www.newlifecabot.com
Section 1
Getting Started...
“WELCOME TO NEW LIFE”
WE’RE GLAD YOU’VE CHOSEN TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NEW LIFE CHURCH! THIS IS A BASIC
INTRODUCTION TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY. SINCE WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM MANY DIFFERENT
BACKGROUNDS, THIS MATERIAL IS DESIGNED TO CLEARLY
EXPLAIN WHO AND WHAT OUR CHURCH IS ALL ABOUT.
WHAT MAKES NEW LIFE CHURCH A FAMILY?
Three things unite us:
Our Salvation (What God has done for us)
Our Statement (Why we exist as a church)
Our Structure (When and where we fulfill our purpose)
THE BASICS
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the
saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV)
“...You are a member of God’s very own family...and you belong in God’s household with
every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)
Key Truths:
1. The church is a FAMILY.
2. God expects you to be a MEMBER of a church family.
THE GOAL OF THIS TIME TOGETHER
...That I will commit myself to JESUS CHRIST and to the
NEW LIFE CHURCH family.
NOTES
Our Unique Personality
OUR HERITAGE
Tim and Stacy Gaddy started New Life
Church as a daughter work out of Word
Aflame Fellowship in Little Rock. The
Gaddy’s served for seven years as
youth pastor at Word Aflame before
launching New Life Church in July,
1999. New Life Church’s first service
was a prayer meeting at the home of
Murva Bennett at 71 Lassiter Lane in
Cabot on Tuesday evening, July 20,
1999. There were seven people in attendance. Our first Sunday worship
service was held on November 7, 1999 in the sanctuary of Hope Presbyterian Church in Cabot.
NLC worshiped at this facility for thirteen months before moving into two storefront units on
Main Street in Cabot next to the Price Cutter grocery store in January 2001. In May 2007, NLC
moved into our current facility at 107 Commercial Street.
New Life Church has been the beneficiary of support through the “Christmas for Christ” program of the United Pentecostal Church. NLC has also received a property grant through the
Sheaves for Christ program of the Youth Department of the United Pentecostal Church. New
Life Church has been affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church since April, 2000.
God has blessed us and brought us to this point. We continue to trust Him for steady growth
and guidance as we declare His gospel message. The best is yet to come...
NOTES
Our Unique Personality
History
Prior to settlement
Before the city of Cabot existed, an 1862 typhoid epidemic took the lives of about 1500 Confederate soldiers previously under Allison Nelson who were camped in the hills surrounding Cabot and nearby Austin,
Arkansas. 428 poorly marked graves were exhumed in 1905 by a group of Confederate veterans and
moved to a new site at Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery located in Cabot on Rye Drive, just off Cherry
Road between Campground and Mount Carmel Roads. Marble gravestones were placed over each grave
and a large marble obelisk was erected to honor the dead. In 1982, a group of volunteers from Cabot began maintaining the cemetery, which had fallen into disrepair.
Early history
The city of Cabot began as a small settlement at a refueling station on the Cairo & Fulton Railroad. The
settlement first appeared in the 1873 and is thought to have been named after a railroad surveyor. First
Baptist Church was established in the late 1870s and the Bank of Cabot (now Community Bank) was
founded in 1903. The city of Cabot was officially incorporated November 9, 1891 as the 139th city in Arkansas.
Cabot was often overshadowed in northern Lonoke County by the much larger city of Austin (originally
named Oakland), which was briefly considered for the state capital. However, Cabot experienced growth
during the 1950s and 1960s, due to its proximity to the Little Rock Air Force Base in nearby Jacksonville
which opened in 1955.
Major transportation routes near/through Cabot are the railroad (currently owned by Union Pacific), the
"old highway to St. Louis" (currently US Highway 67/167), and Interstate 40. Historically, Cabot lay on the
Memphis to Fort Smith spur of the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Route.
Recent history
A devastating tornado hit downtown Cabot during the afternoon of March 29, 1976, killing five people and
destroying multiple buildings. During the rebuilding of the city, it was decided to build a new city hall, municipal courtroom, library (since relocated), and police station on the site of the debris-filled dividing point
between the east and west sections of Main Street, creating City Plaza. Highway 89, which follows the
same path as West Main Street in Cabot, was redirected around City Plaza along one block of Second
Street, to continue its path along Pine Street just south of the Cabot High School campus.
Cabot has experienced phenomenal population growth from the 1980s to today. New housing starts, as
seen by new subdivided developments, now cover the town. One reason for such growth was the aforementioned Air Force base, yet the more plausible explanation stems from a more complicated issue: the
school district.
