c hurc h i s off i c i a l l y o rga ni zed on 4th Avenue i n t he hom e o f Mr. a nd Mr s. H. R . R i l ey and i s g i v en t h e n am e “Fai t h. ” 5

The site for the n e w c h u rc h i s donated by H. A. Ca m p . B e c a u s e o f its location on 5th Av e n u e , t h e n a m e becomes 5th Av e n u e B a p t i s t Ch u rc h , t h e f i r s t B a p t i s t c h u rc h i n the western part o f t h e c i t y.

O n the co r ner o f H a rdy Street a nd 16th Avenue, co nstructio n begins f o r a new er, la rger church building. O n June 3, 1951, the church cha nges its na me to Temple Ba ptist Church.

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OUR PAST FOUNDATION BRINGS US TO OUR PRESENT CORE VALUES

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LIFE WORSHIP

We see the body dedicate itself to the teaching of the apostles, to worship, and to prayer.

LIFE TOGETHER

We also follow their example of committing themselves to the life together and to the common meal, living in wonderful har mony, holding everything in common.

LIFE MISSION

We see that by living out their faith that people in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

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OUR CORE VALUES MOTIVATE US TO SATURATE

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? Because 1.9 BILLION PEOPLE in the world have never heard the gospel! We have a burden that begins with the glory of God and is fueled by our compassion for the lost, the broken, and the hopel ess. People in our community and the world need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

WHY NOW? We are a blessed people, and God has entrusted us with many gifts and resources. Because of God’s generosity, each of us has a greater responsibility to be a good steward. Luke 12:42-48 Our community, our nation, and our world are in desperate need of the gospel. Jesus told us to go and make disciples. Matthew 28:18-20

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SATURATE ? We are providing a clear path for sustaining, growing, and expanding our church’s ability to impact the Pinebelt and the world with the gospel!

HOW?

SENDING Our goal is to be a people known for going and sending.

PRAYING

Our goal is to be a people known for prayer.

GIVING

Our goal is to cultivate a culture of growing biblical generosity.

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SENDING

A C H U R C H S AT U R AT I N G T H E P I N E B E LT A N D T H E WORLD WITH THE GOSPEL A P E O P L E KN O W N F O R G O I N G A N D SE N DIN G

DISCIPLES INTO OUR COMMUNITY MESSENGERS INTO OUR WORLD

Act i ve eva n g e l i c a l h o u s e h ol ds by c ount y :

12.87% Lamar

26.09% Forrest

“A ct i v e ” i s d e f i n e d a s a t t end i ng 1 o u t o f e v e r y 4 Sund a y s.

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GO THEREFORE AND MAKE

DISCIPLES OF ALL

THE NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF

THE FATHER AND THE SON AND

THE HOLY SPIRIT MATTHEW 28:19 GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE WHOLE CREATION MARK 16:15

What is a “sending church?” A sending church is one that obediently responds to Jesus’ final command to His followers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Today, there are 1.9 billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus. Charles Spurgeon once said, “I plead this day for those who cannot plead for themselves… Shall we let them perish? Can we go to our beds and sleep while China, India, Japan, and other nations are being damned?” A sending church is one that has a burden for and a plan to see that all who are presently damned hear the life-changing message of the gospel.

As you will see on the pages that follow, we have an intentional strategy that will prepare our people to faithfully share the gospel and establish Christian communities in every part of the world. A sending church is one that is known more for the numbers they send than the ones that gather. Our desire is that Temple will be known as a going and sending church.

SENDING OPPORTUNITIES DISCIPLESHIP

PARTNERSHIPS

PINEBELT

CHURCH PLANTING

GAP

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DISCIPLESHIP OUR GOAL IS TO INTENTIONALLY

MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS, WHO MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS IF YOU ABIDE IN ME, AND MY

WORDS ABIDE IN YOU…. YOU BEAR

MUCH FRUIT, AND SO PROVE TO BE MY DISCIPLES. JOHN 15:7-8

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The family is the God-designed unit for shaping an individual from birth to personal maturity. In the same way, the body of Christ is the God-designed unit for shaping an individual from spiritual birth to spiritual maturity. This is why disciple-making should be at the heart of all that a church is and all that it does. Much like a greenhouse, a church has many intentional components or environments that contribute to the product of the disciple who makes disciples generation after generation. Three disciple-making environments at Temple are as follows: Bible Fellowship organizes the church into ongoing, smaller, multiplying groups that are open to everyone in order to help people

