Guidebook Content v14 - Christ's Church

For over 50 years, God has blessed and

worked through the people of Christ's

Church, resulting in thousands of people

giving their lives to Christ. Now, a defining

season is beginning at Christ's Church. We

are acting on a vision that has been on

our hearts for over four years. The gospel

compels us to many things, and one of

the most important is radical generosity.

Just as Christ poured out His generosity

for us on the cross, we are to pour out

our lives as an offering to Him and to

others.

As God continues to bring opportunities

for growth to us as a church, He also

brings opportunities for growth to us as

individuals. We do not want to be a

people who live in the safe zone. We

choose courage over comfort. We choose

to raise the spear. We chase the lion.

Lead PastorChrist’s Church

Trevor DeVage

3

50+ years in the making 7Why we Raise the Spear 10

Christ's Church: Here for a reason 12Raise the Spear for

home and community 14Raise The Spear for Kids 16Raise The Spear to Serve 18

Raise The Spear for the World 20What Now? 23

Operating Budget 25The Granary 26

Giving Steps 32Sample Commitment Card 37

What's next 38Ways to give 39

Week 1 Devotional 41Week 2 Devotional 57Week 3 Devotional 73Week 4 Devotional 89

Week 5 Devotional 105Week 6 Devotional 121

5

Christ’s Church has been striving to fulfill the ultimate mission of redeeming people back to God for over half a century. From the day our

doors opened in 1964 at Western Row Elementary School to our current location, we’ve been seeking God as a church family.

Like any family, we’ve experienced blessings, challenges, change, and growth!

Isn’t it something how we forget to stop and look at our past—where we’ve come from and how we got here? When we take a moment to do this, the thankfulness hits us! God has been so faithful to us throughout our journey. We

can get excited as we anticipate what God has for us next as individuals and as a church.

years inthe making50+

7

FOR OVER 50 YEARS, the people of Christ’s Church have witnessed breathtaking moments of

life transformation through Jesus Christ in ourselves, in our neighborhoods, across the

nation, and beyond the seas. We believe God is redeeming, restoring, and rebuilding our lives,

and we continue to raise our spear to honor Him. “. . . Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to

redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to

do what is good.” (Titus 2:13-14, NIV)

When we gather together to worship, we’re raising the spear. When we sit on the edge of our

seats, thirsty for truth, we’re raising the spear. When we pray for the Mason community, we’re

raising the spear. When we partner with missions in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, we’re raising our spear. When we teach

our kids, we’re raising the spear. When we train our students, we’re raising the spear. When we

make disciples, we’re raising the spear. In a world divided, we are united. We’re vehemently raising

the spear!

aboutChrist’sChurch

8

THESE ARE THE FIVE THINGS WE FOCUS ON, FIVE STRATEGIESTHAT GET OUR TIME AND THE BEST OF OUR RESOURCES:

WE TRAIN OUR STUDENTS

Investing in the next generation

as we worship, group up, and serve...together.

WE GATHER ON THE

WEEKENDS TO WORSHIP

Strengthening the ways

we worship Jesus and

inviting our friends

to join us.

WE SERVE

OUR NEIGHBORS

Reaching our neighbors:

here and there, in Mason

and around the world.

WE MAKE DISCIPLES

FOR GOD’S MISSION

Helping each other pray,

study, care, and live

on mission as

Jesus’ disciples.

WE TEACH

OUR KIDS

Partnering with

families to train up

children to trust,

love, and serve God.

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We believe God wants Christ’s Church to be known as a church where people are warmly welcomed by us and surprised by the love of Jesus. A place where we help people take their next steps toward Christ�together.

The opportunities before us are tremendous. With a population of around 33,000 in Mason, Ohio, we are raising the spear to reach not only all of Mason but the 61,000 people in a 10-mile radius of us who are unchurched. With resident firms like Procter & Gamble and Mitsubishi attracting a diverse workforce to Mason, and Mason’s close proximity to Cincinnati and Dayton, plus our online CC LIVE campus, we’re aiming high–even beyond the 61,000. We're raising the spear!

Christ’sChurchhere fora reason

12

New people will continue to move to our area. Families will be in transition as kids begin attending new schools and their parents take on new job responsibilities. Young people will be settling into first jobs and new friendships. As people navigate the stressors of transition, we must be ready to meet them where they are with the message of Jesus’ love and an invitation for them to experience abundant life.

Today, there are tens of thousands of unchurched people around Christ's Church. We must do whatever it takes to build relationships based on empathy and care. We're just getting started on the exciting work happening through Christ’s Church.

