I can't do this anymore!

I can't do this anymore!  Have you ever found yourself saying this?  Maybe you've said it multiple times in a day.  Sometimes, it is life in general and sometimes, it is a certain situation or circumstance in your life.  Either way, it's a declaration of desperation or one of giving up.

I'm just like you.  I wake up many days and find myself feeling this way and sometimes even saying out loud.  It's never a good feeling and can often times drain you and leave you paralyzed and in a downcast state.  It can lead you to question your desire to even want to continue living in this old world and dealing with it's boat load of troubles, trials, and tribulations.  I've been there many times and have even been there today.

The good news is...you are not alone in your feeling of desperation.  Many who have gone before you and many who are living around you feel the very same way every day.  Does it change the way you feel? Certainly not.  However, it should comfort you to know that if they have made it through the struggles of life, then you can too.

I'm reminded in Scripture where Paul the Apostle, a passionate follower and servant of Christ, was at this very same point in life.  He had great troubles, of which we don't even fully know or understand, that he referred to as a thorn in the flesh.  Three times he asked God to remove them from his life and three times God said, "NO."  WOW!  That was awful rude of God to respond in such a way.  Okay, not really.  You see, God had already provided everything that Paul would need to make it through the difficulties of this life.  He revealed it to Paul when God simply said, "My GRACE is sufficient for you."  It may sound like a cop out, but it's really more of a revealing of God's character being displayed in the lives of people.  His love and grace are the answer to every difficulty that we will face in this life, just like Paul. 

The real question is, will you allow God's love and grace to be everything that you need in this life?  After all, nothing that passes into your life has caught God by surprise.  His grace is more than enough to see you through whatever you are or will face in this life.

Turn to God today and rely on His grace and love to see you through.  Stop declaring negativity over your life that you CAN'T take it anymore and start walking in the victory that was already provided for you at the cross of Calvary through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  With Christ, YOU can do this!  Will you?

Knock, Knock! Will you answer the door of opportunity?

Like many, I have always said, "Lord, send me anywhere but Africa," until several years ago when I was attending the Tennessee Baptist Convention and kept running into Missionary Mike McAfee from Abidjan, West Africa.  Immediately, I sensed the Lord saying that this is where I was to go.  At first, I rejected it and didn't want to follow through.  For several weeks, I continued to sense the nudging of the Holy Spirit to seek out the opportunity to travel to the Ivory Coast to take HOPE to a people in need of Jesus. 

I remember the first conversation that I had with Missionary Mike.  It was like a breathe of fresh air and a peace flooded my spirit.  From that moment forward, my first trip was in place and the days were counting down.  I still remember the moment that I boarded that plane heading to Abidjan and the feeling of excitement that gripped me as I knew God was carrying me every step of the way.

Abidjan is an urban city in West Africa of some 8 million people.  Many live in the city and many live outside of the city in poverty ridden villages.  My team experienced first hand the hunger and thirst for HOPE among the people and we were blessed to be able to share with them the story of creation to Christ. 

Honestly, even after returning home and to this very day, I cannot for the life of me get the images of those people out of my head and off of my heart.  I love the people of Abidjan dearly and cannot wait to return again to share the HOPE of Jesus Christ and plant new churches to reach their own people.

I am scheduled to take a team of 4-5 people from Impact Church this October 20-29th to once again impact this area with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  On this team is an elder from Bridges of Hope Fellowship in McMinnville, TN (my former church plant), a young lady who is in our student ministry at Impact, her brother, and myself.  There may be the possibility of another lady in our church going as well.  Me and the elder from BOHF have both been before, but the other two will be making this journey as their FIRST mission trip ever.  That's exciting!

I am asking all of my friends to pray about helping us get to Africa this fall.  We are currently in need of $5,000 to purchase the plane tickets in order to secure a good rate.  I understand that many cannot go on foreign missions, but could give to help see that others get there and that the gospel gets shared.  There are several ways that you can give to help support this mission trip.

1)  Pray for us and God's provisions

2)  Give online at https://impactchurchtn.securegive.com  and mark "AFRICA" in the memo box.

3)  Mail your contribution to:  Impact Church, P.O. Box 1057, Kingston, TN 37763

Any amount you can give to help us get to Africa will be greatly helpful as God will multiply your gifts.  All gifts are totally tax deductible as allowed by the IRS.

Thanks in advance for giving to make an IMPACT in the lives of the people of Abidjan, West Africa! When we get to heaven, many of them will await you to thank you there.  May God bless you as you give of yourself so that many could be won to the kingdom!

If you need more information or would like to talk with me more about this trip, please call 865-376-4400 or email pastor@impactchurchtn.com

Pastor DeWayne
Impact Church
Kingston, TN

We're Off The Ground!