connect, belong, be cared for, use their spiritual gifts, and gain Bible understanding and application; Life Groups help those who desire to be a disciple-maker; Equipping Classes equip people in specific stages of life, crisis, or core habits/ truths in short-ter m groups primarily on Wednesday nights. Jesus will make an impact in our hearts during this Saturate Funding Initiative. See, discipleship, and stewardship are intertwined. As we grow in our discipleship, we grow in our stewa rdship, and as we grow in our stewardship, we will grow in our discipleship. The two concepts work hand-in-hand to mold our hearts more into the image of Jesus. Discipleship involves our conviction, character, and conduct. A disciple of Jesus is a person who is following Christ (conviction), is being changed by Christ ( character), and is committed to the mission of Christ (conduct). “He said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men’.”

E N R O L L E D I N B I B L E F E L LO W S H I P C L A S S E S

FIVE YEAR GOAL 18

PINEBELT OUR GOAL IS TO SATURATE THE

PINEBELT WITH THE GOSPEL TELL OF HIS

GLORY AMONG THE NATIONS, HIS WONDERFUL DEEDS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLES.

1 CHRONICLES 16:24

Fifty-two thousand people will live within five miles of Temple Baptist Church by 2019. This is 80% of the Lamar County population. W ithin the “Five-Mile Radius” are the poorest and wealthiest c itizens in the Pinebelt. Temple is strategically located to the population base that surrounds it. The “Five-Mile Radius” surrounding the church is diverse ethnically, economically and culturally.

W ithin the “Five-Mile Radius” of Temple, 60% of the population expressed they are Christian and members of a local church. However, in Lamar County alone, only 12.87% claim to regularly attend. More troubling is that regular attendance is now defined as one in every four Sundays. If projections are correct, of the 52,000 people residing within the “Five-Mile Radius” in 2019, less than 12% are going to be in church on any given Sunday.

“ E I G H T Y-T W O P E R C E N T O F T H E UNCHURCHED ARE AT LEAST SOMEWHAT LIKELY TO ATTEND CHURCH IF INVITED.”



Dr. Thom Rainer, The Unchurched Next Door

FULLY ENGAGE THE “FIVE-MILE RADIUS” AROUND TBC WITH THE GOSPEL

“26.4% of people in America live in apartment communities. Only 5% of multi-resident housing residents go to any type of evangelical church.” North American Mission Board 19

ESTABLISH A REPRODUCIBLE OUTREACH TO MULTI-RESIDENT HOUSING ESTABLISH INTENTIONAL OUTREACH TO INTERNATIONALS REFOCUS THE CAC TO BECOME A HUB OF ACTIVITY WHERE THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY INTERSECT ON BRIDGES TO THE GOSPEL

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GAP OUR GOAL IS TO EQUIP AND RELEASE YOUNG ADULTS TO LIVE FAITHFULLY AND

MISSIONALLY WITH A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW AND THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM WILL BE PREACHED IN THE WHOLE

WORLD AS A TESTIMONY TO ALL NATIONS, AND THEN THE END WILL COME. MATTHEW 24:14

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GAP ministry is a missional opportunity for young adults, 18 to 24 years of age, to commit a season of their lives, 6 months to 1 year, developing a strong biblical foundation and a Christcentered worldview while taking the gospel to the nations. We will develop a training center at Temple that, in five years, will prepare 25 young adults annually in the GAP ministry. This is just one of the innovative ways Temple will prepare workers to share the love of Christ and build Christian communities in every part of the world.

CO N N E C T I N G LO CA L LY A N D

GLOBALLY THROUGH MISSIONS

TBCLIFE.NET/GAP I T ALL STARTS HER E

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

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PARTNERSHIPS O U R G O A L I S TO D E V E LO P PA R T N E R S H I P S

THROUGHOUT THE PINEBELT, IN EVERY REGION OF NORTH AMERICA, AND ON

EVERY CONTINENT IN FIVE YEARS IN ALL MY PRAYERS FOR ALL OF YOU, I

Temple desires to see the power of the gospel transfor m lives and ALWAYS PRAY WITH communities. We intend to do this by for ming strategic partnerships JOY BECAUSE OF with like-minded churches and YOUR PARTNERSHIP ministries around the world. Strategic IN THE GOSPEL partnerships multiply ministry FROM THE FIRST effectiveness for kingdom growth DAY UNTIL NOW. by enabling partners to leverage PHILIPPIANS 1:4-5 their strengths and resources. They will provide Temple with access to locations that would be unreachable otherwise. Also, will provide increased mission opportunities for Temple members. Most of all, strategic partnerships will better enable Temple to follow the Lord’s 23

command to make disciples of all nations.

