WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE a2 A DANGEROUS CHURCH?

Yesterday I wrote about WHY another church in BHM is important. Today, I want to describe what it will take to launch a life-giving church in this city.

This is the third installment in our series with content from Sunday PM's Launch Team Meeting.


What will it take to make a2 Church a DANGEROUS CHURCH?

It won’t be easy… There will be a cost…

1. Commit To LAUNCH. (Launch Team)

Whether it is getting a business off the ground or launching a shuttle into space, there is no question which part of the journey involves the most energy…the LAUNCH! It’s CRITICAL to the entire mission.

You only get one shot at the Launch. That’s why the Launch Team is absolutely crucial to what God wants to accomplish through a2 church.

What is the LAUNCH TEAM?

• The LAUNCH TEAM is a “time-oriented” team.

There are two levels of commitment we are asking people to consider.

(1) Six Month Commitment

This will include your commitment to two preview services (June 22, July 20), accompanying organizational meetings, and 4 full months following the actual “launch” on August 17. The commitment begins immediately and ends in December 2008

(2) One Year Commitment

This commitment involves everything above, but continues for a full year and ends in May 2009.

NOTE: When we say that a Launch Team is “time-oriented” we mean that we will always maintain a “kingdom mindset” and should you feel led to pursue another avenue of service in God’s kingdom, we will graciously release you. Obviously, we would love for you to be a continuing part of God’s dream for a2, but we also understand that God places the members in the body “as He sees fit.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)

• The LAUNCH TEAM meets to plan strategy.

As we move closer to our stated “Launch Date” of Sunday, August 17, we will gather to plan and prepare for what God wants to accomplish through a2. Three issues will be critical: your attendance, investment and involvement.

• The LAUNCH TEAM is open to everyone and anyone.

If you agree with the mission, values and vision of a2 and you are willing to invest your energy, attendance and gifts in making a2 a reality, you have the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a2’s launch.

You don’t have to be a “saint” to be a part of the Launch Team. We aren’t looking for perfect people. If we were the Lead Pastor wouldn’t qualify. We’re looking for people who are ready and willing to create a “come as you are” kind of culture.

• The LAUNCH TEAM is mission driven.

The primary purpose of the Launch team is to invest and invite. Invest in people who aren’t connected with a local church and invite them to be a part of what God is doing through a2.


2. WALK ACROSS The ROOM . (Evangelism)

It will take God IGNITING a fresh fire in the hearts of men, women, young adults, students, teens, and children and fill us with a burning love for people who are far from God…

What does it mean to just “walk across the room”?

• We INVEST in people unconditionally.

• We INVITE them to join us in what God is doing.


Outreach Events:
• Neighborhood Socials – Ice Cream Socials, Dinner Parties, Cook Outs, Etc.

Preview Services:
• Sunday, June 22, 10 a.m. Location: TBA
• Sunday, July 27, 10 a.m. Location: TBA

Weekly Launch Date:
• Sunday, August 17, 10 a.m.


3. ROLL UP Your Sleeves. (Ministry)

It will take your willingness to serve. It will take your willingness to say, “God, how have you gifted me? How do you want me to serve through the ministry of a2?”

Here are some of the ministries that will be critical to a successful launch:

• Prayer
• Evangelism and Outreach
• Children’s Ministry
• Hospitality / Guest Services
• Worship
• Technical
• Set Up / Tear Down
• Small Groups


4. INVEST Your Resources. (Tithing and Offerings)

One of the things we will never do at a2 is that we will NEVER make a BIG DEAL out of money. In fact, we don’t want people to give because we ask them to give. We only want people to give should God ask or lead them to give.

But we really believe that part of what it means to be a devoted follower of Jesus is that we will honor Him with our resources… That means, we will honor Him with our tithes and offerings… And it is important for those of us who feel “called” to be a part of a2, support the ministry God has called us to be a part of…

There are all kinds of needs when it comes to a church plant:

• Leasing or Rental Cost on Worship Space
• General Liability Insurance Costs
• Sound / Lighting / Video Equipment
• Nursery Equipment and Supplies
• Children’s Ministry Equipment and Supplies
• Transportation (Storing and Moving Equipment)
• Salaries
• Outreach and Advertising


A few notes on giving to a2:

• We are committed to “doing more with less.” We want to be known as the church that provides incredible, high quality ministry on a disciplined budget.

• We are committed to maintaining high standards of accountability and following generally accepted accounting procedures.

I’m very excited about the people who will be guiding our management of resources.

Board Members:
Bob Smith (Successful Church Planter, Founder and Owner of Precision Husky)
Chris Taylor (Edward Jones Investments)
Micah Andrews (Minister, Director of Volunteer Services - The Foundry)
Hugh Lee (G.E. Health Services)
Theresa Berry (Licensed C.P.A. with an M.B.A. from U.T.)

Book Keeper:
Regina Sandlin (Gifted Business Woman)

• We are committed to honoring God with 10% of a2’s income.

a2 will always sow 10% of our tithes and offerings into ministries beyond a2.


5. Get On Your Knees. (Prayer)

"Human history belongs to the intercessors. It belongs to those who believe and pray the future into being.

History doesn't belong to the people we naturally think it belongs to. It doesn't belong to the rich, wealthy or powerful. It doesn't belong to armies, corporations or global media empires. History belongs to the intercessors. It belongs to those who pray the future into being…" ~ Walter Wink

Colossians 4:2-4 (NIV), Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

There are a few ways you can join us in covering the launch of a2 in prayer.

• Prayer Walks (Corporate and Individual Communities)
• Prayer Gatherings
• Prayer Initiatives (Team of 100 Prayer Partners)

That’s what it will take to make a2 a dangerous church… Tomorrow, I’ll write about the possibility of failure and what we can expect as we begin the adventure of planting a life-giving church in BHM…