It’s who we’ve been for over 50 years now.

It’s who we’ll continue to be: a mission outpost in Mason, shining Christ’s love.

There are

unchurched people ina 10-mile radius of

Christ’s Church.

61,000

TIP: You’ll see lots of fun stats throughout this piece. These aren’t justnumbers. They represent people, changed lives, and possibilities! 13

The church gathers on the weekends to worship Jesus, and we invite our friends and community to join us. We are people of the Bible who discover our story wrapped up in the Story of God. We work hard to contextualize our weekend experience within our present culture, so that the Gospel is delivered with clarity and relevance.

Our prayer is that anyone attending Christ’s Church would choose to return, because their spiritual thirst is being quenched by Jesus; that they experience the joy, excellence, and practical biblical help that draws each of us closer to Him.

Because the arts honor God and inspire people, our consistent use of music, video, and creativity makes the weekend experience ideally suited to helping people discover and take their next steps.

we raise the spearfor our home

and community

What if...What if our weekend services experienced double-digit percentage growth in the next two years?

What if we had room for everyone to gather in the same space before worship services begin? What if we had an inviting outdoor space that would make the community want to come and hang out throughout the week? What if so much activity was going on here that people driving by would come here to see?

What if we enhanced the environment of our weekend worship space to improve our focus on the delivery of the Gospel, because we raise the spear for Christ’s message?

There are some things

we’re dreaming about.

We're asking big ques-

tions, like "What if...this

happened?" Read on to

ask these questions with us.

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Each of us must consistently invite

our friends to our weekend services to

meet Jesus and experience the love

and forgiveness He brings.

We must develop additional leaders

and teachers, broadening our diverse

team for maximum impact to reach a

large percentage of the 61,000

unchurched people in our area.

We must be a people God is using to

see marriages healed, domestic

violence reduced, and Mason become

a place families want to move to,

because we’re raising the spear for

Christ.

We must reach thousands more each

weekend… We must raise the spear!

We must...

made a decisionto follow Christ.

150+150+ 3,000+attended Christmas

Eve services.

There are some things we’ve realized we must do in order to fulfill God’s call on our church. Keep an eye out for these in the coming pages.

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12kids receivedscholarships

to attendday camp.

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kids

CC Kids is a licensed, accredited, faith-based, private school for young children 2 to 5 years old. We believe there is tremendous opportunity to

grow intellectually and spiritually during the early childhood years. Honoring the family as the child’s most influential teacher, our loving and professional staff provides safe, active learning in environments

designed to inspire wonder and engage the whole child.

We also provide summer camps for children ages 3 to 5 and Grades 1 to 6.

Our summer camps are designed to engage a child’s interest and teach

him or her new things about the amazing world God has created. We

have weekly themes and Bible verses, as well as sports, science,

field trips, and lots of outdoor time.

kids werebaptized atChrist’s Church.50+

125little ones werededicated by their parents.

kids attendedday camp.

696

volunteers give 90 minutes each weekend

to help make the weekend service the best hour of

every kid's week!

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Access Ministry serves individuals with special needs from birth through adults. We offer a loving, safe environment where the teachers are trained and the lessons are adapted to the needs of our students. Access works together with the family to make their child feel loved and cared for, and to broaden their relationship and understanding of Christ. Alongside our Sunday classes, we also offer a variety of programs for our families throughout the year like our quarterly Respites and Game Knights, and annual Night to Shine Prom through the Tim Tebow Foundation.

accessministry

What if...What if 1,000 kids attended summer camp and 200 children were baptized or dedicated?

What if we relocated our offices and created additional space for children during each weekend service?

We must make provision for every child who wants to go to summer camp, where they can make new friends, experience the love of Jesus, and learn in a uniquely fun environment.

We must commit to involving parents through high-impact family opportunities that help them effectively navigate childhood transitions and take steps together toward Jesus.

We must...

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Serving others is part of our DNA at Christ’s Church (CC). We give our time and talents to extend God’s love in our kids’ and students’ ministries, in our

Starting Point teams, in groups, in the arts, and in caring for our church and facilities. In our neighborhoods and work places. In our community, both here and there. We are for Mason. We raise the spear for our community.

We want every student and adult at CC to understand their God-given SHAPE, that is, their unique wiring to serve, so that thousands of us are

living on mission in our church, in our community, and around the world for the sake of Christ�because we raise the spear for Christ’s mission.

Almost

volunteers serve here

regularly within the

church’s walls.

700

volunteers served at

the Tim Tebow Night to

Shine Prom, which

had 238 guests.

