guidebook content v14 - christ's church
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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
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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...
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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?
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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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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 giving@ourchristschurch.com.
Tell us why this vision has captured your heart and support.Share your story by emailing us at story@ourchristschurch.com.
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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 story@ourchristschurch.com. 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:giving@ourchristschurch.com
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.’”
40
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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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?
45
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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.
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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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
Where in your life have you most
needed the grace of God?
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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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
56
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.’”
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
61
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?
personalgrowthplan
62
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
Have you ever been well-loved by another follower of
Jesus? What happened? What effect did it have on you?
W�k 2
66
Key Scripture:
wednesday
�“And the second [command] is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:39)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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
68
thursdayW�k 2Key Scripture:
“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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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”?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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
72
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.’”
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?
74
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?
75
77
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?
personalgrowthplan
78
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
How could God use your generosity as He adds “to [our]
number daily those who [are] being saved?”
W�k 3
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
Where are you on this path, taking steps
from faith to love? What’s your next step?
W�k 3
84
thursdayW�k 3Key Scripture:
“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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
88
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.’”
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?
90
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)…
91
93
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?
personalgrowthplan
94
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
What do you need to forget or leave
behind as you strain ahead toward Jesus?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
In what ways are you rich? How are you
tempted to put your hope in that wealth?
W�k 4
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
Have you ever given something away and discovered
that you were richer after you gave than before?
W�k 4
100
thursdayW�k 4Key Scripture:
“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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
What are you sensing in your heart as you prepare to
give to the good work we’re doing together as a church?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
What kind of impact do you dream of that will
come as the result of your generosity?
104
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.’”
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?
106
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?
107
109
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?
personalgrowthplan
110
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
In what ways have you denied God in
thought or in deed? Has that affected your
generosity to Him?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
How has your generosity enriched you?
120
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.’”
123
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?
personalgrowthplan
124
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
Be honest. Who do you most resonate with in this
passage–the Pharisee or the tax collector?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
128
Key Scripture:
wednesdayW�k 6
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
(James 1:22)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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)
F O C U S Q U E S T I O N
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?
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