A partnership is defined as an arrangement where parties agree to cooperate for the purpose of advancing their mutual interest. Temple seeks to develop partnerships to increase the likelihood of achieving our missional goals and to expand our reach into the world with the gospel message.

TEMPLE’S PRIORITIES FOR FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS: • Temple partnerships should be formed to penetrate darkness. Luke 19:10 • Temple partnerships should impact all five regions of North America and every inhabitable continent around the world. • Temple desires to partner with our own missionaries, encouraging, supporting, and enabling them to accomplish the mission God has called them to.

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CHURCH PLANTING OUR GOAL IS TO ESTABLISH ONE CHURCH PLANT IN AN

CHU R C H PL A NTI NG I NVOLV ES TH E W H OL E C H UR C H

UNREACHED AREA OF THE WORLD BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU; AND YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES BOTH IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND EVEN TO THE REMOTEST PART OF THE EARTH. ACTS 1:8 25

Temple will develop an intentional plan for planting churches. It goes without saying, lost people need Jesus. Church planting is the most effective way to saturate a community with a gospel presence. Church plants reach different people groups. The Great Commission mandated that disciples be reached among all nations, not just the Galileans who were gathered.They can reach different demographics of people by strategically positioning them to serve communities in fresh and effective ways.

INVITE

INTEREST

INVEST

Soon, we will INVITE people of all ages and all seasons of life to hear Temple’s vision for church planting.

For members INTERESTED, leaders will help people identify a role and a place on the church plant team.

We will INVEST in each team member to develop a contextual strategy that leads to effective church planting.

SEND Temple is committed to SENDING church planters and team members who are trained and equipped to take the gospel to the nations.

“America is drastically underchurched. The church-to-population ratio has been steadily declining for the past century. In 1900, there were 28 churches for every 10,000 Americans. By 1950, that number had dropped to 17 for every 10,000. In 2000, there were only 12 churches per 10,000; and in 2004, the ratio was down to 11/10,000.” Tom Clegg and Warren Bird 26

PRAYING

OUR GOAL IS TO CULTIVATE

WO R L D W I T H T H E G O S P E L

PER SONAL | Lif e Wo r sh ip

A C H U R C H S AT U R AT I N G T H E P I N E B E LT A N D T H E A PEOPLE KNOWN FOR PRAYER EVEN THOSE I WILL BRING TO MY HOLY MOUNTAIN AND MAKE THEM JOYFUL IN MY HOUSE OF PRAYER…FOR MY HOUSE WILL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE PEOPLES. ISAIAH 56:7

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 Oswald Chambers reminds us that, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” We seek no less than total prayer saturation over our church family and our ministries locally, nationally and internationally. Together, we will reclaim the church as a house of prayer for the nations! (Isaiah 56:7) We desire to make it easier and more likely that people will pray personally and corporately. Prayer is our first response, not a last resort! May we never act without prayer but never pray without acting!

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T H E S S A L O N I A N S

A C U LT U R E O F P R AY E R

We encourage members to priorit ize prayer in t heir personal t ime wit h t he Lord, using t he ACTS tool as a guide:

A d or at i on : praising and adoring God for who He is

C on fe s s i on : admit t ing our sin and seeking God ’s cleansing T h an k s g i v i n g : t hanking God for His blessings and answered prayers

S u p p l i c at i on : asking God to work in our l ives and in t he l ives of ot hers

C OR POR AT E | Lif e To g e t h e r Toget her we wil l reclaim t he church as a house of prayer for t he nat ions.

K I NGD OM | Lif e Missio n As a church, we wil l respond to God ’s cal l to unite al l bel ievers in focused prayer for world evangel izat ion and spiritual awakening.

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FOCUS ON PRAYER

God is moving through the prayers of His people! Jesus says to ask, and we will receive. These are some evidences of answered prayers for God’s direction for our church:

CONNECT WITH PRAYER

601. 450. 3042

P RAYE R WAL L

Write a request on our Prayer Wall located upstairs in the Building B. We are adding another Prayer Wall soon!

BO IL E R RO O M

PR AYER @TB C L IF E. NET

The Boiler Room Ministry prays during our weekly worship services. Individuals, families or groups sign up to pray on a rotating basis.

H O US E O F P RAY E R

Our church family gathers once a month for House of Prayer uniting our hearts in calling out for God to intervene through our prayers.