460

More than

adults and studentstravelled to the

Dominican Republic to help with community

developmentin 2017.

50

18

In 2017

What if...What if every on-campus volunteer team was inviting new people to join them, helping new people experience community in a fulfilling way with space to take their next steps toward Christ?

What if we adopted a local public school to encourage their teachers and administrators and to support and care for their students, demonstrating the love of Jesus through our hands and our time?

What if, during the next two years, we could quadruple the current number of church planters in the Dominican Republic, Africa, or Europe?

What if we served the least of these by building a dozen more houses and helping 100 more kids receive exceptional education in Africa,�because we're raising the spear?

What if we moved from 40% of us serving regularly to 60% of us making a difference through our time and talents?

We must increase our efforts in the Mason community. We’ll give more to feed more hungry people. We’ll innovate new ways for us to serve, so our community knows God loves them and we love them.

We must...

19

raise the spearfor the world

God’s design for us is Christ-centered transformation in every area of our lives, which is what it means to be a disciple. We follow Jesus,

learning how to love and live as He modeled for us. Because we are created for relationships and not intended for isolation, we group up.

Together, we are committed to studying the Scriptures, prayer, and helping each other take steps to be more like Jesus. Together, we love

and are loved; we care and are cared for.

What if...What if our people could engage in a process where they would gain a comprehensive perspective on their unique wiring and develop a life plan that honors God’s purposes? What if new levels of intentionality for leadership development were possible for every leader in our church, because we’re raising the spear?

What if our groups were across the nation and around the world, doing life together in such an explosive way that results in double-digit percentage growth in the numbers of those participating?

What if each of us owned our spiritual journey in personal relationship with Jesus, committed to learning His way through the Bible? What if we lived lives of love, accepting our responsibility to invite others to follow Him with us?

20

We must offer a pathway for everyone to engage in intentional, structured discipleship opportunities — especially for new believers and new guests.

We must provide a way to help each of us understand and identify our place in God’s grand story, to understand and embrace His mission for our lives.

We must equip ourselves with biblical knowledge and tools that will help us in our marriages, parenting, generosity, and knowledge of Christ. We are committed to studying and applying the Bible to our lives�because we raise the spear as we witness to the world.

We must...

people were baptized in 2017.

150+

groups gatherregularly.

50+are involved in groups where people

encourage andchallenge one another.

500

21

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We must hire, develop, and train more staff leaders to equip each of us to live on mission.

We must continue to improve our main campus that sits on 50 acres of land.

We must streamline and fully utilize our massive indoor facility space used for gathering, worshiping, small groups, and classes. We must also create a useful outdoor space that will attract neighbors in the community, as well as members of CC, as a desirable place to hang out.

We must update our facility with modern décor, current technology, and relevant messaging.

We must develop innovative methods for gathering information and communicating powerful stories with each guest, new and old, in the most efficient and effective ways possible.

We must train young leaders as well as house church planters for our online campus.

We must...

We raisethe spear.We run to

the roar.

Being generous is

when it’s a one-timething. But it’s a lot

more effective whenit becomes a way of

EASY

LIFE.

As we have for more than 50 years, we are intentionally moving toward a way of living defined by love and generosity, motivated by God’s love. This isn't about giving money to a specific project or goal—though we hope to accomplish a lot of those in the next few years. This is about each of us examining our hearts and determining to live in such a way that generosity defines us. Changes our DNA. Shapes our choices.

What if for the next two years, we all come together and do our part? What if we all give to one mission out of which all the work of the church is supported? One fund that will provide for an even more beautiful and integrative community campus, as well as provide for kids, students, groups, and more. One bucket of resources that, if filled, gives us the opportunity to turn all our "What ifs" into realities.

You've probably heard that to be healthy, fads don't work. Being healthy requires a lifestyle change. One visit to the gym and a single salad won't do the job. It requires consistent, daily discipline to eat well and exercise to be healthy.

Generosity works the same way. Giving daily of yourself, your time, your talent, and your resources will develop the kind of generous spirit—a spirit of love—that enables all of us to advance the cause of Christ in Mason and beyond, in a way that none of us could do on our own.

As each of us takes the next step God is asking of us with our generosity, together we will fuel the work of Jesus through Christ’s Church. Life change, hope, and healing, through our weekend experience, serving in our community and around the world.

So what does this mean for you? Where do you go from here? We hope this guide is a tool that spurs you on to discover what your next step is. Those steps will look different for each of us, but the impact will be huge. Take your step and watch to see what God will do!

