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 

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

ALERT: Terrorism in the Church!

Here's a little something that I borrowed from a friend, Ric Veal.  How true it is and really felt like it needed to be shared with my readers.

Terrorists in our Churches
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin. Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ.

The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy. However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along. Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others.

They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return. And guess what, no church is exempt. However, you can spot them if you "bin lookin".


I want to encourage all Christians to be on the alert this year that satan is alive and well.  He is roaming about and seeking whom he may devour.  We need to wake up and realize when he is trying to destroy the fellowship of the Body of Christ and create confusion within.  Let's don't fall prey to misunderstandings, getting our feelings hurt, and missing in action.  Instead, let's be on the offense and deal with him before he launches his scheming tactics against us.  It's time to stop terrorism in the Church!  

Africa Bound!

I am excited to share with you about an upcoming trip I'll be taking to Abidjan, West Africa during October 22nd-30th of this year.  I am leading a team of 4 from Bridges of Hope Fellowship on a vision trip to begin the journey of planting churches in this city of 6 million people.  We are thrilled about the opportunity to make such a great impact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an area where Christianity is a minority.  This is my first mission trip out of the United States.  I can't wait to go serve and believe God to change my heart and life for the world.

During our time in Africa, we'll be working with Missionaries Mike & Heather McAfee.  They have been helping us in our planning efforts and assisting us all along the way to ensure that we have a productive and fruitful experience.  They are from Baxter, Tennessee, which is very close to McMinnville and Cookeville.

This trip will consist of prayerwalking, vision tours, meeting and visiting with natives, church visits, observation of missionary story telling, and more.  The goal is to discover God's heart for the people He is calling us to reach by planting churches among them.  Our goal is then to return twice a year to assist and build up the church planting efforts that we start this fall.

The trip cost is approximately $3,500 per person and includes airfare, transportation, meals, lodging, shots, etc.  I am prayerfully seeking to raise this money by August 1st, 2012.  

I would ask that you please pray about partnering with me to change and impact lives in Africa with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Any amount that you could give towards the total would be greatly appreciated.  You may give it directly through Bridges of Hope Fellowship (www.GetHope.info) so that your gifts will be 100% tax deductible.  There are several ways that you can give to help me get to Africa:


1. Send a check or money order made payable to BRIDGES OF HOPE FELLOWSHIP to:

Bridges of Hope Fellowship
4023 Smithville Hwy.
McMinnville, TN 37110

(Please mark "Africa" in the memo line.)

2.  Give online at www.GetHope.info by visiting the website and clicking on "GIVE NOW."  Please select the "Designated: Missions Fund."  Or visit www.bridgesofhope.securegive.com 

3.  You can download and use our smartphone/iphone giving app by visiting the app store and search for "SecureGive."  It is a FREE app!  Select '37110' as the zip code and click on "Bridges of Hope Fellowship."  You will then be able to register your account and start giving via your mobile device.

In advance, I'd like to thank you for your prayers and financial support of my ministry and this trip.  Your support means so much to me and serves as a great encouragement.  I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Be sure to check my blog often for updates and details concerning this trip and other happenings to change the world for the cause of Christ.  

Passionately Serving,

DeWayne Howard, Pastor

Bridges of Hope Fellowship

pastor@gethope.info 

www.dewaynehoward.com 

BIG Sunday

I am so excited as I look back over the events of this past week and our worship celebration at Bridges of Hope Fellowship today.

All week long, we have been telling people about BIG Sunday that took place today. We encouraged people to invite their friends, family, and co-workers. Today was the day of all days. We arrived to a full house this morning for an awesome time of celebration for the goodness of the Lord. Following the opening song, the following video played that told everyone that we did get our loan approval for the next step of our new building project and that we have secured the 60 member mission team from Georgia to build our new facility in just 10 days, starting on June 11, 2010. Also, that we have an HVAC Company that wants to donate the materials and labor to install our system for the new building. Watch the video...

Afterwards, I shared that we had received confirmation that Falcon Audio/Video/Lights of Oklahoma has contacted us and wants to donate our high end speakers for our sacturary at the new building. Also, that we are going to be placing a 24 x 60 portable office unit behind the new building to accommodate the Children's Worship Center and the Youth Worship Center. We have secured a mission team from Pine Grove Baptist Church in South Carolina to come in July to do the remaining finishing touches on the building, etc. The site work will be done my April and we'll be ready to pour the concrete pad to start the building. For regular updates on the building, visit www.forwardinfaith.us

The crowd broke out in applause and shouting of praise for all that God has done for us this week. It was truly a time of great excitement!

I preached today on the "Cornerstones for Fasting" in preparation for the 21 Day Fast that our church will be going through beginning on Sunday, March 14, 2010. If you missed it, check it out online at www.sermon.net/pastord

During the invitation, we had several to recommit their lives to Christ and then Tim Owen surrendered to the call of God on his life to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Praise His name!

DeWayne