Philly Prospectus

redemption Prospectus and Partner PacketheightschurchA gospel community on mission to thecity of Philadelphia and the world redemptionheights.com

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Dear FriendsWe desire to live for the good of Philadelphia Like many urban centers, Philly experiencedand believe the church faithfully being Jesus’ a decline in the second half of the 20thbody is the greatest gift we can give to the century. However, the past 15 years have seencity. a significant return and renewal to Philly. Not only has the population and economyWe hope Redemption Heights Church can be a bounced back, the demographic has shiftedfaithful witness to the gospel as we love the as the fastest growing age group is millennialscity of Philadelphia. As they encounter our (20-35 year olds). In fact, Forbes posted achurch, we pray they are challenged to lift recent survey naming Philly as the best city fortheir eyes to their redeemer, Jesus. millennials!American autonomy was established in With all the history and culture, the need isPhiladelphia by the signing of the Declaration great in this strategic city. Some researchof Independence in 1776. Only a few years indicates that only 6% of the population islater the American Constitution was signed in evangelical and as much as 50% of the city isthis historic city. It served as the first capital unreached with the gospel.of the United States. As the birthplace ofAmerica, Philadelphia can lay claim to many Many would argue that if the church is goingfirsts: the first school, library, fire hall, zoo, to survive in a city like Philly, it must moveU.S. mint, turnpike, and medical school, to beyond “old” methods and instead dependname a few. upon programs that compete with the city’s many attractions. We’ve come to the oppositeBut a lot has changed in the last century and conclusion, recognizing that while it may bea half. Philly is currently the largest city in difficult to “compete” with professional sportsPennsylvania, the second largest city on the or city amenities, what people are actually yearning for is true, gospel community. PhillyrhEast Coast, and the 5th largest in America. does not push us beyond the gospel but rather drives us back to the gospel, requiring us to berhNot only does it have a great history, it hasgreat diversity. 45% of the population is white. the genuine body of Christ for the city.43% of the population is black. Almost 13% ofPhilly residents were born in another country. Therefore, we come unapologetically as the church: a gospel-centered community onPhilly is a city with great culture. There are mission for Jesus to the city of Philadelphiamore than 50 colleges and university in and the world. Jesus has called us to makePhiladelphia and almost 50% of students stay disciples and he has chosen the local churchin the area to live and work after graduation. as the means to make that happen.The city has evolved into an education andeconomic hub, as it hosts 7 Fortune 1000companies. Philadelphia has more public artthan any other city. A brief trip through the city For the gospel,winds past beautiful murals and installations.Each year the city hosts more than 39 milliondomestic tourists. As a testament to itsnational importance, the city has hosted Mark Turnerboth the Republican and Democratic National Redemption Heights ChurchConventions in recent years as well as a much- Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniapublicized visit from the pope. Philly is one ofa few cities with a professional franchise inall four major league sports. Sports are a hugepart of the culture of the city and residents areconsidered to be some of the most passionatefans in the country. 2

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4“And Jesus came and saidto them, ‘All authorityin heaven and on earthhas been given to me.Go therefore and makedisciples of all nations,baptizing them in the nameof the Father and of theSon and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observeall that I have commandedyou. And behold, I am withyou always, to the end ofthe age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

5 “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” John 20:21

6Meet Your Church PlantersMark and Whitney have been married for 10 the irreplaceable necessity of discipleship. It wasyears and have two children, Jackson (5) and in a small college-town church plant that theyAbby (1). Drawn by the same grace, they traveled realized the value of Scripture-focused, Christ-different paths to God. centered, community-based churches.Born in Texas, Mark was raised in Virginia in the In the years since, God has grown their familyhouse of a pastor and Christian-school teacher and their love for the local church. He has usedand accepted the gospel at a young age. However, godly mentors to refine their gifts and hashe struggled with humble obedience rather than opened unique and challenging opportunities torelying on his own behavior and talents to get share the gospel.attention and love. While there are always ups and downs in life,Whitney, on the other hand, grew up in a home Mark and Whitney have a very comfortablewithout much connection to the gospel. Born situation that includes a nice home, supportivein Florida, she was raised in the suburbs of friends and family, stable vocations, and lots ofPhiladephia where her parents would take her ministry opportunities. But God is calling themto church (at her request) but with no desire to to step out in faith and plant a church. When allfollow Jesus on their own. After God miraculously is said and done, they want to give their livessaved her at the age of 13, he began working to something that can only be explained by thein her family and now they all are followers of power of God. They want to live in faith ratherJesus. than fear as they trust that God has promised to build his church. As famed missionary WilliamTheir paths converged at the College of William Carey said, “Expect great things [from God];and Mary. Not only did their love for each other attempt great things [for God].”blossom in college, it was there they experienced