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AS WE EMBARK ON OUR NEXT SEASON OF KINGDOM

IMPACT, WE DECLARE GOD AS NUMBER ONE IN OUR LIVES.

TOGETHER, WE ARE PRAYING AND ASKING FOR:

of us who call 100%

Christ's Church their church

home to boldly trust God,

with with faith, courage,

to have a life-changing

generosity experience

$15M IN GENEROSITY

would be celebrated over

the next two years

to further God's Kingdom

and lead thousands

of people to God

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raise the spear$15M OVER TWO YEARS

GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET $7.5M

FOR OUR COMMUNITY - $4.5M

(phase one construction includes)

Building Enhancements: Our children's space is in much need of

a complete makeover due to extensive use over the last 15 years.

We will create an inviting, exciting, and interactive space for the

next generation to meet and experience Jesus.

We will create a common space to engage both new and old friends

before and after services while accessing our core Sunday ministries

from a centralized space currently gravely underutilized.

A new primary entrance located on the south side of our

building will provide a much clearer and direct traffic pattern

for our guests as well as all of us into the common space.

FOR OUR HOME - $2M

Debt Elimination: Our goal of 2 million dollars will effectively pay off

our outstanding balance when joined by our regularly scheduled

mortgage payments and reduction in interest gained by making early

payments over the next 2 years. This will ultimately free up over

300,000 dollars a year going forward once it is eliminated.

FOR OUR WORLD - $1M

Global Church Planting: This million-dollar investment will take us

to nearly half of the 100 churches we want to establish and fund in

partnership with Go Ministries. With this goal, 43 churches will be able

to join the fight of redeeming us back to God, by Raising the Spear

in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Mongolia.

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the granary

26

Looking towards the Auditorium

27

Looking towardsthe Gym entrance

28

the granaryLooking towards the parking lot

29

Looking towardsthe children's wing

30

master plan

31

Overhead view

32

giving steps

The Giving Steps is a tool designed to help each of us focus on the attitudes of our hearts. Each step represents growth in a lifestyle of generosity and sacrifice. These are not steps you ascend to get closer to God, but this is a simple way for you to evaluate your personal growth in generosity. The Bible encourages us to grow in every aspect of our walk with Jesus, including the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7).

LIFETIME GIVER

2 Corinthians 8:7-15

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Luke 14:28-35

1 Timothy 6:6-19

Colossians 1:15-18, 22-23

INITIAL GIVER

CONSISTENT GIVER

INTENTIONAL GIVER

SURRENDERED GIVER

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Lifetime Givers think about the long-term effects of generosity rather than month-to-month generosity or even year-to-year. Lifetime Givers make decisions in the short term, which have long-term effects as it relates to their generosity capacity. They think of what home they buy, what car they purchase, how much savings they choose to keep, all in relation to their generosity capacity. Lifetime Givers might be people who have a lifetime giving goal which governs their larger-ticket decisions. Much like Surrendered Givers make a commitment that will govern their monthly and annual decisions, Lifetime Givers make a lifetime or longer-term giving commitment that governs their larger-item purchases like homes, cars, investments, and the like.

Surrendered Givers recognize the cost Christ paid on the cross for us and are surrendered to honoring God with 100% of their resources as a result. Surrendered Givers give in a way that changes them. Their giving governs their spending/saving rather than their spending/saving governing their giving. Surrendered Givers aren't concerned with what they ARE giving but more concerned with what they're NOT giving and why. They seek to honor God with 100% of what He has given them, whether direct monetary giving or a God-honoring use of an existing resource like a home or a vehicle.

Intentional Givers begin to think about their giving in relation to other things on which they spend their money. For example, this type of giver begins asking the question, “Why am I giving more to AT&T than I am giving to God? Should I be giving to God more than I give for my car payment each month?” These givers start to make their giving an intentional choice that reflects how they prioritize and spend their money. This may be the point of intentionality when givers begin to tithe, reflecting intentionally about a certain amount/percentage they want to give to God.

Consistent Givers decide to give something and give it consistently to exercise the discipline of giving regularly. Often, givers who decide to make their gift an online recurring gift will be those who are learning the behavior of consistency. Non-online givers can be consistent givers as well, of course; it just requires more discipline.

Initial Givers decide to give for the first time, out of a response to God's Word about giving. They decide to give something and trust God and the leaders of the Church with this gift.

