“Fortified”
IBC VISION STATEMENT
ibc | Fortified Plan | 2016-2017
What is “Fortified”?
The Meriam Webster Online Dictionary defines “Fortify” as:
a : to strengthen and secure (as a town) by forts or batteries
b : to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to <fortified by a
hearty meal>
c : to add mental or moral strength to : encourage <fortified by
prayer>
d : to add material to for strengthening or enriching <fortified milk>
The George Dictionary also says it means:
To be about, relating to, identified with, and identified as part of the
“Fort”
What is being “Fortified”?
What is being “Fortified”?
Like the first definitions pointsOur city
Our body
Our mind
Our soul
-By adding that which strengthens or enriches.
This extends to the individual, the family, the congregation, and
the community.
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As the second definition relatesWe will be identified as being about (out in & focused toward) the Fort
Relate to
Be identified with
Be identified as part of
The Fort
~After gathering much input and data from articles, books, interviews,
and counsel; it appears these are possible opportunities to expand
Kingdom work and redirect the future of IBC. Nothing included is
concrete or actionable without the church being in agreement with the
correct direction forward. Not all will be applied in the presented form
without modification nor without deletions. This is a broad and
dynamic vision to be cast as the church needs dynamic change in
circumstance. I have including a wide range of ideas and methods in
order to have a wide scope of opportunity and so the church can get as
broad a path for direction as possible. The bigger the attainable vision,
the more likely others will add to or have vision of their own.
~We will use this theme as not a slogan, but as a direction for vision
for IBC. We are to strengthen the individual, family, church and
community by what we set out to do. We will strengthen the mind,
body, and soul by what we set out to do.
~We will make IBC recognizable as a mainstay for the individual,
family, and community. We will demonstrate we love our city and are
here to help it. When citizens hear “IBC” they are to instantly know we
are out in the city, helping the city.
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How will we “Fortify”?
We will enrich the lives of individuals and collectives in numerous and
sometimes overlapping ways.
Individuals:
 We will look for ways to strengthen the body by encouraging
physical activity and participation in exercise or events that will
create healthier lifestyles. This may include participation in a 5k
for a charity that shows community involvement and
commitment to exercise. We can also find opportunities to
support community health or safety events.
 We can strengthen the mind with knowledge of scripture, life
skills, and academics. We will provide and support services that
teach life skills to people of all ages. We will support academics
by supporting agencies and activities that are educational.
 We will continue to strengthen the soul with opportunities of
religious learning and worship. We will periodically provide
extra opportunities of learning and growth. This will happen by
what is taught as well as growth through service and mission.
Families:
 We will strengthen families by offering opportunities to enjoy
activities together.
 We will strengthen families by helping their spiritual
development.
 We will provide opportunities for everyone in the family unit to
benefit from spiritual growth that is meaningful to the
individual.
 We will provide worship opportunities that are meaningful to all
generations of believers in our church family.
 We will hire a youth pastor.
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Church:
 We will strengthen the church by strengthening the individual &
families.
 We will look for others to join us whether they are new or
veterans in the faith.
 We will encourage every member of the body to be active in
ministry and provide opportunities for every gift of believers.
 We will experience the things that healthy churches experience
such as missional activity, fellowship, and meaningful worship.
 We will be known as a church of support, action, and love.
 Fellowship will grow with monthly gatherings.
Community:
 We will participate in matters of civic interest that can improve
the lives of our citizens.
 We will volunteer at events to support our community and
demonstrate to citizens our love and intentions for Fort Smith.
 We will actively be visible in our continuing work with the
community to show our commitment to improving life.
Identified Areas of Address:
 Lack of familiarity to the community
 Younger generational and seeker alienation during worship
service
 Lack of community participation
 Lack of hands-on mission involvement
 Need for more fellowship and Bible learning opportunities
 Direction for all of the following suggestions will be influenced
by questionnaires directed to former guests and attendees
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What are some specific actions?
1. Community outreach
1.1
Fall event- ACTS 1:8 mission activity
1.2
Winter event- Parents Night out for Christmas shopping for
limited number of kids
1.3
Spring event- Egg hunt
1.4 Summer event- Water Park party
2. Advertising
2.1 Radio spots interviewing community agencies to demonstrate
interest in community as well as get our name out there
2.2 Billboard ads linking location to church identity
2.3 In lieu of billboards, become a corporate sponsor at Parrot
Island reaching families in mass as well as community support
while establishing a community outreach opportunity
2.4 Consider electronic signage to catch the eye and display
multiple messages- this would include the ability to display more
information as well as promote community events to partner with
our city
2.5
Shirts and hats for identification of our people at events
2.6 Utilize social media and new technologies
2.7
The pastor will follow up with all guests as well as at least one
other party following up
3. Community service
3.1
Volunteer at schools by projects, reading, & serving teachers
3.2
Hot Cocoa at the park during the Creekmore Express nights
3.2
Hand out water or other simple necessities at events such as
the Iron Horse Rally, the Mayor’s Fireworks, etc.
Actively look for chances to volunteer our facilities and
manpower for community events
3.3
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4. Worship Services
4.1 Positive atmosphere- nothing negative, ever/ no criticisms
4.2 Committed greeting team of three: one in the parking lot, one
in the hall, one in the sanctuary (10 minutes before Sunday School &
services)
4.3 Plainer language translation for preaching
4.4 Modify music- blend between traditional and contemporary
4.5 Legacy service- if we can’t successfully change atmosphere of
morning services, create an alternative service on Sunday
afternoons where younger generations can have relevant worship
experiences. This would be a more casual, contemporary service.
This would allow for a future for IBC with younger families.
4.6 Remove announcements for the most part and refer people to
written materials
5. Missions
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Acts 1:8
Possible South Dakota Partnership with Rye Hill
Possible Louisiana Flood recovery ongoing next spring
Promotion of Carpenter’s For Christ
Overseas project (Africa? India?)
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