On Sunday, January 30th, 2011 we launched the 321 Project. Download the introductory sermon here.

What is the 321 Project?  

The 321 Project is a fund dedicated to beginning and sustaining a multiplying gospel effort in this region.  It is our passion to raise up local Churches that are theologically God-centered, gospel-saturated and characterized by expository preaching. This will be done primarily through church planting and/or church revitalization. 

Why 321?

This project is named after Paul’s doxology in Ephesians 3:21. Few texts summarize our passion as this text: “To Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Our passion is that God would cause His glory & supremacy to echo through these mountains and valleys once again. 

How will these funds be spent?

The long-term goal of this project is to undergird the multiplication of local Churches throughout this region. However, the short-term reality is that we need to put ourselves in a healthy situation in order to reproduce. This requires attention toward a healthy central Charleston campus, efforts in training our men and families through our Academy, etc. All funds, except for 10% (see 10% Global below), will go toward these efforts.

2012 GOALS - 321 PROJECT (2012 Goal = $110,000): In 2011 our membership gave $119,054 to special project giving (321 & debt retirement). This giving is “above and beyond” regular giving efforts and should not affect regular budget giving. In 2012 we will again set up two special project giving opportunities. Both of these goal will fall under our 321 vision as they are intimately connected to our gospel multiplying vision. All funds given to 321 will be used to supplement the regular operating budget if necessary. Below are the two goals for 2012. 

Charleston Expansion Project: A major part of our 321 Project is a healthy, central campus that is able to birth and sustain a multiplying gospel movement. We believe Charleston is the ideal spot for this “mother” campus. The begin and sustain this movement we believe the central campus should be at least 350 people before we multiply. This goal necessitates we expand our seating capabilities at our Charleston campus. We are asking our membership to give $70,000 to this effort in 2012. These funds will allow us to reduce the amount of debt we would incur in expanding our seating. Of course, there are other benefits to expanding our seating such as being able to host yearly conferences, providing handicap accessible facilities, etc. We will discuss these at a later meeting.

1st Multiplication Effort: It is our desire to likewise prepare for our first multiplication effort in our region. Our 2012 goal to add $40,000 to the current 40k in this fund. When the time comes for us to multiply we want to be ready on a number of levels: trained leaders, prepared team and financial resources. It would be a blessing to have 80k by the end of 2012 in a fund geared toward our 1st multiplication effort. 

 How can I give to the 321 Project?

You can give to the 321 Project in a variety of ways. However, it is important that your giving to this project goes above and beyond your normal, weekly giving. Your weekly giving takes care of the everyday expenses. Below are some ways you can give to the 321 Project:

• Weekly Offerings: You can give toward the 321 Project any week in the regular weekly offering.    Please clearly mark “321 Project” in the memo section of your check.
• Special Offerings: We will take up a special offering a couple of times each year to strengthen this fund.
• Online: Click here to give online. Please check the appropriate box to identify this as “321 Project” giving.
• Assets: You can also donate assets such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, etc. Click here for more information on strategic giving.

10% Global - That they may hear!

10% of all given will go toward global efforts to bring the gospel to those regions that are least reached.  In 2011 we could see God, through you, give thousands of dollars to these global efforts to the end that they who have no gospel witness would hear the glorious truth of Jesus Christ in their own tongue.  Let’s pray to that end.

Beyond giving, how else can I contribute?

• Pray.  Let us ask God to move in our day for His glory!  Why not?   He “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” to raise up a gospel movement for His glory.
• Invite. Don’t be shy about inviting unbelievers to our gathering.  It seems Paul expected them to visit the gatherings of the church in Corinth (1 Cor 14:23-25).  Our goal in inviting others to attend is simple...gospel not growth.  I cannot explain what happens here on Sunday morning other than the dramatic affects of the gospel upon us.  Invite others to come and hear and see the gospel.
• Be the Church.  Let’s be a healthy church because that is exactly what we desire to reproduce.  Dreaming about what God might do is great.  But let’s not allow our dreams to create a passivity in our spirit.  Let’s be faithful and be a church to the praise of His glory.

We hope you'll download the sermon. Join the movement.