2 Corinthians 8:7-15INITIAL GIVER

2 Corinthians 9:6-8CONSISTENT GIVER

Luke 14:28-35INTENTIONAL GIVER

Colossians 1:15-18, 22-23SURRENDERED GIVER

LIFETIME GIVER 1 Timothy 6:6-19

TIP: Wherever you are on the Giving Steps, consider additional resources God has blessed you with (like savings, stocks, etc.) that He might be asking you to give to His work through Christ’s Church.

math time!Don’t StreSS! Th

ere’S no

teSt at the end of thiS.

ThiS Space iS for you

to jot down Some ideaS

and numberS that you

feel like God might be

calling you to give.

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my projected

giving

my next step

my projected givingCalculate here

=

+

$5,000

$2,500

$7,500

=

+

$15,000

$7,000

$22,000

What I normally give each year(tithes, offerings, missions, special gifts)

My expanded annual generosity

x 2 years =

My kickstart offering

Through my faith in God’s provision, my intention is to give to CC:

lifetime giversurrendered giverintentional giverconsistent giverinitial giver

I’m taking this step today and moving to this level of giving:

a

b

c

John Smith faithfully gives 10% of his $50,000 salary.

After praying through this series, John feels led to give evenmore, increasing his gift to 15%.

In addition to his expanded giving, John chooses to give a generous gift of stock, which the church then sells for $7,000.

a

b

c35

two-year gift chart

As you pray and discern how God would ask you to give during this time, use this gift chart as a discipleship tool—let it be something that inspires

and challenges you towards greater generosity for Christ's kingdom as we seek to give it all for Him.

GiftsNeeded

1

1

2

3

5

8

15

20

35

50

65

75

95

200

399

$1,500,000

$1,000,000

$750,000

$360,000

$250,000

$150,000

$75,000

$50,000

$36,000

$25,000

$12,000

$8,000

$4,800

$3,000

$1,000

$750,000

$500,000

$375,000

$180,000

$125,000

$75,000

$37,500

$25,000

$18,000

$12,500

$6,000

$4,000

$2,400

$1,500

$500

$62,500

$41,667

$31,250

$15,000

$10,417

$6,250

$3,125

$2,083

$1,500

$1,042

$500

$333

$200

$125

$42

$1,500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$1,080,000

$1,250,000

$1,200,000

$1,125,000

$1,000,000

$1,260,000

$1,250,000

$780,000

$600,000

$456,000

$600,000

$399,000

Two-YearGift Level

AnnualGift

MonthlyGift

Gift LevelTotal

Total Goal: $15,000,000

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count me inplease, print

my projected givingCalculate here

=

+

=

+

What I normally give each year

(tithes, offerings, missions, special gifts)

My expanded annual generosity

x 2 years =

My kickstart offering

Through my faith in God’s provision,

my intention is to give to CC:

I’m taking this step today and

moving to this level of giving:

Name(s):

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Email: Birthdate:

Signature: Date:

Contact me about donating stocks or other assets.

(Information to be used forbudget purposes and your next step

of trust in God’s faithfulness)

You can also pledge via email to [email protected].

Tell us why this vision has captured your heart and support.Share your story by emailing us at [email protected].

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lifetime giver

surrendered giver

intentional giver

consistent giver

initial giver

2

what’s next?

You might feel ready to give right here and now. That’s great!But most of us will need time over the coming weeks to think and process through where we are and what God will want us to do next. Spend time in prayer each day this month.

Evaluate and consider what next giving step you're going totake. There is no one-size-fits-all formula, no quick accounting, no percentage target. This isn’t something set in stone, but it will help us plan and be strategic about what we are able to achieve together for God’s purposes.

This is a very personal journey for everyone involved. One person might make a million-dollar gift without changing their lifestyle, while another will give $100 and have to radically adjust spending for the year. Consider what your kickstart offering will be, and give. Pick the method that works for you: in person, online, via text, or through an appreciated asset.

Tell others about why you believe in this vision. Let your friends know why this is so important to you that you’re making changes in your lifestyle to give. Send it in to [email protected]. Your story will challenge others to take a step in generosity, but only if you tell it!

PRAY.

TURN IN YOUR “COUNT ME IN” CARD.

CONSIDER YOUR KICKSTART OFFERING.

TELL YOUR STORY.

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KEY DATES

CHRIST’S CHURCH APP

Download from Apple or Android App Store. Click

GIVE, then GIVE NOW

ways to give

IN SERVICE

Drop it in the offeringplate during service

ONLINE

Set it up atourchristschurch.com/give

Learn about the benefits of giving appreciated assets.

Contact:[email protected]

APPRECIATED ASSETS

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TIP: For electronic giving, be sure to select “general” giving.We are one church. One mission. One fund.