On August 10, 2006, Cabot Junior High School North experienced a devastating fire which was believed to
have started as a small electrical fire in the library caused by a faulty light bulb. There were 100 people in
the building at the time, however fortunately no one was injured. The building burned from 2:30 P.M. to
about 9:00 P.M., and the structure was a total loss. Cabot fire and Police Departments say that this is one
of the worst structure fires to have ever occurred in Cabot. The school was only about 8 years old.
NOTES
Our Unique Personality
Controversy Over Growth
In 1982, the Little Rock School District, slow to comply to the 1954 US Supreme Court case Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, was forcibly ordered by federal courts to immediately desegregate the school
district. This desegregation was ordered to achieve racial balances between white children and non-white
children, which resulted in massive busing of students. The results of the court-ordered busing have been
controversial. Critics claim the forced integration has destroyed the School District and any concept of
"neighborhood schools": for example, black students from far east Little Rock (predominantly black),
were sent to high schools in far west Little Rock (predominantly white). Supporters claim that the forced
integration has fostered more diversity and better learning environments. Whatever the result, during the
1980s and 1990s Little Rock teachers repeatedly went on strike, and many residents relocated to the
smaller communities around Little Rock, including Cabot, Benton, Bryant, Conway, and Maumelle. With
time, new arrivals to the state chose to live in these towns (now veritable suburbs) because, by some educational indicators, their school districts were more successful. Cabot received many families relocating
during this time period. A 'commuter culture' developed as many residents lived in Cabot, sent their children to schools in Cabot, but worked in Little Rock. The Cabot School District steadily developed into one
of the richest, most populous and top-performing districts in the state. Currently, the Cabot School District encompasses the north end of Lonoke County. The bulk of the county's population today can be
found in approximately the same area, containing the county's most populous and fourth most populous
cities — Cabot and Ward, respectively — in addition to Austin, which is among Arkansas' fastest growing
communities.
Culture
Culture in Cabot has largely taken cues from its growing population and their desire to avoid traveling far
into the Little Rock metropolitan area for entertainment. Products of this include a movie theater and
larger city library built in the late 1990s, plus a growing number of restaurants, parks, amateur sporting
venues and community organizations. A top draw of the city is its golf courses adjoining Greystone Country Club in the city's north end, and near Rolling Hills Country Club in southeast Cabot. One of the city's
biggest events, staged in the downtown area each October, is Cabotfest — a community fair that has
grown in popularity as the city's population has swelled over the years since the tornado. Much of the
family-heavy population revolves around the school system, and Friday night high school football games
are always a packed, city-wide event. The football team won the AAA state championship in 1983 and the
AAAAA state championship in 2000 under head coach Mike Malham. In 2005, a new three story athletic
complex was completed which contains an indoor practice field, weight room, and locker room, and coach
offices. Also in the building is a live TV production studio in which students from Cabot Broadcasting film
football games and transmit video onto the 12-foot by 12-foot jumbo tron outside. In addition to strong
performance in athletics, notable events at the school district's campuses each year include a regional
music student competition, a student musical theater production, and a community beauty pageant. The
Cabot High School Band includes over 200 students. The band participates in many competitions, including the local Region VII and State competitions. The band has also recently been placed in a three-year
rotation to represent the State of Arkansas in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
NOTES
Our Unique Personality
NOTES
Demographics
Populations—26,847 people live within 5-mile radius of downtown Cabot. 75,063 people live within 10mile radius of downtown Cabot.
Income—Median household—$56,515
In 1990—40 households earned $100,000 or more. In 2002, 750 households earn $100,000 or more
(almost 5% of Cabot)
Race—Average Cabotian is a white, 32-year old high school graduate who owns a home, works in an administrative position and has a household income of $56,515 per year.
The largest jump in ethnic diversity is expected from the Hispanic and Latino community
Employment—87% of Cabot is employed. 11% is not in the workforce. 2% are unemployed.
Marital Status—The number of divorced residents is at 22%. 63.1% of Cabot is married.
Population by the numbers…
31.5% (under the age of 18)
7.6% (from 18 to 24)
34.0% (from 25 to 44)
19.0% (from 45 to 64)
7.9% (who are 65 years of age or older)
Main Influencers on Cabot
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LRAFB
Sports
Schools
Churches
NOTES
SECTION 2
NOTES
VALUES AT NEW LIFE CHURCH…
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These are worth protecting!
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OUR PURPOSE
The purpose of New Life Church is three-fold: Share the Gospel | Grow Disciples | Strengthen Families
Share the Gospel - The Gospel literally means "Good News." The good news is that because of the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus He has the ability to step into any situation and give you a fresh
start where you can have new life in Him. At NLC, the messages are not only life changing but will leave
you longing for a stronger relationship with God. We want you to know that the words of Jesus written
2000 years ago still have life changing power. This is good news and we want to share it with everyone!
