Love all, Serve all, Pray for all. We Are Kingdom Builders!
Ministry Plan
First Christian Church Of Cleburne
For the past six months, our church has been engaged in prayer, study, and deep
reflection as we listened to God about our mission as a church. To prepare for this the
pastor engaged in 45 scripture devotional prayer time over the first 45 days of his
ministry at FCC. Then as a congregation we journeyed together through the same
scriptures over the course of 16 weeks. We then gathered together and reflected on
those scriptures and where we felt called as a church.
During the first few months of this process, the pastor visited with key leaders and
elders. During these times of interaction the pastor took notes and carefully listened to
the thoughts of all our participants. We learned about the hopes and dreams of each
person and how our congregation might help each other in our growth and development
as Christians.
This ministry plan recognizes the significant changes in our community and envisions
our church reaching out in a significant way to our community.
The ministry plan challenges our congregation to think about being church in different
ways. It empowers people to be more engaged in direct mission in our community. It
recognizes our strengths are in working with families, teenagers, and children,
encourages us to be the best ministering to the youth by providing programs that help
this segment grow.
Furthermore, this plan recognizes that all of us could benefit from a closer relationship
with God in a new way. Instead of looking at our church as an organization, this plan
opens up the door for us taking our discipleship more seriously. It provides avenues for
spiritual growth. It also creates new ways of relating to each other, providing relational
growth through new activities.
Finally, it includes a plan for attracting new participants. Using attraction events that are
of interest for our new target group and targeted advertising, we begin to put our church
in front of the community once again.
It is our desire by developing this plan that FCC will do its part in the Kingdom work of
all the churches in our community. We hope to gain clarity of our mission and relate in
new ways to the world by joining God in that mission.
Congregational History
The Christian Church was organized in 1868, by Elder B.F. Hall. The church held
services in the old court house and private homes, until a lot for the first church building
was purchased on February20, 1880. The first church building, valued around $200
was erected on West Wardville Street. In front of the first frame building was a small
separate tower with a bell which was rung at meeting time. This same bell was later
hung in the belfry of the second church building, finally being transferred to the present
church.
The congregation drew up a charter of incorporation, filed on January 3, 1900, with the
Secretary of State in Austin. Here the name First Christian Church was listed officially.
At that time the church property was valued at $1,500.00 for the house and lot, and
$250.00 for fixtures and furniture. A corner lot on South Walnut and West Wardville
streets was purchased May 10, 1902 for $500.00. A building was constructed in the
same year, and on the same lot, a new building was constructed in1941.
The first organ with Degan chimes was purchased in 1946; a new organ was purchased
in 1986,after the congregation moved into the current building. The glass windows from
the second church were placed in the new building and were later moved to the present
building.
Alma Kennon was the first woman elder, elected by the congregation January
1980.Construction of the current buildings on Nolan River road was started in 1985 and
the first worship service was held on Mother's Day, May 11, 1986.
Over the past 8 years FCC has seen a rise in attendance and participation. We now
average 115 in worship and have an amazing energy and buzz around the building. We
have reached a point as a congregation where we can begin to do some great and
wonderful things with the opportunities that lay ahead.
As we look at our community today, we have a better understanding of the events that
have led us to this spot in our history. With the addition of a highway coming through
town in 2014, we see new possibilities for increasing our witness in new ways in which
we can be relevant to our context. We are clear that we must adapt to these new
challenges, and are grateful that we have the resources and abilities to get us to that
new point.
The Congregation’s Passion
What can this congregation be “best at”? As evidenced in interviews with people, FCC
excels at relational work, discipleship, fellowship, and hospitality. Numerous participants
mentioned the richness of these relationships and the ways in which the church
welcomed them. They also mentioned the relational programs that have enhanced their
lives, and the fellowship moments.
Congregants also mentioned they have a deep desire to grow spiritually and deepen
their faith. There is a deep desire on their part to see the church equipping people in
their faith practices as well as their knowledge of the scriptures.
Resources Available for Ministry
Financial
Operating Budget
2012
Actual %
Desired %
Salary Support
140,580
60.8%
50%
Building
Administration
37,808
16.4%
15%
Program
14,707
6.4%
25%
Mission
38,000
16.4%
10%
Total
231,095
Current Operating
Budget 2013
Actual %
Desired %
Salary Support
116,255
56.2%
50%
Building
Administration
43,025
20.8%
15%
Program
27,817
13.5%
25%
Mission
19,709
9.5%
10%
Total
206,806
We are making the right moves as we continue to move forward with our budgeting.
Studies have shown that struggling congregations spend over 60% of their budget on
salaries and over 25% on the building and administrative needs. While both areas are
important and needed for us to function fully for the purposes God has designed for us,
we need to continue to refocus our money on the programs and missions of this church.
That can be accomplished in two ways, the first is to cut salary and building costs, the
second is for there to be an increase in giving so we can add to programs and mission.