TEXT

Text ccmasonto 77977*

all all

all

heart soul

strength mind’;

‘Love

all

your God with your and

with your

and with your and, your neighbor as

He answered,“‘Love the Lord

and with your

yourself.’”

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community group

discussionsW�k 1

41

mission

3. READ GENESIS 12. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABRAM FELT

WHEN GOD CALLED HIM TO THIS MISSION?

2. WHAT PREVENTS US FROM MAKING THOSE MISSIONS A

REALITY?

1. WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST MISSION YOU CAN THINK OF

LAUNCHING INTO? TRAVELLING TO MARS? TALKING TO A

NEIGHBOR? GOING ON A MISSION TRIP TO ZIMBABWE?

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Definition of mission: a specific task with which a person or a group is charged.

mission

6. MATHEW 28:16-20 IS “THE GREAT CO(MISSION).” HOW

HAVE YOU BEEN TAKING THAT MISSION TO HEART?

5. HOW HAS GOD BLESSED YOU? AND WHAT HAVE YOU

DONE WITH THAT BLESSING?

4. PUT YOURSELF IN ABRAM'S SHOES. WHAT WOULD YOU

HAVE BEEN THINKING?

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weekendseries notes

44

Date:

/ /

Message Title:

Key Scriptures:

personalgrowthplan

Date:

/ /Scripture reading:

EXPERIENCE JESUS

How or where did Jesus show up in your life this week?

How did you or will you respond?

Highlights and questions from the weekend:

EQUIP TO BE REPRODUCING DISCIPLES

Who are you pouring into or how are you being equipped?

ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY

MY NEXT STEP

Before next week, I will...

How are you serving and who are you inviting?

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46

Key Scripture:

mondayW�k 1

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

(John 3:16)

F O C U S Q U E S T I O N

When did you first hear about the love of

God? When has it felt most real to you?

Date:

/ /notes

WHERE OR HOW HAS JESUS SHOWN UP FOR ME TODAY?

HERE’S HOW I WILL RESPOND:

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48

Key Scripture:

tuesdayW�k 1

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did

not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to

life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved

us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor

the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-35, 37-39)


What in your life―your personal history or current

circumstance―makes it difficult to trust the love of God? Is

there anything that feels like it stands in the way of that

love? If there is, take some time to reread this passage

slowly and prayerfully, and ask God to help these words

sink in.

Date:

/ /notes


49


50

Key Scripture:

wednesdayW�k 1

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,

Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)


Where in your life have you most

needed the grace of God?

Date:

/ /notes


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thursdayW�k 1Key Scripture:

“Praise the Lord, my soul;all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, my soul,and forget not all his benefits—

who forgives all your sinsand heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pitand crowns you with love and compassion,who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”(Psalm 103:1-5)


Today, try writing a prayer of thanks to God. What

words would you use to express to Him your

gratitude for the ways He has loved you?

Date:

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53


54

Key Scripture:

fridayW�k 1

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God

with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest

commandment.” (Matthew 22:36-38)


How could you actively love God today? Is there an act of

obedience, a greater attention to His Word, a special sacrifice

you could make, that expresses your love for Him?

Date:

/ /notes


55


56

all all

all

heart soul

strength mind’;

‘Love

all


with your



and with your

yourself.’”

34

community group

discussionsW�k 2

57

trust

3. READ GENESIS 15:1-7. WHAT DID GOD TELL ABRAM THAT

SEEMS UNBELIEVABLE?

2. SHARE SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE DONE THAT NO

ONE WOULD BELIEVE?

1. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE HEARD THAT IS

UNBELIEVABLE (FAKE NEWS OR OTHERWISE)?

58

trust

6. IN WHAT AREAS OF YOUR LIFE DO YOU NEED TO GO

“ALL IN” (LIKE ABRAM) AND TRUST GOD COMPLETELY?

5. WHEN HAVE YOU TRUSTED GOD IN THE PAST?

4. HOW DID GOD'S HISTORY WITH ABRAM MAKE IT EASIER

FOR HIM TO TRUST GOD?

59

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Key Scripture:

mondayW�k 2

“I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ

may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have

power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of

Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all

the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout

all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”(Ephesians 3:14-21)


How has the Church–the people of God, whether at

CC or elsewhere–helped you discover God’s love?

Where have you seen His power at work in the

Church?

Date:

/ /notes


63


64

Key Scripture:

tuesday

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for

our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever

seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:7-12)


Have you ever been well-loved by another follower of

Jesus? What happened? What effect did it have on you?