TB C L IF E. NET/ PR AYER

ONLINE RESOURCE COMING SOON

THE COVE

A Place of Prayer: In 2017, we will construct a prayer cove that will be available for anyone to utilize anytime our building is open.

P RAYE R RO O M

Members sign up to pray in one hour blocks on a weekly basis. In 2016, participation has increased by 25%.

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G I V I N G A C H U R C H S AT U R AT I N G T H E P I N E B E LT A N D T H E

WO R L D W I T H T H E G O S P E L A PEOPLE KNOWN FOR GENEROSITY

2%

A m e ri c a n s d o n a t e d t w o p e rc e n t o f th e i r d i s p o s a b l e i n c o m e to so me f o r m o f c h a ri ty l a s t y e a r.

TEMPLE GIVING 234 Families | $100 Annually | $2 Weekly 188 Families | $500 Annually | $10 Weekly 118 Families | $1,000 Annually | $20 Weekly

OUR GOAL IS TO CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF GROWING BIBLICAL GENEROSITY

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E q ui p memb ers for a l i festyl e of g row i ng b i b l i c a l stew a rd shi p tha t emp ow ers fi na nc i a l freed om a nd g enerosi ty.

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P our g rea ter resourc es i nto b ei ng a send i ng c hurc h b y el i mi na ti ng d eb t.

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• H e l p i n d i v i d u a l s g ro w i n th e g ra c e of giving. • I n c re a s e th e n u m b e r o f g i v e rs .

• Form a culture of giving beyond the tithe to reduce and/or eliminate church debt in five years. • Redirect future funds from servicing our debt to spreading the gospel.

D evel op a l eg a c y i ni ti a ti ve tha t w i l l ena b l e memb ers to c onti nue thei r g osp el i nfl uenc e b eyond thei r l i feti mes.

203 Families | $2,500 Annually | $48 Weekly 178 Families | $5,000 Annually | $96 Weekly 181 Families | $10,000 Annually | $192 Weekly 134 Families | $20,000 Annually | $385 Weekly 23 Families | $30,000 Annually | $577 Weekly 19 Families | $30,000+ Annually | $577+ Weekly

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But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. 2 C o r i n t h i a n s 8 : 7

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SATURATE FUNDING INITIATIVE

ONE FUND MODEL

The Saturate Funding Initiative is a two-year financial plan that enables us to fund the initial stages of our Saturate V ision. We are asking our membership to make a two-year financial commitment to expand our vision and mission.

The Saturate Funding Initative is accomplished through the “One Fund Model”.

GOALS: GROW AND

STRENGTHEN

FAITH

S AT U R AT E

100%

PARTICIPATION

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The One Fund Model is a comprehensive financial plan that includes ongoing ministry expenses, new initiatives, and further debt reduction. The goal is to reduce and/ or eliminate the debt so that the debt service part of our current budget can be used for reaching our community and world for Jesus Christ.

FULFILL THE

VISION

The One Fund Model enables us to see that everything we do is missional. A part of this initiative is to challenge each of us to increase our financial support with a two-year commitment to the Lord’s work through our church.

ELIMINATE

DEBT

We are challenged to be generous and participate in the One Fund Giving Model. Pray about your participation and ask God to show you how you can grow in the grace of giving.

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ONE FUND MODEL E V ERYTHIN G IS IN C L UD E D I N O N E B U DG E T •

Ministry Budget

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Internat ional Missions Offering (Lot t ie Moon)

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Nort h Am erican Missions Offering (Annie Armstrong)

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State Missions Offering (Margaret Lackey)

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Saturate Init iat ives

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Debt Ret irement

CURRENT STATUS OF OUR DEBT OUR CHURCH DEBT The Finance Ministry Team is faithfully leading our church to reduce debt while at the same time continuing our strong ministry of the gospel. What is our current debt and how does it impact our annual budget dollars?

PROJEC T E D BUD GE T S IN T W O Y E A R SATURAT E FUN D IN G I N I T I AT I V E

2017 $11.3M

2018 $10.7M

Our church debt is approximately ten million dollars. Currently, our budget includes $1,058,750 for debt service. Once the debt is eliminated, this money can be repurposed for ministry and missions.

B R EAK D OWN OF TH E CUR R ENT ANNUAL B UD GET F OR D EB T

2 YEAR PLAN | $22 MILLION GOAL $13M MINISTRY BUDGET

$9M SATURATE INITIATIVES

By e l i m i n at i n g c u rre n t d e b t , c h u rc h f unds c a n b e u s e d t o S AT U R AT E o u r c om m un i t y, c o u n t ry, & w o r l d t h ro u g h . . .