Leadership
The church is blessed to have several individuals who are natural leaders. These
people are not only congregational leaders, but community leaders as well. In addition,
we also have two retired clergy who have had great education could be better utilized. In
the fall of 2012 we began the Leadership NEXT program which is a yearly retreat
designed to grow and equip current and future leaders. Part of this ministry plan will be
to create other ways to develop leaders within the congregation.
Facilities
FCC is blessed with a 26 year old facility, that was recently renovated within the last
three years. There is ample parking for growth, and plenty of undeveloped lot space to
add more parking or building needs. The sanctuary seats 175. We currently carry
$260,000 in debt on the recent renovations. We currently do not have any deferred
maintenance issues. However it is likely that updating the bathrooms in the sanctuary
building, and creating more office space for the growing staff is needed within the next
couple years. This will probably cost in the range of $10,000 - $15,000.
The church is located on the westside of town, on a busy street, and is highly visible.
The road it is currently located on will be the destination of Toll Road 121. The entire
community is expecting the dynamic of this road to change with new and more upscale
retail shopping and dining in the coming years.
A Vision for the Future
Vision Statement
FCC’s vision is to become the leading congregation for feeding the hungry families and
children, early childhood education, discipleship among teenagers, dynamic worship,
and outreach within the community.
In addition the congregation will sponsor the start of a new congregation between
Cleburne and Ft. Worth along Toll Road 121. This new church will impact people in
ways FCC currently cannot. A new church draws 80% of its participants from the
unchurched/de-churched category while established churches (older than 15 years) are
the exact opposite.
Benefit Analysis
For Congregation Participants
Already FCC has demonstrated success with persons of all generations. Many of these
people have mentioned their appreciation for how this congregation welcomed them in
and shared their love with them from the beginning.
A new preschool that is highly regarded in the community is a necessity as we take
seriously our mission of discipleship. During this period we will grow our current
discipleship program and introduce small groups that will provide a deeper level of
connectedness and growth.
Starting a new church will help us to fully understand that what we do is not all about
FCC Cleburne as we decide to spend our treasure to form a new congregation that will
reach people with God’s unending love.
For Prospective Participants
FCC will offer a new and higher standard of early childhood education. FCC will also
offer small groups, so people may find a group to grow and live life together in ways
they have only hoped for in the past. Participants will also be introduced into the one of
the most graciously hospitable “families.”
FCC will offer new and dynamic worship experiences and a well trained staff to walk
alongside people on their faith journey. FCC will continue to place high importance on
discipleship and the welcoming spirit that was the foundation all those years ago.
For the Community
FCC will be a beacon of light in the community always focused on the needs of those
around us. We will continue to fight hunger in our community, in families, and in
children. We will continue to use our resources to help the community and those who
live here grow and mature. Also by having a new preschool in the community we will be
setting a new standard for education to help raise the level of the school district.
Mission Statement
FCC Cleburne exists to Love all, Serve all, and Pray for all. We Are Kingdom Builders!
Values Statement
• FCC will be the standard bearer of early childhood education, in curriculum, teachers,
students, and facilities in the community.
• Celebrate open participation for all in the Lord’s Table without human judgment.
• Worship that is dynamic and seeks to always glorifies God’s love and grace for all
humans.
• That we are called to constantly re-present Christ to the community and world in which
we live.
• Growing leaders and individuals to serve the community.
• Recognizing we are not the only Christians, we value partnership beyond the doors of
our local congregation.
The Biblical Story
So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the
Gospel of God but also our own lives, because you have become very dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Strategies for Success
Reaching Strategies
Development of an Exceptional Preschool
Create
a
special
committee
to look into all legal requirements, possible preschools to
•
bring in, and the overall proposal to the Church Board.
• Fully support the preschool with building, utilities, assistance, and marketing.
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•
•
•
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Development of attraction events for Teenagers
A panel of teenagers that do not go to church and find out what they are looking for.
Opportunities for teenagers to create and develop their own worship.
Disciple the current teenagers on evangelism.
Fight night - Sumo Wrestle Style
Outdoor Christian Concert on the back lot.
5th quarters after football games.
Development of attraction events for Young Families/Young Adults
• Marriage Enrichment retreats and seminars
• Family oriented worship experiences
• Parent’s night out, with free childcare and choice of gift card for dinner or movie
tickets.
• BBQ Cook Off - geared toward families with bounce houses and a concert
• Creating a world class early childhood education ministry.
• Float in all city parades
• Run for God 5k/10k
• Pet Blessing in the park
• Targeted direct mail campaign
Equipping Strategies
The creation of small groups within the congregation that are designed for growth will be
one of our new equipping strategies. There will be three different kinds of small groups,
(1) Growth Groups, (2) Spiritual Gifts, and (3) Life Groups.
Growth Groups are foundational small groups for all members and newcomers to go
through in their first year. These groups will last year long 10 weeks in the fall and 10
weeks in the spring. These groups are to help lay a foundation of theology, Biblical
knowledge, and commitment to our purpose as a church.