W�k 2

Date:

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65


66

Key Scripture:

wednesday

�“And the second [command] is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:39)


Which neighbors come to mind when you ask God who

He’s calling you to love? People on your street? Co-workers?

Classmates? Name them and begin to pray for them,

asking God how you might love them the way God has

loved us.

W�k 2

Date:

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68


“You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members

of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple

in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by

his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)


What do you think our church should be like if

we are “being built together to become a

dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit”?

Date:

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69


70

Key Scripture:

friday

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of

Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of

the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied,

‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in

heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will

not overcome it.’” (Matthew 16:13-18)


When Jesus says the gates of Hades (or hell) will not

overcome the church, He’s creating an image of a church

that raids hell to rescue the people there. Have you seen

the Church rescue people? What has that felt like?

W�k 2

Date:

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71


72

all all

all

heart soul

strength mind’;

‘Love

all


with your



and with your

yourself.’”

34

community group

discussionsW�k 3

73

transformation

3. READ GENESIS 13. LOT WAS ATTRACTED TO THE

TEMPORAL WHILE ABRAM WAS THINKING LONG TERM.

WHEN HAVE YOU SETTLED FOR LESS THAN GOD'S BEST

LIKE LOT DID?

2. HOW DOES YOUR ANSWER TO THE ABOVE QUESTION

REFLECT YOUR PRIORITIES IN SPENDING?

1. DAVE RAMSEY TALKS ABOUT TWO DIFFERENT KINDS OF

PEOPLE WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY: THE NERD AND THE

FREE SPIRIT. WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

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transformation

5. WHAT IS ONE PRACTICAL STEP THAT YOU COULD TAKE

IN ORDER TO ALIGN WITH GOD'S PRIORITIES?

4. READ ROMANS 12:1-2. ARE YOUR PRIORITIES DIFFERENT

THAN GOD'S?

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Key Scripture:

mondayW�k 3

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the

Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely

I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)


What has God given you that can help with this

mission, to make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them, and teaching them to obey

Jesus?

Date:

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79


80

Key Scripture:

tuesday

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to

give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and

enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being

saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)


How could God use your generosity as He adds “to [our]

number daily those who [are] being saved?”

W�k 3

Date:

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82

Key Scripture:

wednesday

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to

knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing

measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus

Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)


Where are you on this path, taking steps

from faith to love? What’s your next step?

W�k 3

Date:

/ /notes


83


84


“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the

surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I

consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him.” (Philippians 3:7-9)


What is it about knowing Christ that would cause a

person to consider everything else worthless in

comparison? What are you tempted to treasure more

than your relationship with Jesus?

Date:

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85


86

fridayW�k 3Key Scripture:

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and

participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the

dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11)


How might you become like Jesus in his

death? What can you lay down in life today

as you remember Jesus laying down his life?

Date:

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87


88

all all

all

heart soul

strength mind’;

‘Love

all


with your



and with your

yourself.’”

34

community group

discussionsW�k 4

89

sacrifice

3. READ GENESIS 22. ABRAHAM HAD TO GIVE UP THE

THING HE LOVED THE MOST IN ORDER TO OBEY GOD.

COULD YOU DO THE SAME? WHY OR WHY NOT?

2. HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO SACRIFICE SOMETHING IN

YOUR LIFE?

1. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD

SACRIFICE?

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sacrifice

5. WHAT WOULD YOUR REACTION BE IF GOD ASKED YOU

TO SACRIFICE THOSE THINGS?

4. WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU LOVE THE MOST? BE

HONEST (MONEY, RELATIONSHIPS, CAREER,

POSSESSIONS)…

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Key Scripture:

mondayW�k 4

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of

me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win

the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)


What do you need to forget or leave

behind as you strain ahead toward Jesus?

Date:

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95


96

Key Scripture:

tuesday

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly

provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way

they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)


In what ways are you rich? How are you

tempted to put your hope in that wealth?

W�k 4

Date:

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97


98

Key Scripture:

wednesday

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

(Proverbs 11:24-25)


Have you ever given something away and discovered

that you were richer after you gave than before?

W�k 4

Date:

/ /notes


99


100


“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or

under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

(2 Corinthians 9:7-8)


What are you sensing in your heart as you prepare to

give to the good work we’re doing together as a church?

Date:

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101


102

fridayW�k 4Key Scripture:

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies

your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone

else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has

given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)


What kind of impact do you dream of that will

come as the result of your generosity?

Date:

/ /notes


103


104

all all

all

heart soul

strength mind’;

‘Love

all


with your



and with your

yourself.’”