Grow Disciples - To be a disciple is to "follow Jesus." Whether you are just beginning to check out God
and the Bible, or have been a committed Christian for years or anywhere in between, our desire is to help
you grow as a disciple of Jesus. How do you grow? We believe growth happens as a result of spending
time in prayer (communication with God), studying His Word and living (practicing) what God says. We
make available corporate bible studies, small group classes, individual home Bible studies as well as various tools and resources to help you grow in your walk with God.
Strengthening families - New Life Church is family focused. We come alongside families offering practical help such as Counseling, Specialized training classes, Financial Stewardship teaching, KidzLife, and
Nexus Student Ministry. Every event, gathering, and time together is family friendly.
WHO IS NLC?
I.
We exist to Share Hope
Jesus gave us a great commandment and a great commission.
Great Commandment
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart...soul...and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hand on these two
commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Great Commission
“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.” Matthew 28:19-20
People today are looking for hope. We have been commanded and commissioned to be
“ambassadors of hope.”
II. We exist to grow believers to maturity in Christ
“Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities...and there are different kinds of service to God
(ministry)...All of you together form the one Body of Christ and each of you is a separate and necessary
part of it.”
I Corinthians 12:4-5, 27
Living Bible
“And He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-12
III. We exist to Strengthen Families
The family is God-originated and God-ordained and its wholeness is vital to the propagation of the
church.
Because of this, we endeavor to biblically teach and encourage the roles of each family member individually and collectively.
NOTES
WHO IS NLC?
NOTES
OUR CORE BELIEFS
What We Practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we
feel very strongly about the following practices:
BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:15
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual
for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily
Bible reading, Bible study, and bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
EVERY BELIEVER HAS EQUAL PLACE AND PRIVILEGE IN GOD’S KINGDOM
“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and
priests…” Revelations 1:5-6
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…” 1 Peter 2:9
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is ministered by encouraging every member to find a
place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and bible reading.
TITHING AND OFFERINGS
“And all the tithe of the land...it is holy unto the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3-8, genesis 14:18-20
At New Life church we practice tithing and offerings for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God
commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.
BAPTISMS
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with
Christ…” Colossians 2:12
We practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible
commands...calling on the name of Jesus Christ.
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as normative for today.
WHO IS NLC?
NOTES
SPIRIT-LED LIVING
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the
body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18)
PERSONAL HOLINESS
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
God calls His people to be holy (set apart) from the world. We are called to keep ourselves unspotted
from the world and to not be conformed to the worlds way of thinking. (II Corinthians 6:17, James 1:27,
Romans 12:2) We practice modesty in our appearance and moral purity because our bodies are the temple of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Revelation 3:18, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 6:15-18)
TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST
“Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into
contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
Expressions of Worship
Singing (Ephesians 5:19, Psalm 98:4)
Praying Quietly (Psalm 95:6)
Praying together Out Lord (Acts 4:24)
Lifting our Hands in Praise (Psalm 134:2)
Giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
Playing Musical Instruments (II Samuel 6:5)
Dancing in the Spirit (Psalm 150:4)
Quiet Meditation (Habakkuk 150:4)
Testify Publicly (Psalm 22:22)
Clap and Shout (Psalm 47:1)
Commitment (Romans 12:1-2)
WHO IS NLC?
NOTES
What We Believe
God
We believe in the one ever-living, eternal God: infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose;
and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This one true God has revealed Himself as Father, through His
Son in redemption, and as the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, a divine revelation from God to man. We accept the
scriptures as the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin; that he lived a sinless life, was crucified on
Calvary for our sins, and bodily rose from the grave; and that he has been exalted on the throne of God
where He is the only mediator between God and man. We believe that through his death and life we have
personal salvation and power for victorious living.
Salvation
We believe that all men have sinned and stand in need of redemption, which is obtained through the new
birth by faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that new birth is experienced by those
who appropriate the gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) to their lives by repenting of
sins, being baptized in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving the gift of
the Holy Ghost as promised in Acts 2:39. We believe the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit indwelling is
when one speaks in other tongues as the spirit gives the utterance. Those being born again of water and
spirit become children of God and heirs with Jesus Christ. (Acts 2, John 3, I Corinthians 15:1-4)
The Church
We believe the church has been “called out” of the world to a place of abiding with God through the Spirit.
As the body of Christ on earth, the church offers hope to mankind. The church is one body made up of
many members, diverse in their gifts and calling of the Holy Spirit.