SENDING 35

PRAYING

E x tra P a y me n ts

N o te 2 ( 5 y e ar b a l lo o n )

No te 1 (1 0 y e a r)

GIVING 36

THE RESULT

By the end of 2019, debt will be minimized to greatly increase ministry and mission funds.

PRO J E C T E D D E BT L E V E L S (DEC 2016 - DEC 2019)

$10M

2017

2016

2019

2018

2017

$6M

2016

$8M

$2M

W it hout Saturate

M INISTRY FUND S INC R EASE

2019

2018

$4M

W it h Saturate

ONE FUND

MODEL

AS D EB T IS R ED UC ED * Ar t i s t i c i nt er pret at i o n

2016

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2017

2018

2019

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YOUR ROLE IN SATURATE PRAY

EVALUATE

COMMIT

Lord, where are you sending me? Lord, will you make me a prayer warrior? Lord, will you help me to grow in the grace of giving? Each one of us has been entrusted with one “lifetime.”

SEIZ E T HIS OP P O RT U N I T Y GOD HA S G I V E N Y O U ! Y O U CA N M A K E A N ETERN A L IM PA C T ! Together we can SATURATE the Pinebelt and the world with the gospel!

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WHAT’S YOUR NEXT STEP?

E XTR AVA GA NT GIVE R

T H E E XTRAVA G A N T G IV E R

“I am living a radically generous life with all of my resources.” BIBLICAL HEROES: Bar nabas and the widow

E XPA ND ING GIVE R

T H E E XPA N DIN G G IV E R

“I am giving beyond my tithe to the vision of my church and needs I encounter.” BIBLICAL HEROES: The Good Samaritan and David

TITHING GIVE R

T H E T I TH IN G GIV E R

“I am giving my first fruits (10% of my income) to the Lord.” BIBLICAL HEROES: Abraham and Jacob

CO NSISTE NT GIVE R

T H E C ON SISTE N T GIV E R

“I am giving at least once a month.” BIBLICAL HEROES: Cor nelius and Mary

T H E B EG IN N IN G G IV E R

B E GINNING GIVE R

“I am beginning my giving jour ney.” BIBLICAL HEROES: Zacchaeus and the boy with fishes and loaves

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AV E N U E S F O R G I V I N G

As you pray and discer n how God would ask you to give during this time, please use the tool below as a guide. Let it be something that inspires and challenges you towards greater generosity for Christ’s Kingdom.

$ ___________________________ What I/we nor mally give in a year + $ ___________________________ Expanded annual generosity for SATURATE

TBCLIFE.NET/GIVIN G

= $ ____________________________________ x2 Years = $ ___________________________

TBCLIFE APP

+ $ ___________________________ Gifts from my/our stored resources

FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, I/WE COMMIT TO ... $ ____________________________________

TWO YEAR COMMITMENT February 26, 2017 - February 24, 2019

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28 DAYS OF SATURATED PRAYER [JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 18] At Temple, we want to create a culture of prayer that saturates our church family, our ministries locally, nationally and inter nationally. Prayer is our first response, not a last resort! Please join us as we pray daily for our Saturate plan. “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” (Oswald Chambers)

2 4 HO U RS OF P R AY E R Sign up to pray for one hour during

January 22-23

P ra y fo r: • • • • • •

Our staff Church leadership God-inspired vision and clarity Our plan to saturate the Pinebelt and the world with the gospel Our members to be receptive to the Saturate Funding Initiative

Use the following guide as you pray daily for the next 28 days. 45

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JANUARY 22-28: SATURATE WITH ADORATION AND PRAISE

JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4: SATURATE WITH CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE

Day 1: H abakkuk 2:1 4 P raise G od t hat t h e eart h wi l l be s a tu ra te d wi t h t h e kno wledge of t he gl ory of t he LOR D a s t h e w a te rs cover t he se as.

Day 1: P s a l m 1 3 9 : 2 3 - 2 4 As k G o d t o se a rch y o u a n d kn o w y o u . D o y o u n e e d t o c o n f e ss a n y t h o u g h t s, f e e l i n g s, a t t i t u d e s o r a ct i o n s t h a t h a v e d i sp l e a se d H i m ?

Day 2: Exo dus 15:2 P raise G od t hat He i s ou r strengt h , o u r s o n g a nd our salvat i on!

Day 2: P s a l m 1 9 : 1 4 Are t h e w o rd s o f y o u r m o u t h a n d t h e d e e p l o n g i n g s o f yo u r h e a r t p l e a si n g t o G o d ?

