To say the least, we are on a roll at R2C2. Our attendance is higher right now than it has been in several years. Our giving is up. The overall mood is very positive. We’re seeing new faces every Sunday. People are taking Class 101, Discovering Church Membership. And in the last couple of months we have had a number of folks make first time commitments to Christ and rededications. We will be baptizing about 15 people in September at our next baptism. More and more folks are stepping up to serve on our ministry teams. The challenge now is to keep the momentum going by preparing for the fall, which is typically our “big growth season.”

To do this, I am leading us (as I believe God is leading me) to take some BIG steps to help us facilitate the current growth, as well as prepare for the growth of the coming months. The first step is to increase our Annual Ministry Investment Budget. We will vote to do this on Sunday, August 6th after our 11:00 service. We will increase the budget by approximately $500 a week. Here’s what you’ll be getting for your money:

-A new full-time worship leader. We have officially hired Brandon Whedbee to lead our music program at R2C2.

-A church administrator. Catherine Hatcher, who has served our church as a high-capacity volunteer, has agreed to officially come on staff for part-time pay.

-A youth pastor/small groups pastor. We have come to the place where we need someone on staff to provide environments and small groups for our students at R2C2 to get connected.

This person will have a dual role to include helping us launch a new small groups ministry. We have a few small groups now, but having a growing, thriving, expanding small group ministry is going to be necessary for the long-term growth of Rocky River.

The new hires are going to be key (KEY) to sustaining our current growth and kicking it up a notch in the fall. Our goal for numerical growth in the fall is 400 by December. The funding for the expanded budget is in the harvesting of these new folks.

*Remember, you staff for growth. You don’t wait until you have the money to hire important staff members. You hire ahead which allows you to grow. The more our congregation grows the more our income grows.

Thank you for supporting my leadership. It is my privilege to be your pastor. I am certain that God is leading our church. He has a big dream for Rocky River. And it is true that where God guides, He provides.

Live LOUD for God!
Jimmy