Spiritual Gift Groups will last three weeks. These will be offered once a quarter for new
members and visitors to discover their Spiritual Gifts to help them find places to be
plugged in.
LIfe Groups are similar to small groups we already have going on. They are our Men’s
MInistry, Women’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Prayer Group, Nearly and Newly Married
and we will continue to add to as we become more diverse. These groups are designed
to bring the element of living life together but also reaching out to others in our daily life
that do not have that element. As groups grow in number new groups will be formed.
A Leadership NEXT small group designed at working with those who have shown
qualities of leadership in their growth groups. This will be lead by the Pastor. This small
group will engage and teach, (1) leading worship, (2) leading a meeting, (3) leading a
small group, (4) recognizing leadership in others, (5) How to empower others.
Creation of strong women’s and men’s groups that fellowship, study, and pray together.
This includes an annual women’s and men’s retreat.
Creation and development of Spiritual Disciplines classes, (1) how to improve your
prayer life, (2) the practice of fasting, (3) personal finance for Kingdom building and
living.
Youth Ministry Plan
Starting in early 2013, a sustainable youth ministry initiative will begin. This is important
to the life of the church when realizing there becomes a time when transitions occur
between staff members, and it is the entire church who carries the success of any
ministry – especially the youth programs.
The first phase of this initiative will be to recruit for and design a new Youth Ministry
Team from members of the FCC congregation. These members will be those who wish
to invest fully into the life of our Youth Programs with their time, creativity and support.
These members may be parents, current volunteers, church leaders, or any person who
has a passion for Youth Ministry. The Youth Ministry Team, lead by the Youth Minister
will begin by establishing their vision for the climate of the youth programs, setting a
vision statement, mission statement, and structure for volunteer support for all
major/minor youth activities. Once a ground structure has been placed for the following
years, the Youth Ministry Team will meet regularly to set goals, gain support and assess
the progress of the ministry.
This section will be updated thoroughly as the Youth Ministry Team sets the governing
and visioning documents for the next 5 years to be fully adapted by the Board into the
First Christian Church Cleburne Ministry Plan.
Empowering Strategies
Developing a bottom up strategy for Kingdom Building thinking. Should a participant of
FCC have an idea for ways in which our church can be better engaged in the
community, we will always give permission to recruit additional support within the
church. If more than 6 people show an interest in a project, the church will support it
with volunteers and/or space provided it falls within the mission, vision, and values of
the church.
Serving Strategies
Continue to grow the Snack Pack program, and include a new summer sack lunch
program.
Offer at least 3 mission trip opportunities for church members each year.
Continue to build and develop the Agape meal and our relationship with the Lodge.
Become a place for mission groups to come and stay to do mission work within our
community.
Offer Days of Love - 5 Saturdays a year create opportunities to serve the community
with service projects.
Additionally each year the church will claim a mission of emphasis. This might be a
campaign such as Fill the Truck, parent’s night out, after school tutoring, or worshiping
with the nursing homes.
Future Organization and Management Strategies
Our current structure for operations has not been reviewed or revised since May 2006.
We will form a committee to look over the constitution and by laws and make any
recommended changes so that we may be able to act quickly and with God’s guidance
in fulfilling our Mission and Vision of the church.
What Resources are Needed to Accomplish this Strategy?
The church will have to look at its current building and strongly consider adding
additional space for a preschool and administrative office. Also a look at finding funding
to create a dynamic worship band that Teenagers and Young Adults are attracted to.
There will also be funding needed to plant the new church along Toll Road 121. We will
continue to pay the church planter a salary of $25,000 a year for the first 3 years of the
church plant as well as send 10 families to help launch the church plant and form a
leadership core for 24 months as missionaries.
There are endless amounts of resources needed to fulfill this vision and plan, but if we
pray over this plan, and continue to ask for God’s guidance along the way and for each
step, we will be able to accomplish all God has laid out before us.
It is like the scripture reads in Matthew 6:21 “Where you find your treasure, there you
will find your heart.”
This ministry plan will be introduced to the FCC Board in the December meeting and
voted on in the February meeting. Then it will be introduced to the congregation through
newsletter, emails, listening sessions throughout the month of March 2013.
Conclusion
FCC is at a special time in its history. As being the oldest church in this community,
which now boasts over 70 different congregations, it is time we focus and take seriously
our calling from God. By being the best at serving those we already serve and being the
best at discipleship and hospitality, we believe we will see exponential growth.
In addition, it is time for all of us to become that shining beacon of light, that city on a
hill, with that love we first felt for Christ. It is time for FCC to step up to the challenge of
the needs of the community and those who are not currently in a relationship with God.
While this plan does not guarantee numeric growth, we know that all of us who call FCC
our church family and home will grow personally in this new model of being church.
When Jesus met with his disciples the last time he said to them “Go, as the Father has
sent me, now I send you.” He was clear about our mission as church to go and make
disciples, spreading the good news, and sharing our lives with each other.
So as a faith community we will Love, Serve, and Pray for everyone. We Are Kingdom
Builders!