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 4^thin baptisms in the state of Tennessee. 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 $1.11 million to date with $2.89 million 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!

Hey Gang,

As most of you know, I’m 14 hours ahead of you. No, I haven’t learned to time travel! Michele and I are in Australia for a conference at Hillsong. I thought for my blog this week I would share some sights and insights we get while were here. (Still rocking from all God did on the 4th at FPC!)  Sunday we all went to church at Hillsong two days before the conference was to start.  It is 3:30 in the morning here and I can’t sleep.  My mind is reeling and rocking at 1000 MPH.  I was blown away at church  Sunday!

We went to the 9:00 service and was shocked as people got there 45 minutes early to get a good seat up front.  AMAZING!  The atmosphere was electric and filled with the Holy Spirit and anticipation of what God would do and how He would show up. This, in a land with very few churches. It is a powerful move of God. God was there;  the service was strong and many were saved.

The Sunday night service was even better.  People got there an hour early to ensure a good seat as the overflow would also be filled.  The church was packed with young adults and youth.  As the worship started they packed the front of the stage, ten rows deep to praise the living Lord. WOW!  (You should have seen Justin in midst of the worship!)  Again strong and many saved.  The Pastor, Brian Huston, was to share the amount of the offering the week before. It was an end of year “Heart for the House” offering. The place was electric as the congregation awaited the amount. Over $6,000,000. This was a special offering over and above for building and more space. That is God, when young adults are fired up about giving sacrificially.

Yep, I’m impressed and hungry for more of God.  Tune in all week as I share what God is doing “Down Under, Mate.”

Love ya – allow God to tamper with your dream world and vision!

Pastor