WHO IS NLC?
NOTES
HOW OUR CHURCH IS STRUCTURED
The structure of the church should not be determined by culture, business practices, or even denominational traditions.
THE CHURCH IS A FELLOWSHIP.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.” Acts 2:42
A top priority in a fellowship is UNITY and PEACE.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
ANY attitude that causes disunity is sin.
Colossians 3:15, I Corinthians 1:10, II Timothy 2:14, Proverbs 17:14, II Corinthians 13:11,
Philippians 1:27, 2:1-3, Colossians 2:2, Philippians 4:2, I Peter 3:8, I Corinthians 14:33, John 13:34-35,
II Timothy 2:23, Romans 15:5-6, Romans 12:16-18, Colossians 3:13-14, Romans 14:19
IMPLICATION: A GOOD STRUCTURE PROMOTES UNITY AND DOWNPLAYS
DIFFERENCES.
“For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you…”
I Corinthians 11:17-18
WHO IS NLC?
NOTES
THE CHURCH IS A FAMILY.
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be
courteous;” 1 Peter 3:8
Galatians 6:10, I Peter 4:17
SO WE OPERATE ON THE BASIS OF RELATIONSHIPS NOT BUSINESS.
“Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, order women as mothers,
younger women as sister…” 1 Timothy 5:1-2
THE CHURCH IS A BODY.
“Now you are the body of Christ and members individually.” I Corinthians 12:27
We are a body - not a business!
We are an organism - not an organization!
THEREFORE, WE FUNCTION ON THE BASIS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS NOT ELECTED OFFICES.
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We each have
different gifts according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:4-6
In an organization, “maintenance” becomes the focus. But in an organism, “ministry” is the focus.
AT NEW LIFE CHURCH WE HAVE A SIMPLE STRUCTURE SO WE CAN MAXIMIZE MINISTRY AND
MINIMIZE MAINTENANCE.
“And He gave...some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for
the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12
OUR STRUCTURE
THE PEOPLE “ MINISTER”.
THE PASTORS “LEAD”.
New Life Church Advisors and oversight
A.
B.
C.
D.
Board of Advisors
Deacons
Small Groups
Strategy and Event Teams
Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 24:6
I Timothy 3:8-13
NOTES
SECTION 3
CONNECT TO NLC
@newlifecabot
New Life Church
New Life Church Cabot
* e-newsletter (each Tuesday)
* www.newlifecabot.com
Where do I go from here?
~ Home Bible Study
~ Get involved in a small group
(Ladies, “Discuss the Bible” (monthly), Monthly small groups
in homes, interest-based opportunities)
~ Midweek Worship—Wednesdays—7:00 - 8:15PM
NOTES
CONNECT TO NLC
NOTES
5 CIRCLES OF COMMITMENT
Core
Community: Unchurched
Crowd: Regular Attendees
Congregation: Members
Committed: Maturing Members
Core: Key Leaders
New Life Church objective is to keep moving people toward the center by encouraging personal spiritual
commitments.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER
The difference between “attendees” and “members” can be summed up in one word:
COMMITMENT.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A MEMBER?
At New Life Church we never ask our member to do more than the Bible clearly teaches. We only expect
our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in
the Membership Outline.
A DISCIPLESHIP MEMBER OF NEW LIFE CHURCH
Having declared my faith in Jesus Christ by repenting of my sins, submitting to water baptism in the name
of Jesus Christ, having either received the baptism of the Holy Ghost or actively seeking this gift, and being in agreement with New Life Church’s statements and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to
commit to membership in the New Life Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the
other members to do the following:
CONNECT TO NLC
NOTES
I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
...By acting in love toward other members
...By refusing to gossip
...By following the leaders
“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to
Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5
“...in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a
pure heart.” 1 Peter 1:22
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification…”
Ephesians 4:29
“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give
account. Let them do so with joy and not grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
Hebrews 13:17
I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
...By praying for its growth
...By inviting the unchurched to attend
...By warmly welcoming those who visit
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2
“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, so My house may be full.” Luke 14:23
“So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be
glorified.” Romans 15:7
I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
...By discovering my gifts and talents
...By being equipped to serve by my leaders
...By developing a servant’s heart
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another…” 1Peter 4:10
“And He gave...some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in
you which was also in Christ Jesus...taking the form of a bondservant…” Phil 2:5,7
CONNECT TO NLC
NOTES
I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
...By attending faithfully
...By living a godly life
...by giving regularly of tithing and offering
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...but exhorting one another…” Hebrews 10:25
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” Philippians 1:27
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper.”
1 Corinthians 16:2
“And all the tithe of the land...It is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30