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,

This blog today is to give God glory and to celebrate His infinite power.  This past Saturday we had a 4th of July celebration at Faith Promise. It was amazing. We had 5000 in attendance and over 100 came forward to give their hearts to Jesus as Lord.  Praise His Name!  God is still all-powerful, and He proves it often. This blog is to bless the Lord who is so good to us.

I am a poor celebrator! I know that sounds strange but it is true.  After every mountain or miracle the Lord does I am ready to move quickly on for the next.  God deserves worship, praise and celebration. So, I am! I give Him all the praise and glory for only He can save and draw that many people to Himself on one of the biggest travel weekends of the year.

Last week I wrote a post on leadership and the need for it in the church in America today.  This weekend was not only a praise to the Lord for the lives He touched, but also for the great leadership He is building at Faith Promise.  Before you think I am bragging, I’m on the other side of the globe and was nowhere near the celebration.  The staff at FPC is amazing.  I had “no worries, mate” with Josh Whitehead our Ex. Pastor in charge. We also had staff like Jody Kenyon and many others who did a stellar job for the Lord.  There were 100’s of volunteers that helped make it happen in the blistering heat.  Praise the Lord for the team and the body He is building at FPC.

Yep, let’s brag on God and on all He is up to. He is soooo good.

This last year we were named as one of the top 100 fastest growing Churches in America.  Thank you God for your favor and the bringing church you are building at FPC.  What a ride!

Love you guys. Let’s praise Him together!

Pastor

P.S.  Without question, Ken Freeman did a great job with the gospel. He is a great evangelist. Thanks, Ken.