7 Why Plant ChurchesThe planting of new churches is the single most crucial strategy for the growth of the body of Christand the renewal and revival of the existing churches in a city. Nothing else—not crusades, outreachprograms, parachurch ministries, growing megachurches, congregational consulting, nor churchrenewal processes—will have the consistent impact of church planting.JESUS’ ESSENTIAL CALL WAS TO PLANT CHURCHESThe evangelistic challenges of the New Testament are basically calls to plant churches, not simplyto share the faith. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20) is a call not just to “make disciples” butto baptize. In Acts, it is clear that baptism means incorporation into a worshiping community withaccountability and boundaries (cf. Acts 2:41–47). Only a person who is being evangelized in the contextof an ongoing worshiping and shepherding community can be sure of vital, saving faith.PAUL’S WHOLE STRATEGY WAS TO PLANT URBAN CHURCHESThe greatest missionary in history, Paul, had a simple strategy. First, he went into the largest city ofa region (cf. Acts 16:9, 12), and second, he planted churches in each city (cf. Titus 1:5). He had twocontrolling assumptions: (a) that the way to most permanently infuence a country was through itsmajor cities, and (b) the way to most permanently influence a city was to plant churches in it.NEW CHURCHES BEST REACH NEW GENERATIONS, NEW RESIDENTS, AND NEW PEOPLE GROUPSFirst, younger people are dispraportionately found in newer congregations. Second, new residents arealmost always reached better by new congregations. Third, new sociocultural groups in a communityare reached better by new congregations. Also, new racial groups in a community are best reachedby a new church that is intentionally multiethnic from the start. New congregations empower newpeople quickly. This means not only that we need church planting so that unevangelized countries canbecome Christian, but also that Christian countries will have to maintain vigorous, extensive churchplanting simply to stay Christian!NEW CHURCHES BEST REACH THE UNCHURCHEDThe average new church gains 60–80% of its members from people who are not attending anyworshiping body, while churches over ten years of age gain 80-90% by transfer from other churches.Because many of a new church’s leaders were recently unchurched, the congregation has morerelationships with non-Christians. *adapted from Tim Keller, “Why Plant Churches?” (redeemer.com) Fun Facts About Philly• Philly is home to the nation’s first hospital, university, zoo, bank, and daily newspaper.• Philly’s famous Liberty Bell was originally called the State House Bell.• NFL players named Philadelphia Eagles fans the most intimidating in the NFL.• Philly is one of the most diverse cities in America at 45% White, 44% Black, and 8% Hispanic.• A quarter of the U.S. population lives within a 5 hour drive of Philly.• Philly is called the City of Murals, hosting the most public art of any U.S. city.• Of the 100 questions on the U.S. citizenship test study guide, half the answers are found in Philly.

8 Why Philly?Need.Philadelphia is experiencing a comeback, asits population has grown to 1.6 million in thecity and more than 6 million in the metroarea. Despite such growth, Philly has beenidentified as the 15th least churched citywith only 6% of the population beingevangelical and more than 50% unreached.As the population continues to grow, theneed for gospel-centered churches grows too.Influence.Philadelphia has a cherished history anda powerful cultural legacy. As an urbancenter, it provides a unique contributionin sports, arts, entertainment, business,education, and more. With the influx ofmillenials and more than 300,000 collegestudents, the city’s impact is far-reaching.In addition, 13% of the city’s population isforeign born. The nations are coming to Philly!Calling.God has been preparing our hearts for thisjourney through personal experiences,family history, and previous ministryopportunities. Our hearts are drawn to thepeople of Philly. Our specific gifts alongwith the unique culture and opportunitiesof the city create a promising convergence.In the end, however, it is not our gifts butthe power of the gospel and the call of Godthat motivates and sustains us.

