Introducing ONE for ONE

When I read the Bible I’m never convicted because I’ve given too much. I’m convicted because the entire Gospel is about generosity and I know I’m not naturally bent toward generosity, but selfishness.  I read the Bible and I realize that there would be no church, there would be no forgiveness, no grace, no mercy had not God first GIVEN His Son for us. The Gospel really does start and end with giving. He gave His life for us and in turn calls each one of us to do the same.

We introduced ONE for ONE this weekend at Rock City – and I’m so pumped about this I can hardly write this blog post! I believe ONE for ONE is not only going to set the stage for 2012, but it’s a complete game-changer for how we do church and what it looks like to live out radical generosity.

Giving has always been a part of our DNA. As a new church we’ve established that 20% of our operating budget would be used for local and global outreach. We call it Beyond Our Walls. I personally think the church has gotten way too far away from this. Here’s the idea – we’re here to make a difference – to reach the lost OUTSIDE our walls – not simply satisfy the members WITHIN our walls.

So, here we are. In two weeks I’m going to introduce Rock City to a friend of mine who runs a local ministry that reaches addicts and runs a sober home program for men struggling to break free from addiction. We’re going to add up our attendance for the month of January and write their ministry a check, ONE for ONE.

And every week, for every person that walks through our doors, we’re going to GIVE one dollar to a specific local or global need … before operational expenses, before facilities, before staffing … and we’re going to test God in the area of generosity. Because I’m pretty sure that’s what He told us to do – to test Him.

So, what can you do?

1. BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU THIS WEEKEND!
Just for showing up, you’re making a difference! Every time you invite a friend to join you, every time you bring someone with you to one of our weekend worship experiences, we’re able to do more and give more. And as we worship together, know that your worship is extending far Beyond Our Walls and making a practical difference in the lives of people in this city and around the world. And every week we’ll remind you of how your ONE for ONE money is being used and making a difference.

2. NOMINATE A PERSON IN NEED.
Let us know if you know of someone who could use a helping hand. We’ve all been in need at some time or another. Wouldn’t it be nice to be there for someone who’s in most need? Maybe it’s a single parent who’s struggling. Maybe it’s a family in your neighborhood or a person you work with. Let us know. Maybe we can help.

3. NOMINATE AN ORGANIZATION THAT’S MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
Whether local or global, we’re always looking for new ministry partners. Maybe you know about a local ministry that’s making a real difference in the lives of people we may never be able to as effectively reach. Maybe you know of a global ministry that we can all get behind together. We can’t do this alone. We need your help!

4. PRAY.
Pray for the continued growth of Rock City Church. The more people we reach with the Gospel = the more people we can engage to reach more people with the Gospel. Get it? I’m not interested in doing church as usual. I’m not interested in playing it safe. I’d rather be charged with giving too much than with giving too little. And I’m ready for God to do what only God can do when a group of people humbles themselves, seeks Him above all else, and lives out radical and extravagant New Testament generosity!

So let the games begin!!!

PS. Who will you pray for and invite THIS weekend? Don’t forget, we’re kicking off a NEW SERIES called Guardrails. It’s going to be incredible.

PSS. And a special thanks to everyone who gave up a seat at the 10:45 and attended the 9:00am worship experience this weekend. It made a huge difference. We now have at least 100 new seats to fill at both of our weekend services!

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