This week, I am reflecting on the "Grand Opening" or public launch of our new church plant, Impact Church, in Kingston, Tennessee.

As I look back over the past year, there was lots of hard work, praying, serving, relationship building, vision casting, and just plain loving our community that has led us up the point of our launch on Sunday.

When I arrived at the building on Sunday morning, the excitement of the day filled the air.  Volunteers were already there and preparing for our guests that would soon arrive.  The worship team arrived, instruments were warming up, and worship rehearsal began.  The celebration band and praise team sounded awesome!  I could tell it was going to be a great day.  

I am so thankful for Tim & Heather Mears coming to help us from my former church, Bridges of

Hope Fellowship, in McMinnville.  Tim ran the sound for us and Heather was available as a backup for our projection.  Both are always ready to serve at a moments notice and with a smile on their faces.  Tim was my chairman of deacons and Heather, what was she not.  LOL  She and her family were part of the original few that helped us plant Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  It was great to have them for the launching of Impact Church as well.

At 9:50 a.m., we started our very first Volunteer V.I.P. Huddle for all of our volunteers.  It was a great time for some vision casting, informing them of changes or protocol, and praying together before everyone got to their places of service at 10 a.m.

I will never forget the way I felt as people started pouring into our facility and the way our volunteers greeted the people with smiles, handshakes, and welcoming laughter.  It was amazing!  There is no way anyone could have left our facility and not feel loved and welcomed.  Our volunteers rocked it!

Our children's ministry was ready as kids checked-in at our new electronic check-in center.  Ginger Hammons, one of our volunteers, was there greeting with a smile and warm words of welcome for parents and children alike.  She was great!

As for the refreshments, it never ceases to amaze me how a cup of hot coffee, water, or juice can stir up fellowship before entering the worship center.  Lots of people stood and got to know one another over a cup of coffee.  

In the worship center, when the countdown hit zero, the band was on it!  The did a fantastic job of leading us in worship and preparing our hearts for the hearing of God's Word.  I have never felt more sure about a service as I did this one.  We had all worked hard, prepared, and prayed for God to show up and do His thing...move in the hearts and lives of the people...and He did.  

After I preached and gave the invitation, the altars were flooded with people praying about different things and surrendering their lives to the Lord.  One young man chose to follow Christ and went from darkness to light.  Praise God!  Many came for baptism, while 36 came to join "The Core" membership at Impact Church.  God was in the House!!!!!  It was so exciting to see the Holy Spirit moving mightily in our midst.  

On the way out that day, I was thrilled to talk to, fellowship with, and pray with lots of people who had blessed us with their presence as our special guests.  My heart was full and overwhelmed, to say the least.

Since that day, I have watched Social Media blow up with posts of excitement, photos, videos, etc. from the BIG day.  Our momentum is high and we are blessed!  

As a result, this coming Sunday, we'll be helping people "Go Public" through baptism.  It's going to be exciting as we watch lots of people invite their family, friends, and co-workers to experience their public acknowledgement of their faith in Jesus Christ.  How awesome!  

I just want to close by saying how amazing proud I am to be the pastor at Impact Church and to shepherd these wonderful people of God.  Thank you, Impact Church, for loving me and my family so much!  We are truly blessed to serve you!

Let The Celebration Begin!

It's been a year ago since we officially gathered a couple of people to walk alongside of us in this NEW journey of church planting.

Over the last year, my family and I have worked hard to get out in the community, get to know the community again, and serve the community with the love of God.  As we did, we shared the vision that God has given us for a new church planting movement based out of Kingston through the planting of Impact Church.  One by one, individuals and families began joining the vision.  We started meeting on Sundays in February 2014 for our Core Group worship and then meeting on Wednesday nights for our Core Group training and equipping sessions.  Throughout the year, we spent lots of time, energy, and resources reaching out to our community through serving projects, sports camps/clinics, Backyard Bible Clubs, VBS, door to door canvassing, partnerships with the local schools, etc.

It's been a long, hard, but fun and rewarding year as we've watched God perform miracle after miracle and life change after life change.  We ended the year with 37 people having gone from darkness to light as they surrendered their lives to follow Jesus Christ.  We saw 8 people walk through the baptismal waters as they went public with their faith.  Praise the Lord!

Now is the time to "officially" launch Impact Church in full force to the Kingston and Roane County area.  Our teams are in place, excitement is high, and we are praying like crazy for God to Impact Kingston and the world through the ministry of Impact Church!  This Sunday, January 25th is our official "Grand Opening" and we are believing God to show up and display His marvelous power and glory in our midst.  We would love for you to bring a friend and join us, if you can.  We start serving coffee, juice, water, and snacks at 10 a.m. (EST) and the celebration begins at 10:30 a.m.