9 A view of historic Boathouse Row on the east bank of the Schuylkill River.

10“Only let your manner of life beworthy of the gospel of Christ, sothat whether I come and see you oram absent, I may hear of you thatyou are standing firm in one spirit,with one mind, striving side by sidefor the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27

11 Our Vision for PartneringWe are seeking partners to invest in Redemption Heights Church. These partners areinvesting in a dream God put in our hearts. Partnering provides individuals and churches anopportunity to tangibly invest time, money, and prayer in the mission of God. By partneringyou will have a front-row seat in the church planting process. Having a strong base ofpartners reminds us we are not alone and provides financial stability so we can focuson evanglism rather than fundraising. Whether partnering with us via prayer, financialsupport, or joining us on the ground in Philly, the primary characteristic of our partners isfaithfulness. Can we count on your faithful support? $750,000 Total Fundraising Goal to Cover 3 Years $250,000 Annual Budget50% 30% 20%Help Us Live in the City Help Us Gather in the City Help Us Go to the City (Personnel) (Operating) (Ministry and Mission)

12Getting to Launch Move to the City Phase 1 Our team will move to Philadelphia (June 2018), find jobs, and begin this new phase of life in ourRelocation and Lifestyle Adjustment new city. Learn the City Phase 2 For the first few months (June until August 2018) our team will enjoy the city’s culture asInformal Cultural Engagement we engage various spheres of influence. We will develop informal networks of relationships that will be our first and primary evangelistic contacts. We will welcome these people into informal gatherings in our homes where we’ll share meals and study the Bible together. Engage the City Phase 3 As the gospel is shared and people come to Christ, these informal networks of relationshipsFormal Cultural Engagement will be formalized into small groups (September until December 2018). These small groups will meet in people’s homes throughout the city and be the first steps in formally identifying as a church. Gather in the City Phase 4 As these small groups grow and multiply and we see a critical mass of 50 adults committedLaunch as the Fruit of Multiplication to launching a new church, these people will be gathered together and Redemption Heights Church will be formally launched (January 2019).

We are driven by our mission to make disciples Purpose Our purpose is to glorify God and exalt Jesus by understanding and believing the gospel, using our gifts to grow as disciples in the local church, and living to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel in our city and around the world. Mission Our mission is to make disciples that center their lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ, live in meaningful relationships with other believers in a local church, and live to make Christ known. vision We desire to see the people of Philadelphia gathered into a local church that reflects the character of the gospel and serves as a meaningful witness to our neighbors and the world. Gospel The gospel is not simply the means of conversion; it shapes all we do. It is the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ that reconciles us to God andThe Gospel is adopts us into his family. It transforms our hearts and shapes our behavior. The gospel is the word we speak to bring unbelievers to faith and believers Central to to maturity. The Christian community is created by the gospel, for the gospel. EverythingCommunity Since the Christian community is created by the gospel, its unity displays the principles of the gospel. The people of God live under the reign of God andCommunity is the display God as king in their community. The Christian community is the pilot- plant of God’s eternal kingdom. We are committed to sharing life with onePrimary Context of another as a church family. Gospel Growth Mission The mission is driven by the gospel and accomplished by the community of faith and it belongs to all the people of God. Every Christian is a missionary. All Believers We desire to love our city and the world as we recognize that our community does not exist for itself. We love to speak the gospel and demonstrate theAre Missionaries love of Jesus in real and practical ways.13

