Disclaimer: I have spent months in prayer and searching the scriptures and trying to get a grasp of what it is I am doing as Pastor of Stonebridge Fellowship church. Understanding of what the church is supposed to be and look like and how that affects a non-believing world. I am not sure that I have all of the answers yet (if I did I guess I would be writing a book, haha) but I do believe I am, day by day, getting to understand the heart of Christ and how we are to respond to our interaction with Him. Jesus gave us a simple command, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.” Throughout scripture we are given examples of how to do this. These were not options but commands to those that choose to follow Him. As we began the process of discussing the uniqueness of our congregation and our purpose we were presented with the option of merging with another congregation, Northside Baptist. As a result of months of prayer, discussion with others, listening this is the basic vision of what I believe we should become.

Foundation of Our New Direction
"“You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and them puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds (light) shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
                                                Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

Conditions of the Merger:

• The members of Northside Baptist Church will join our congregation.
• We will gain responsibility of their property.
• The two churches will become one.
• Michael, the staff, elders and leadership team will give leadership to the new congregation.

We would become One Church with Two Locations (Multiple services: developed to meet people where they are)

Stonebridge North

• Meet at Northside facility 9:00 am (time flexible)
• View as a church plant and ask a portion of Sb family to go and begin the work in that neighborhood.
• Begin September 6, 2008
• Service similar to our current service at the Fair
• Facilities available for dynamic youth and children activities (children’s church)

Stonebridge Broadway

• Services continue as they are
• Continue to add new elements to enhance the experience
• Meet Sundays at 11:00am
• Continue children’s activities
• Coffee bar

Stonebridge Hip Hop (name subject to change)

• Meet at Sb North facility on Saturday Nights
• Begin this summer
• Culturally relevant service developed to minister to and disciple the Hip Hop Culture (teens and young adults)
• Under leadership of Bj and Tammy Myers
• We will be partnering with other believers in the community

Attempt to Break down cultural, racial and economic divides in the church through:

The Bridge

A service held once a month where we will bring elements from all three services together for one large celebration time. We will take communion together at this time and begin to bridge the gap between cultures, economic lines, ethnicities etc.

Weekly Prayer Time – Open to anyone, held at the Northside campus

Ministries and Daily Operations:

• All ministry teams and community partnerships will remain under the umbrella of Stonebridge Fellowship Church.
• Our daily operations will operate at the Northside facility.
• All current ministries will remain
• New ministries will develop as we begin to infiltrate the city

How? What Steps to Take:

• Clear and consistent communication
• Triple the number of volunteers of what we currently have.
• LETTING OUR LIGHTS SO SHINE. Help believers and non-believers see what God is capable of when his children are willing and obedient.
• Teaching Team - A group of men sharing the responsibility of sharing the word and rotating between services. Michael will give leadership to this team.
• Multiple Musicians – to lead in music at each service. Garrett will give leadership to this team.

Challenge given to Stonebridge Family:

• Take time this week to think and pray through this.
• Decide whether or not you are willing to be an active part in making this happen. (which will determine its success)
• We will hold a special business meeting next Sunday February 10 th, after the service and bring this information to a vote.
• If approved: we will immediately begin the processes with our leadership, that of Northside, FBC Shallowater, the association and legal representatives to make the transitions.

Details:

• There are legal procedures that we will have to take before it is all complete. FBC Shallowater will aid in this.
• The building and property are paid for
• We will not be in taking on any debt from Northside
• Some remodeling will be necessary which we hope to be able to do mostly on our own.
• Bathrooms
• Office space
• Youth/Children’s area
• Parking lot