Tag Archive for: church growth

Top 100 Churches

(This post was written by Dr. Chris Stephens, Senior Pastor)

Hey Friends,

I have to tell you I am still blown away and I never dreamed it. Faith Promise was just listed as the 48th fastest growing church in America. That is just mind-blowing! Don’t forget, because I don’t, that I am just a washed up ex-druggie that God saved and decided to use. Now look – Pure God! He can use anything or anyone He chooses.

When Michele and I took our first church plant in the bayou of southwest Louisiana, we never saw this coming! I believe God has big plans for each of us. I also believe I am one of His favorites. I’m still surprised at how few people challenge me on that thought.

I am so thrilled with the team that God has assembled at FPC. The staff and volunteers are first rate! We have the best staff Executive Team, all staff, Elders, Leadership Team, Small Group Leaders, and I could go on. God has blessed us with so many committed Christ-followers who are willing to sacrifice and give their lives for the Lord and His Kingdom. We are so blessed to get to serve with this team.

Rarely does anyone do something great alone. Faith Promise is a family of thousands. It may have grown large but it is still a family. Every day I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. God is indeed so good. If  He never did anything else for me after saving me, it still would have been far more than I deserve. He never quits blessing His kids.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” Today we are rejoicing because of the favor of God.

In less than three weeks we launch our next campus in Blount County. More souls saved from hell and placed in heaven – that is what we are all about!

Be blessed and walk under an open heaven!

Pastor Chris

Making New Seats for New People

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/6454439[/vimeo]

2009 Church Goals

Knoxville Church - Faith Promise Church

This post was written by Josh Whitehead (joshwhitehead.net), Executive Pastor at Faith Promise Church.

 

Each year at FPC, our Senior Leadership Team sets church goals. It has been a part of our culture since the beginning of the church. Pastor asks each of us to pray daily for our ministry and for each of the goals. We’re often asked, “Where are we at in reaching the church goals?” Here’s a mid-year update:

3500 in Attendance – We are currently averaging 3079 in total attendance for this year. The fall will play a huge part in reaching this goal as we re-open Satellite I to accommodate those coming to FPC.

* 50% in Small Groups – Groups ministry continues to create new opportunities for connecting with others in relationships. We continue to see 50% of adults attending small group.

* 400 New Servants – VolLink has been a tremendous help in connecting people to ministry this year. Through May, we have seen 195 people begin serving in a ministry.

* 13 Mission Trips – There have been trips to all different parts of the world. Through July, teams have visited Costa Rica 3 times, New Zealand, Thailand, England, South Africa and Houston. There are other trips planned throughout the end of the year.

* 200 Baptisms – 109 people have followed Christ in Baptism this year. In 2008, FPC was 4th in baptisms in the state of Tennesse. God is awesome!

* Compassion Ministry – Susan Troop is organizing the Kid’s Hope ministry to begin mentoring at Beaumont Elementary School. We are also pursuing hiring a Pastor of Missions to oversee all compassion ministries, local and global.

* 15.5% Budget Increase – to date we have fulfilled 10.5% of our 15.5% increase. God continues to do financial miracles at FPC and I expect that we will finish the year funding the entire budget!

* The Journey Campaign: 4.7 million pledged – We’ve received $1.11million to dates with $2.89million left to begin construction. Continue to pray for The Journey!

* 2 New Worship Services – Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 8:30am have helped us make seats available for guests at both the 10 & 11:45am services. This will become even more critical as we enter the fall.

We are absolutely spoiled at FPC to see God move in such amazing ways! Each of you plays a significant part in our ministry impacting people’s lives for Christ. Continue to reach out to your family and friends. Invite them to FPC so that they can experience the true living God and grow in their relationship with Him!

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This post is reprinted from the blog of Dr. Chris Stephens.

Top 100 Churches

Top 100 Churches

We received notice a couple of days ago that Faith Promise will likely be listed in Outreach Magazine’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Churches which comes out in September.  In 2008, Faith Promise had 360 person increase in average weekend attendance (15% growth over 2007).

May God receive all the glory as he continues to impact lives for His kingdom here in Knoxville!