Day 3: P salm 40 :3 P raise G od f or pu t t i n g a n e w son g i n o u r mo u t h s . He i s w or t hy o f o ur prai se!

Day 3: 2 C h ro n i c l e s 7 : 1 4 Hu m b l e y o u r se l f , p r a y, se e k G o d ’s f a ce a n d t u r n f ro m a n y w i cke d w a y G o d h a s re v e a l e d t o b e t r u e a b o u t yo u r l i f e .

Day 4: P salm 63:3 P raise G od t hat Hi s l ov e i s bet te r t h a n l i f e ! Day 5: P salm 13 9 :14 P raise G od f or be i n g an i n cred i bl e Cre a to r wh o ma d e u s in His image ! Day 6: P salm 14 8 :13 P raise G od f or Hi s name i s exal ted a n d Hi s ma j e s ty i s a b ove ear t h an d h e av e n ! Day 7: P salm 15 0 :6 L et ever yt hing t hat h as breat h pra i s e t h e L O RD! Pra i s e t he LOR D !

Day 4: E p h e s i a n s 6 : 1 0 - 1 3 Pra y, a ckn o w l e d g i n g t h a t y o u r st r u g g l e i s n o t a p h ys i ca l o n e b u t a sp i r i t u a l o n e . Ta ke y o u r st a n d a g a in st t h e d e v i l a n d h i s sch e m e s. Day 5: E p h e s i a n s 6 : 1 4 - 2 0 Pra y, p u t t i n g o n t h e i n d i v i d u a l p i e ce s o f sp i r i t u a l a rmor G o d h a s p ro v i d e d f o r u s. We a re i n a sp i r i t u a l b a t t l e ! Ta ke y o u r st a n d i n C h r i st ’s v i ct o r y ! Day 6: H e b re ws 1 2 : 1 - 3 C o n f e ss a n y t h i n g t h a t i s h i n d e r i n g y o u r re l a t i o n sh i p w i t h G o d . R e p e n t o f a n y kn o w n si n . P e r se v e re a s y o u f o l l ow J e su s. Day 7: 1 J o h n 1 : 9 As y o u h a v e co n f e sse d y o u r si n , kn o w t h a t G o d n o t on l y f o rg i v e s y o u b u t H e cl e a n se s y o u f ro m a l l u n ri g h t e o u sn e ss. T h a n k H i m f o r t h i s g re a t n e w s!

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FEBRUARY 5-11: SATURATE WITH THANKSGIVING Day 1: P salm 10 0 :4 Begin your t i me wi t h t he Lord tod a y b y t h a n k i n g Hi m f or t he blessi ngs He has gi v en y ou . Th a n k Hi m f o r ans wer ing spe ci fi c pray ers y ou h a ve p ra ye d .

Day 1: E p h e s i a n s 5 : 1 8 A s k Go d to fi l l y o u wi t h H i s S p i ri t. A s k, s e e k a n d kn o ck. Te l l Go d t h a t y o u wa n t H i m to h a v e co mp l e te co n tro l o f y o u r l i fe . S e e k to b e l e d b y t h e S p i ri t, n o t b y y o u r fl e s h .

Day 2: 1 T hessal oni an s 5 :16-1 8 G ive t hank s e v en i n t he bad ci rcu ms ta n c e s o f yo u r l ife. G od is t h e re . He care s. He ca n b ri n g g o o d t h i n g s o ut of bad ci rcu mstance s.

Day 2: L u k e 1 0 : 2 P r a y, a s ki n g Go d to ra i s e u p wo rke rs i n H i s h a rv e s t. A s k H i m to ca l l p e o p l e to s e rv e a s p a s to rs , mi s s i o n a ri e s , p re sch o o l wo rke rs , ch i l d re n ’s mi n i s try wo rke rs , a n d s t u d e n t mi n i s try wo rke rs .

Day 3: P salm 11 1 :1 P r ay, giving t h anks to God wi t h y o u r wh o l e h e a rt. Share t his t hanksgi v i n g wi t h an ot he r b e l i e ve r. L e t t hem rejoic e i n t h e good God h as d o n e f o r yo u . Day 4: 2 Co rinthi an s 9 :15 Pr ay, giving t h anks to God for Hi s i n e x p re s s i b l e g ift – Jes us! Day 5: 1 Chron i cl e s 1 6 :34 Pr ay, giving t h anks to t h e Lord for Hi s g o o d n e s s a n d His s t ead fast l ov e t h at wi l l l ast fo re ve r. Day 6: P salm 30 :4-5 Pr ay, giving t h anks to God for show i n g u s Hi s f a vo r. Thank Him f or t he j oy we h av e i n Hi m. Day 7: 1 Co rinthi an s 1 5 :55-5 7 Pr ay, t hank ing God for t he v i ctory o ve r d e a t h a n d s i n t hat we have t hrou gh Je su s.