In celebration, I'll be kicking off a new sermon series entitled, "MISSION: Impact."  In this series, we'll be breaking down the mission of Christ for every believer and more specifically, Impact Church.

If you can't attend, please pray for us that many lives will be changed for the glory of God.  I will be sure to update you as to the move of God in our midst.  Thanks for all of your support!

Easter Expectations at Impact Church

This Sunday is EASTER and we're celebrating it at Impact Church in Kingston, Tennessee!  Check out what's happening...

Here are 7 frequently asked questions about visiting Easter Sunday:

What should I wear?

At Impact Church, you’ll see all styles of dress. Some will wear suit and tie and dresses. Some will wear jeans and t-shirts. We may even see shorts if the weather is warm enough. To answer your question, choose an outfit you already own, one you feel comfortable in, and join us. (No speedos please, but that’s just a personal request, otherwise, you’ll be fine. )

What will we do? What can I expect?

We will have a fairly typical worship schedule. We will sing some songs, a short welcome time, I’ll share a message (my intent will be to share hope), we will sing some more. We will attempt to have a blend of songs and music all ages can enjoy. And, yes, in full transparency, and in case you’re wondering, we will receive an offering, but not during the service.  We use offering boxes mounted at both entrances to our worship center as our people just drop it in as they are coming or going. Our offerings support the full range of ministries we offer in the church, community, and around the world. You are not required, however, to participate during this time unless you choose to do so.  However, we do ask you to fill out a simple communication card and drop it by the information center on your way out in exchange for a FREE gift.  You will want this gift!

Will you embarrass me?

I certainly hope not. It will be a primary goal not to do that. I don’t personally like to be embarrassed when I visit somewhere new, even in a church — and I’m a pastor — so my goal is to create an environment that is comfortable for all. You WILL NOT be singled out as a guest. We don’t make guests stand, raise their hand, or even fill out a card if you choose not to do so. (You certainly won’t be asked to sing a solo, unless you sing really, really loud — and then you’re on your own. )

How long will the service last?

Slightly more than an hour. I’d love to say an hour, but sometimes the service ends up being an hour and 5 or 10 minutes frequently. At the most, you’ll be with us for an hour and 15 minutes. (Walking to and from the car time and all.)

What time should I arrive?

That’s a great question. And, I’m really trying to help when I suggest you get here a few minutes early. Maybe even as many as 10 minutes early. This will give you time to get familiar with where the kids (birth to 2nd grade) go. We especially want you to find a seat where you are most comfortable (some want up close — some want in the middle), and you’ll feel more acclimated to the room if you have a few minutes to adjust before the service begins. We have a special Easter Worship Guide you can be reading while you wait for the service to start.

Do you have something for children?

Absolutely. Birth through 2nd grade have their own activities designed especially for them. They will enjoy a teaching experience that will engage them at their level. Of course, we don’t keep you from bringing children with you in the worship service if that is more comfortable on a first visit, but our experience is that they truly do enjoy the time designed for them. Either way, we love when entire families join us Easter Sunday.

Can I only come one time? Really, for what am I signing up when I come Easter Sunday?

There’s no obligation beyond Easter Sunday. It’s a “free look”. Promise. Being honest, we do ask you to fill out a communication card and, if you do, we will follow up with you. And I hope you do. I love seeing who God brought to us as guests. I love meeting our guests. But, even if you fill out a card, we allow you to tell us how you want to be contacted. Phone, email, social media, or visit — or none — you tell us. We won’t put any unfair pressure on you to ever come again. We hope you will, and we’d love if Easter triggered that desire in you, but that’s your call — not ours.

I hope that answers some questions of those who think about visiting our church. I’d be honored if you are our guest.   Either way, I hope you have a great EASTER and experience the HOPE of the resurrection!

Pastor DeWayne

Impact Church

www.ImpactChurchTN.com 

It's Almost Here!

Dear Friends, Family, and Partners in Ministry,

I hope you and your family had a great Christmas holiday spending time together and making memories that will last a lifetime.  It’s always a great time of year to slow down and reflect on all that God has done for us and given to us in the last year.  But, as you know, we’re only a few days away from a fresh new year…2014.  With a new year will come new blessings, new opportunities, and new challenges.  Regardless, God is already there and guiding us through to His glorious destiny for each of us.

My family has been hard at work on the prep phase of planting Impact Church in the Roane County, Tennessee area.  Lots has already happened in terms of meeting people and gathering families to our launch team.  As we’ve been meeting people and building some good and strong relationships, God has been moving and working in the lives of those people.  We are excited to have the opportunity to help reach the 31,000 + people in Roane County that have no relationship to God or a church!  Those are the people we are targeting with the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.  Our goal is NOT transfer growth, but kingdom growth through salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. 

