Build His Church | Week 2 | Pastor Ben Pierce

Building His Church: Vision and Growth for 2025

In this inspiring message from Pastor Ben Pierce, we explore the exciting vision for Generation Church as it continues to grow and impact the community. With a focus on discipleship and outreach, the church aims to expand its reach and deepen its connections with every generation.

Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to Generation Church! Whether you’re joining us in person or online, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our family. If you’re new, we invite you to take the next steps with us, connect with our community, and discover your purpose here. Our team is eager to help you find your place within our church family.

Vision Sunday Overview

Vision Sunday is a pivotal moment for our church. It’s a day where we cast a vision for the future, reflecting on what God has accomplished and what lies ahead. This year, we’re shifting our Vision Sunday to November, allowing us to prepare and hit the ground running in January for the great things God has in store for 2025.

Reflecting on 16 Years of Ministry

As we look back over the past 16 years, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. From humble beginnings in an elementary school to our current facility, God has been at work, transforming lives and building a vibrant community. The stories of restored families and changed lives are a testament to His faithfulness.

God’s Vision for the Future

Moving forward, we believe God is calling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. The vision set before us is grand, and we are committed to pursuing it with passion and faith. God has equipped us with everything we need to fulfill this vision, and we must see what He sees for our church.

Honouring Founding Members and Volunteers

It’s crucial to acknowledge those who have laid the foundation for our church. From the very beginning, individuals like AA and the Brickmans have been instrumental in shaping Generation Church. Their dedication and service have made it possible for us to grow and thrive as a community.

The Journey from Maplewood Center to Current Facility

The transition from Maplewood Center to our current property was a significant milestone. It wasn’t just about acquiring a building; it was about creating a space where lives could be transformed. After two years of renovations, this facility has become a beacon of hope, welcoming all who seek God.

Community Impact and Visibility

Our church is not just a place for worship; it’s a vital part of the community. We’ve made a conscious effort to ensure that if we were to cease to exist, the community would notice our absence. Through outreach initiatives and support programs, we’ve established a reputation as a place of hope and help for those in need.

Expanding Ministry and Property Acquisition

In 2024, we took a bold step by acquiring additional property to expand our facilities. This move is designed to accommodate our growing congregation and enhance our outreach capabilities. Our application process is underway, and we are optimistic about the future developments that will arise from this expansion.

Addressing Growth Challenges

The growth we are experiencing brings with it challenges. Our services are nearing capacity, and we recognize the need for additional space. However, these challenges are also opportunities for us to innovate and find new ways to serve our community effectively.

Discipleship as a Key Focus

At the heart of our mission is discipleship. We are called not just to gather but to equip and send out. Discipleship goes beyond learning; it involves actively sharing the gospel and making an impact in the lives of others. We must ask ourselves: how are we contributing to this mission of making disciples?

The Importance of Making Disciples

Discipleship is foundational to our mission at Generation Church. Making disciples is not merely about filling seats; it’s about transforming lives. Each person we lead to Christ becomes a part of a larger movement, echoing the early church’s impact on the world.

As we engage in discipleship, we empower individuals to go forth and multiply their faith. The goal is to create a chain reaction of believers who are equipped to share the gospel, fostering a community of faith that extends beyond our church walls.

The Seven G’s of Growth

To facilitate personal and communal growth, we embrace the Seven G’s. Each ‘G’ represents a step towards spiritual maturity and community involvement:

1. God: Cultivate a personal relationship with God, moving beyond mere religion.
2. Gathering: Prioritise weekly attendance at church services and events to build spiritual momentum.
3. Growth: Join our Next Steps growth track to learn and connect with the church body.
4. Gifts: Discover and utilize your spiritual gifts through service on the Dream Team.
5. Groups: Engage in the community through various group settings, enhancing relationships and learning.
6. Giving: Support the mission of Jesus through tithing and offerings, aligning your heart with His work.
7. Going: Take action by sharing your faith and serving in outreach initiatives.

These elements are not just steps but vital components of a thriving faith life. By embracing the Seven G’s, we can effectively grow as individuals and as a church.

Launching Alpha Ministry

We are excited to relaunch Alpha, a transformative ministry designed for those seeking answers about faith. Alpha provides a safe space for individuals to explore questions about God and life without judgment.

This global initiative boasts an impressive 82% salvation rate, making it a powerful tool for evangelism. Participants engage in meaningful conversations, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. We believe Alpha will be pivotal in reaching those who are far from God.

Introduction of LifeWise Academy

LifeWise Academy is set to launch as a unique educational initiative, inviting students to learn about the Bible during school hours. This program leverages a legal loophole that allows students to attend classes off-campus to receive biblical education.

We aim to foster a generation that knows God by providing them with the opportunity to encounter His presence and teachings. As these students return to their schools, they will carry their newfound faith with them, influencing their peers.

Kids Around the World Initiative

The Kids Around the World initiative aims to impact young lives globally through meal-packing events. Our previous efforts resulted in 400,000 meals packed, and we are gearing up for another event to pack 60,000 meals for children in the Dominican Republic.

This initiative not only provides physical nourishment but also opens doors for spiritual conversations within families. As children learn Bible stories through our programs, they share these truths with their parents, fostering a faith-filled environment at home.

Supporting Generation Worship Center in Pakistan

We are thrilled to support Generation Worship Center in Karachi, Pakistan, a church with incredible growth under Bishop Mushok’s leadership. Our financial support has helped sustain their ministry, allowing them to oversee over 100 churches and 5,000 new Christians in a predominantly Muslim nation.

This partnership is crucial in a region where the gospel is often met with resistance. Your contributions are making a significant impact, allowing us to support this vital work in one of the world’s most strategic areas for evangelism.

Plans for a Second Location

As we continue to grow, we are excited to announce plans for a second location in North County. This expansion will allow us to reach more families and individuals who desire to be part of the Generation Church community.

With over 200 families currently commuting long distances, this new location will alleviate capacity issues at our existing facility. We believe this will enable us to spread the message of Christ more effectively and serve our community better.

Christmas Offering and Funding Goals

We invite you to participate in our annual Christmas offering as we approach the holiday season. This offering is crucial for funding various ministry activities and expanding our outreach efforts.

Last year, your generous contributions helped bring our youth pastor on full-time, resulting in 40 decisions for Christ among our youth group. As we prepare for this year’s offering, we encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute to the mission of Generation Church.

Mission Statement and Call to Action

Our mission at Generation Church is to empower every generation to find purpose in the message and cause of Christ so that together we can change the world. This is not just a statement but a call to action for each of us.

We invite you to take ownership of this vision. Engage with our ministries, participate in outreach, and share the love of Jesus with those around you. Together, we can make a lasting impact in our community and beyond.