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FEBRUARY 12-18: SATURATE WITH SUPPLICATION

Day 3: M a tth e w 2 8 : 1 8 - 2 0 P r a y, co mmi t t i n g y o u rs e l f to b e p a rt o f t h e ch u rch ’s g re at wo rk o f ma ki n g d i s ci p l e s wh o wi l l fo l l o w J e s u s , b e b a p t i z e d a n d b e ta u g h t to o b e y K i n g J e s u s . Co mmi t to b e c omi n g a d i s ci p l e ma ke r wh o wi l l ma ke o t h e r d i s c i p l e -ma ke rs . Day 4: R o m a n s 1 2 : 1 - 2 D a i l y p ra y o ffe ri n g y o u r b o d y a s a l i v i n g s a cri fi ce to G o d . S u rre n d e r to H i m a n d H i s p l a n fo r y o u r d a y. P ra y t o be tra n s fo rme d b y t h e re n e wi n g o f y o u r mi n d t h ro u g h s c r i ptu re . Co mmi t to d o i n g Go d ’s wi l l . Day 5: J o h n 1 5 : 5 - 8 S t a y cl o s e l y co n n e cte d to J e s u s t h ro u g h p ra y e r a n d re a d i n g H i s wo rd . P ra y b o l d l y fo r Go d to a n s we r b i g p r a ye rs t h a t wo u l d b ri n g H i m g l o ry. P ra y t h a t y o u r o b e d i e n ce wo u l d b e a r mu ch fru i t. Day 6: A c ts 1 : 8 P r a y fo r Go d to p u t p e o p l e o n y o u r mi n d t h a t y o u n e e d to tell about Jesus. Ask Him if you should go on any of o u r ch u rch mi s s i o n tri p s t h i s y e a r o r i n t h e y e a rs t o c ome .

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Day 7: Ephesia ns 3:2 0 -21 P r a y, a ski ng G o d t o d o t h i n g s o n l y He c a n d o ! W h e n pe opl e see t h e m , t h e y w i l l k n o w i t i s G o d w h o a n s w e r s pr a y e r ! C ons i d e r s e t t i n g y o u r a l a r m f o r 3 : 2 0 p m e a c h da y a s a rem i n d e r t o p r a y t o s e e t h i n g s o n l y G o d c a n d o .

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PRAYER NOTES

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BIBLE FELLOWSHIP NOTES

JANUARY 22: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; Mark 10:17-27

MAIN POINT

True generosity connects us wit h a God who is joyful ly generous toward His children. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

A P P L I C AT I O N

Our aim is to understand God ’s joyful generosity toward us more deeply. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the least likely and 10 being most confident), rate your level of generosity. How would you rate your current level of financial generosity based on your capacity? What is one small, concrete step you can take to grow in your level of generosity? What is the role of individual giving in the mission of the church? What do you imagine the church is unable to do right now but would be able to do if everyone gave generously?

G E N E R O S I T Y P R AY E R

“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.”

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JANUARY 29: MY FIRST STEPS

Luke 19:1-10; John 6:1-13; Acts 10:1-8; Luke 8:1-3

Genesis 14:18-24; Proverbs 3:9-10

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A P P L I C AT I O N

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An encounter wit h t he generous Jesus leads to a l ife of consistent generosity.

Our aim is to begin our giving jour ney and grow into consistent givers. Beginning a jour ney of giving starts when we put some restraints on our spending. Where can you cut some spending in your own budget to prepare yourself to give more? Ho w can you contribute to and promote a culture of generosity in your home? Why is it important to develop generosity in your home early on? What is celebrated is repeated. Understanding how crucial giving is to living as a Christian. As we become more consistent in our giving, how can we joyfully hold one another accountable?

G E N E R O S I T Y P R AY E R

“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.” 55

FEBRUARY 5: GOT TO OR GET TO

I am a steward and not an owner. I will give my first fruits (10% of my income) to the Lord.