34

community group

discussionsW�k 5

105

courage

3. READ HEBREWS 11:8-19. MAKE A LIST OF ALL OF THE

COURAGEOUS THINGS THAT ABRAHAM DID.

2. HOW ARE COURAGE AND FAITH RELATED?

1. WHAT IS THE MOST COURAGEOUS OR COWARDLY

THING YOU'VE EVER DONE OR SEEN?

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courage

5. HOW CAN THE GROUP PRAY FOR YOU AND HOLD YOU

ACCOUNTABLE IN ACHIEVING THIS GOAL?

4. WHAT COULD COURAGEOUS FAITH LOOK LIKE IN YOUR

OWN LIFE IF YOU DECIDED TO GO “ALL IN” LIKE

ABRAHAM?

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Key Scripture:

mondayW�k 5

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for

the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

(Deuteronomy 31:6)


Who or what makes you fearful or terrifies you?

Does this verse comfort you, and in what way?

Does anything about being generous with your

riches terrify you?

Date:

/ /notes


111


112

Key Scripture:

tuesdayW�k 5

“Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the

rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered theword the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me threetimes.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

(Luke 22:60-62)


In what ways have you denied God in

thought or in deed? Has that affected your

generosity to Him?

Date:

/ /notes


113


114

Key Scripture:

wednesdayW�k 5

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many

kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and

complete, not lacking anything.”(James 1:2-4)


What has happened that has tested your

faith? What happened after you refocused on

God’s love and faithfulness? Have you ever

lacked anything when you’ve been faithful in

your giving?

Date:

/ /notes


115


116

Key Scripture:

thursdayW�k 5

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you

believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the

salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)


How do you explain this faith that cannot be seen to

the unchurched? How do you understand it for

yourself? How does the glorious joy you feel from

your faith affect your generosity?

Date:

/ /notes


117


118

Key Scripture:

fridayW�k 5

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every

occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving

to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11)


How has your generosity enriched you?

Date:

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120

all all

all

heart soul

strength mind’;

‘Love

all


with your



and with your

yourself.’”

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community group

discussionsW�k 6

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122

weekendseries notes

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Key Scripture:

mondayW�k 6

“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone

else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and theother a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by

himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am notlike other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or

even like this tax collector. I fast twice aweek and give a tenth of all I get.”

‘But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his

breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” ‘I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those

who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’”

(Luke 18:9–14)


Be honest. Who do you most resonate with in this

passage–the Pharisee or the tax collector?

Date:

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125


126

Key Scripture:

tuesdayW�k 6

“Someone in the crowd said to him, 'Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.' Jesus

replied, 'Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?' Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on

your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.' And he told them this parable: 'The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.”

'Then he said, “This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I'll say to myself, ‘You have plenty

of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’ ‘But God said to him, “You fool!

This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for

yourself?”'This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.'”

(Luke 12:13-21)


Some people struggle with spending too much, and other

people struggle with saving too much. Both are indicators of

our desire to want to live the American dream and control our

situations rather than to turn them over to God in surrender.

Do you resonate with this passage and struggle with excessive

saving or excessive control over the future?

Date:

/ /notes


127


128

Key Scripture:

wednesdayW�k 6

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

(James 1:22)


Do you feel that you have surrendered everything

over to God and are going before Him in this

Raise the Spear initiative with open hands, or are

you holding something back?

Date:

/ /notes


129


130

Key Scripture:

thursdayW�k 6

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if

we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)


What makes you nervous as you think about

making a two-year commitment to generosity for

the Raise the Spear initiative? How can your

prayer group be praying for you to help you

overcome this?

Date:

/ /notes


131


132

Key Scripture:

fridayW�k 6

“‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for

yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not

break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

‘The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be

full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You

cannot serve both God and money.’”(Matthew 6:19-24)


Have you ever totaled up the investment you have

made in the Church–not just in Christ’s Church, but

any church organization? Have you ever thought about

your cumulative giving like that? As you make your

commitment to the Raise the Spear initiative, see this

as an investment into a lifetime of giving that you are

making into the Kingdom of God. How does this

change how you think about your giving?

Date:

/ /notes


133


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134

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136

We raisethe spear.We run to

the roar.“ IN EVERY WAYYOU WILL BE ENRICHED

SO THAT YOU CAN BE GENEROUS

ON EVERY OCCASION, AND THROUGH US

YOUR GENEROSITY WILL RESULT IN

THANKSGIVING TO GOD.”

2 CORINTHIANS 9:11

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