We believe the Bible is God’s revealed word VALUESand, therefore, completely true. We cannot know We value the gospel. The gospel is for all ofGod’s truth exhaustively but, by God’s Spirit, wecan know his revealed truth truly. The Bible is to life. It is not just the diving board; it’s the pool. Itbe believed, as God’s instruction, in all it teaches; shapes and drives all we do. Phil 1:27; Rev 7:9-10obeyed, as God’s command, in all it requires; andtrusted, as God’s pledge, in all it promises. We value the Bible. It must be taught well.We believe there is one, true, living God. He is We must expose, as best we can, the intended meaning of the text and emphasize what it saysone God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and in due proportion. 2 Tim 3:16; Acts 20:27the Holy Spirit. He is the creator and sustainer ofall things, perfect in His being and purposes, and We value prayer. Prayer is foundational fordeserving of all worship and praise. God’s people. Prayer is commanded by God forWe believe God created human beings, male the good of the church and the accomplishment of the mission. It is not a program, it is a lifestyle.and female, in his image. God loves all people as Mark 11:17; 1 John 5:14-15; Eph 6:18; 1 Thes 5:17the crowning work of His creation. Everyone isseparated from God by sin which prevents us from We value community. Discipleship happensrestoring that relationship on our own. best in community. Relationships are the coreWe believe salvation is by grace through faith of healthy discipleship and meaningful gospel life-change. The church is a family before it is anin the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ alone, organization. 1 Thes 2:8; Rom 12:10; Eph 2:19; John 13:34-35according to the eternal plan of God. It makes thesinful right with God, brings us into His family, We value the local church. We will not leadand continues throughout the believer’s life tomake him or her into the likeness of Christ. All in fear of failure but in faith that God is buildingtrue believers will persevere to the end and will be his church. The church is the means by which Godrewarded with eternal life. accomplishes his mission. Matt 16:18; 1 Pet 2:5We believe the universal church is manifest in We value shared leadership. Sharedthe local church of which Jesus Christ is the leader. leadership exalts Jesus as the true leader,The local church is the means of accomplishing prevents burnout, and guards against cult ofGod’s mission.The Bible describes the church as a personality. Eph 4:12; 1 Pet 5:1-5family, body, and bride. Each member serves thebody and accomplishes the mission. Jesus ordained We value mission. Every member is a full-timebaptism and the Lord’s Supper as pictures of thegospel in the local church. The former as entrance missionary. The church is not an audience; it’s anin the covenant community and the latter as army. Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Rom 10:14; Psalm 96:3ongoing gospel renewal. We value discipleship. If the church doesn’tWe believe in the personal, glorious, bodily make disciples it is not fulfilling its primaryreturn of Jesus, when he will judge all according calling. Matt 4:19, 28:18-20to his righteousness. His kingdom, inauguratedat the incarnation, will be consummated at his We value people. People are the mission.return. All wrong will be made right; all broken willbe restored. The unrighteous will be consigned Every human life is valuable. Diversity brings gloryto eternal conscious punishment in hell and the to God. We will give special support to those inrighteous will dwell forever with the Lord. need and unable to defend themselves. Luke 15:1-7; Gen 1:27; Matt 25:45; James1:27 14

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16What does it mean to begospel-centered?Get the gospel right.We must make sure that what we areteaching and proclaiming really isthe good news of the life, death, andresurrection of Jesus Christ. To ensurethis, we must hold unswervingly to thestory of Scripture and let its categories,emphases, and boundaries guide ourthinking, teaching, and actions.Get the gospel in everything.We must make sure the good news ofthe gospel remains the truth that fuelsour spiritual journey. The gospel is notjust the ABCs, it is the A to Z of ourfaith. The same grace that saves us isthe same grace that grows us into theimage and likeness of Jesus Christ.Get the gospel out.The gospel is the good news of Jesus’rescue mission to save his people.God is a missionary God. If we are tobe people of the gospel then we mustbe a missionary people. We must beintentional about sharing the gospel.As the gospel changes our hearts, wereflect it to unbelievers.

17 Will You Join Us?

18 1Pray.Prayer is the faith-stretching engine of thisentire endeavor. Would you commit to partnerwith us through consistent, specific prayer?Pray for God to bring our team favor in thecity of Philadelphia! 2Send.We need the generous, faithful, and sacrificialfinancial gifts of individuals and churches toplant this church. Your gifts allow us to focusall of our efforts on sharing the gospel andgathering the church. 3Go. Does this mission excite you? Maybe God is calling you to go with us to make disciples in Philly. Would you consider walking in faith and investing your life for the good of the gospel in the City of Brotherly Love?

@redemptionheights @redemptionhts @redemptionheights