Our aim is to grow from consistent givers into t it hing givers. Give some thought to the three types of givers we have discussed so far—beginning giver, consistent giver, and tither. Which one best fits your current giving lifestyle? Where would you like to see growth over the next year? Why do you think so many church members choose not to tithe? Giving away 10% of your income will significantly impact your standard of living. Why should you move from consistent giving to tithing? How is this a heart issue? What do we communicate to God when we tithe faithfully? Why should tithing be a source of joy and not a burden for us?

G E N E R O S I T Y P R AY E R

“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.” 56

FEBRUARY 12: COUNT ME IN

Luke 10:30-35; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; Acts 4:36-37

2 Corinthians 9:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; Mark 10:17-27

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True generosity moves beyond a focus on the minimum.

A P P L I C AT I O N

Our aim is to move from t it hing givers to expand ing and extravagant givers. Here are some items to begin praying about. Tal k t hrough t hese wit h your Bible Fel lowship class and wit h your family. Ho w well infor med am I about my giving opportunities? What adjustments in my ear ning or spending do I need to make so I can be ready to give beyond my tithe as the Lord leads? Over my lifetime, what long-ter m generosity impact might I have? If I created my personal generosity dream life, what wo uld it look like? What steps can you make this year to begin to make a higher priority of this legacy lifestyle?

G E N E R O S I T Y P R AY E R

“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.” 57

FEBRUARY 19: NO HOLDING BACK

We achieve our “dream life” when we live in the freedom of giving.

A P P L I C AT I O N

Our aim has been to l ive generously, share joyful ly, and look expectant ly toward our future. Read Proverbs 8:17-21. What do these verses promise those who treasure the Lord above all else? What is one small, concrete step you can take to grow in your level of generosity? Of the five types of givers we have studied (beginning, consistent, tithing, expanding and extravagant), which one best represents where you are today? What will you do this year to grow toward becoming the generous person God desires you to be? What are a few concrete things that God can do if you increased your giving? What could the Lord do if our entire church family increased their giving?

G E N E R O S I T Y P R AY E R

“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.”

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SERMON NOTES

T B C L I F E . NE T/R E S OUR CE S/S E R MO NS Often we look at the apostle Paul and think that from day one he had arrived. In reality, his letters reveal a growing faith. As Paul exercised faith, he experienced God personally and was used by God mightily. Paul’s growing intimacy with Jesus overflowed into a passion and commitment to saturating the world with the gospel.

JANUARY 22: BELIEVE! Romans 1:14-17; 9:1-5; Acts 9

MAIN POINT

Bel ief in God should impact every day of your l ife. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Yo u r p a s s i o n a n d c o m m i t m e n t t o saturating the Pinebelt and the world with the gospel will be the overflow from a growing intimacy with Jesus.

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Paul gives us a patter n for living out a life of passion and significance…

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A P P L I C AT I O N How is your belief in God shaping practical daily decisions? How does your belief in God give purpose and meaning to your life? Identify 2 recent decisions that were deter mined by your personal faith. 59

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JANUARY 29: FOLLOW! Galatians 2:20; Acts 13-14

1 Thessalonians 5:24; Acts 15-18

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Int imacy wit h God deepens as you fait hful ly fol low him.

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Faith grows and strengthens when you trust God with everything.

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A P P L I C AT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

What evidence can you see that you are growing in faith?

Identify 2 spiritually “defining moments” in the last 12 months. Share with someone the story of how obedience to following Christ enabled you to experience Him in an intimate way. On a scale from 1 to 10, (least to greatest), where are you right now in your relationship with Jesus Christ? 61

FEBRUARY 5: TRUST!

Over the last 12 months, identify 2 areas where you stepped out in faith, totally dependent on God? In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God, (what do you worry about most)? What changes will you make so you will be totally dependent on God in all things? 62

FEBRUARY 12: FIRST! 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Acts 19-21

MAIN POINT

Priorit ies in l ife reveal your relat ionship wit h God.

2 Timothy 4:6-8; Acts 22-28

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Surrender is evidence of growing spiritual maturity.

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A P P L I C AT I O N Evaluate your weekly schedule and write out a time sheet for how you spend your time. Review your finances and write out an annual review to evaluate your financial priorities. What are the desires that drive your life? In what ways do you seek God’s kingdom first before seeking the things of this world? In what ways do you put His kingdom second? Prayerfully seek God’s wisdom and ask him to prioritize these key areas of your life. 63

FEBRUARY 19: SURRENDER!

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A P P L I C AT I O N Is there anything in your life that you are unwilling to surrender to God? Read Philippians 2:5-18. Prayerfully ask the Lord to help you to follow the example of Jesus. What tangible demonstration of surrender is God asking you to ma ke at this time?

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