MOVING FORWARD - a2

After much prayer, thought, investigation, conversations with mentors and friends, as well a considerable amount of time; Janet and I wanted to write to our ministry friends and partners to inform you that we believe God is leading us to plant a church in Birmingham, Alabama.

I would like to take a moment to share with you how we arrived at this decision.

First of all, during the past several months we have earnestly prayed for God’s direction concerning our ministry. We have taken numerous road trips to Atlanta (4), Nashville (2), Knoxville(4) and Louisville to investigate possible church plants or pastorates in these areas.

We have also conducted a considerable amount of demographic research in other areas, all the while asking God if He was leading us to plant a church in one of these areas... Throughout this time we have earnestly prayed for God’s leadership. After loads of research and lots of prayer we haven’t sensed any leading from God to pursue a church plant in one of these areas... After this lengthy process it seems that the Lord continues to lead us back to Birmingham.

Furthermore, upon arriving in Birmingham approximately three and a half years ago, I was struggling with why God had brought us back to Birmingham. I really believe God spoke to me while Janet and I were driving down Lakeshore Drive. I recall receiving this firm impression, “What if in the middle of a city with a history of racial tension and division, I created an Acts 2 community that became a light to this nation?” I’m fully persuaded that that mission is yet to be fulfilled.

That’s why in August 2008 we will launch a2 church. The “a2” refers to our desire to be an “Acts 2, biblically functioning community.”


Why another church in Birmingham?

According to David T. Olson, in an important book titled The American Church in Crisis, less than 25 (24.8) percent of the population in Alabama attend church on any given weekend. The North American Mission Board estimates that the population of Jefferson County in 2006 was a little more than 665,000. The population of Shelby County in 2006 was estimated at approximately 183,500. That’s more than 848,500 people in this two county region! If David Olson’s research is correct, that means that there are more than 636,375 people in this two county area who are officially UNCHURCHED. This represents a significant harvest field.

Andy Stanley says that according to his research, people in the Deep South regularly over estimate their actual church attendance. In other words, because church attendance in the Deep South is culturally expected, people will say they attend church, when in reality they haven’t attended in years except in the case of a wedding or a funeral. That means that the number of UNCHURCHED people in the Birmingham area could be significantly more than Olson’s research indicates.

Here’s the point: church planting is extremely important if we are to reach the huge harvest that exists in Birmingham, Alabama.

Janet and I are humbled by the immensity of the work required in planting a new church. Nothing is for certain. The latest research indicates that the failure rate of church plants is alarming... We are well aware that without the activity of God we are completely sunk... At the same time, we are very excited, because we feel a sense of purpose and destiny in joining God in His activity in this city...


What’s in a name? Why “a2 church?”


Two thousand years ago there was a group of people consumed by the adventure of following Jesus. They took Him at His word! They were fully alive, passionate and joyful. They were radically different!

These men and women were filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit. They wholeheartedly devoted themselves to God’s Word. They were committed to doing life together. They prayed with conviction and confidence. When they prayed, things actually happened! They were passionate and God-centered in worship. Their influence and impact eventually transformed the world.

a2 church is more than a building or organization. It’s a diverse group of believers united by their relationship with Jesus and committed to being an “Acts 2, biblically functioning community.”


What will this new church be about? What’s the mission?

a2’s Mission: …to glorify God and lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here are the core values that will drive a2 Church.

God First: We call it worship. It’s about expressing our love and devotion to God. It’s responding to all that God is with all that we are. We want to honor God in everything we do by worshipping passionately, praying intensely, living with integrity and always doing our best. (Matt 22:36-37; Col 3:17, 23; Mal 1:6-14)

People Matter: People matter to God and they ought to matter to us. We reach out to people who haven’t experienced a relationship with God and invite them into the adventure of a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Lk 5:30-32; 15; Matt 18:14; 28:19-20)

Love and Acceptance: We love and accept people unconditionally, right where they are, no strings attached, and lead them to the healing and wholeness available in Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:8; Jn 13:34-35)

Celebrate Diversity: The first century church was a diverse community of faith. We believe that ethnic diversity reveals the beauty and creativity of God. It is an earthly picture of what heaven will be like. We will pursue ethnic diversity and racial reconciliation. (Gal 3:26-29; Rev 5:9)

Life Change: We believe in God’s ability to radically transform and change lives form the inside out through the person of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We diligently pursue spiritual growth and personal transformation. (Eph 4:22-32; Heb 12:1; Phil 1:6; Rom 12:1-2; Lk 9:23; 2 Pet 3:18)

Everyone Belongs: We were made to do life together. We believe that lasting life change, personal transformation and spiritual growth best occur in the context of authentic, life-giving relationships. (Acts 2:42, 46-47; 1 Jn 4:7-13)

Biblical Truth and Cultural Relevance: We will be true to God’s Word and relevant to our culture. We will never be out of date, out of touch or out of sync with God. We strive to be creative, innovative, practical, excellent and uncompromising in presenting the truth of God’s unchanging Word to our changing culture. (1 Cor 9:19-23; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Tim 4:1-5)

Creativity and Artistry: We believe that God is the master artist. He paints on a canvas as big as the Universe. We desire to move people towards a God-centered vision of the arts that expresses itself through worship, the discipleship of artists, and creating a life-giving community where artists are inspired to use their gifts to glorify God and inspire people. (Ps19:1 Ex 31:2; 35:30-35)

Make A Difference: We believe that God has given every individual some amazing gifts. We champion the gifts, talents and abilities of every individual and challenge them to use these gifts to honor God by serving others and making a difference in our community and world. (Mk 10:45; 1 Cor 12, 14; Rom 12; Eph 4; 1 Pet 4:10)

Pray Hard: We will pray like everything depends on God and work like everything depends on us. (Eph 6:19-20; Col 4:2-6)


Will a2 be affiliated with a denomination?

No. We really believe God is calling us to plant a non-denominational church. However, we will be affiliated with a network of churches. We are presently working through this process.

The 501(c)3 is for a2 is in process and should be completed within the next few days. We will notify you when this is complete.


Have you decided on a location for the weekly worship gatherings?

No. The location of the church plant is still being determined. We are prayerfully investigating a variety of options and at this point, speculation as to a location would be entirely premature.


What about your relationship with other churches?

We view ourselves as partners with every other gospel-centered pastor and church. We will not seek to actively invite or “proselytize” anyone who is an active part of any church. Our mission and vision is not to “recycle” those who are already churched, but to reach out to people who desperately need a relationship with Jesus Christ and people who have disconnected from church.


When will a2 launch?

Our weekly worship gatherings will begin on Sunday, August 17. We will conduct preview services in May, June and July. We will also be conducting “vision gatherings” and launch team meetings throughout the next four months. We will announce dates at a later time.


What can I do?

Please pray for us as we pursue this venture of faith... We desperately need God’s wisdom and direction.

If you are not connected with a local church, please pray as to whether or not God wants you to be connected with a2. We believe God places the members in the church “as He sees fit” (1 Corinthians 12:7), and we are asking God to bring together a launch team of people committed to building a church for the unchurched and spiritually disconnected in Birmingham, Alabama.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at one of the following addresses:

cgoins1127@bellsouth.net (Chris)
cgoins@a2church.org (Chris)
jgonbama@gmail.com (Janet)

You may also write or call us at the following:

328 Stone Brook Circle
Birmingham, AL 35226
205.979.3633

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement throughout this entire process. We appreciate you more than words can say. Now, we expectantly look forward to all that God will do in our city.

To The Glory and Honor of Our Great God!
Chris and Janet Goins