I would like to ask you, your family, your church, or your business to consider giving a year-end tax deductible contribution to assist us fulfilling the mission of LOVING GOD, LOVING PEOPLE, AND IMPACTING THE WORLD.   Your gift will help us move to the next phase of planting Impact Church.  Make your gift by midnight on December 31^st and it will count toward the 2013 tax period.  Here’s how:

• GIVE ONLINE -  https://impactchurchtn.securegive.com  You can give a one-time gift or a monthly recurring gift.
  
• ·   MAIL -  You can mail your gift to:
                          Impact Church, P.O. Box 1057, Kingston, TN 37763
  
• ·     MOBILE PHONE/Ipad APP – Download the “SECUREGIVE” app           from iTunes or Google app store.  Select 37763 and Impact                 Church as your giving organization.  It’s that easy!

You can always stay in touch with us through our website at www.ImpactChurchTN.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/impactchurchtn  or by following us on twitter at www.twitter.com/impactchurchtn.

Thank you so much for partnering with us to see lives changed and impacted in and beyond Roane County, Tennessee!  You support is making a difference!

Impacting the World,

Pastor DeWayne Howard

Impact Church...Experience the Difference!

www.ImpactChurchTN.com
www.DewayneHoward.com

December 2013 Update

It’s December and another year is drawing to an end.  This year has been filled with lots of blessing and change for our family and ministry.  As many of you know, we resigned from Bridges of Hope Fellowship in McMinnville, TN and had our last day on the 7^th Anniversary of the church, October 13^th.  Within a few weeks, we embarked on the journey of moving our family to Kingston, TN to start/plant a new church in Roane County, TN.  The welcome and support has been overwhelming.  We are excited to be back in East Tennessee!

The new church plant is called, Impact Church.  The latest census reports show that Roane County has a

population of 54,181 people, with 31, 208 of those having no relationship to God or a church.  The need is great.  Most of the churches are either totally traditional or totally contemporary in their approach to worship, discipleship, and reaching people.  We feel the need to offer something that is not off the wall, but different.  Our goal is to focus on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Our mission is simple, yet clear:  LOVING GOD.  LOVING PEOPLE.  IMPACTING THE WORLD.  You can find out more about Impact Church at www.ImpactChurchTN.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ImpactChurchTN.   You can also follow us on Twitter @ImpactChurchTN.

We immediately began talking to people and seeking to build a core group/launch team, a 500 member prayer team, and secure a facility.  It’s been exciting as I’ve been out in the community talking with people and seeing their eyes glow with interest.  Next week, we’ll launch Impact Vision Tour, an informal gathering, to share the vision of Impact Church with the community.  Please pray for those gatherings and the people who will show up.  The dates are as follows:

·         Tuesday, December 10^th at 7 p.m. at Kingston Community Center

·         Thursday, December 12^th at 7 p.m. at Harriman Community Center

If you are in the area, feel free to come and join us for this time of fellowship and sharing.

As you may know, expenses are already starting to come in as we make full preparations to plant Impact Church.  There are lots of initial startup costs involved with planting a new church (website, meeting space, business/invite cards, banners, chairs, sound equipment, projection equipment, etc.).  God is more than able to supply all of our needs and He desires to use people like you and me to do so.  So, how can you be a part of this great new work?

Four Ways to Partner With Us:

1.  IMPACT PRAYER TEAM:  Join the Impact Prayer Team by replying to this email with your name and email address or visit www.ImpactChurchTN.com and sign up on the front page. 
You'll receive a weekly email with our urgent requests concerning the plant and our family.

2.  IMPACT PARTNER:  Become an Impact Partner by supporting the church financially for 1 year.  You can give a monthly gift or a one-time gift that is tax deductible.  A partner could be an individual, family, Sunday School Class, Life Group, or a church.  Send your gifts to: Impact Church, P.O. Box 1057, Kingston, TN 37763.  Register as an Impact Partner at http://www.impactchurchtn.com/_forms/view/16628.  Soon, you’ll be able to give online or use our smart phone giving app!  (We are looking for 10 churches who will partner with us at $100 monthly for 12 months.  Could your church do this?)

3.  IMPACT LAUNCH TEAM:  Join the Launch Team (Core Group) as a missionary to help launch the new church for a specified or unspecified period of time. If interested, click here > http://www.impactchurchtn.com/_forms/view/16627

4.  MISSION TEAMS:  Bring a mission team to help us prepare our meeting space, do community outreach, prayer walking, etc.  Call 931-808-8866 or email me if your church or small group is interested.

Thanks in advance for all of your prayers and financial support to help us launch this new church in Roane County!  For more information, feel free to contact me at 931-808-8866 or email me at pastordhoward@gmail.com

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Impacting the World,

Pastor DeWayne Howard

Impact Church...Experience the Difference!

www.ImpactChurchTN.com
www.DewayneHoward.com