Immeasurably More

 

In the fall of 2023, the Lord started stirring in the hearts of our people to pray and trust Him for the "immeasurably more in 2024". Little did we know that God's plan would include church "replant partnership" with Southside Baptist Church in Alabaster, AL, but in May of this year congregations at both Liberty and Southside voted to enter into that partnership beginning June 1, 2024! And now here we are today! 

It's extremely exciting to be apart of a God-centered, gospel movement here in Shelby County, where most of our residents are unchurched and unaware of the Good News of Jesus Christ. It's exciting to experience our Liberty family become a "sending" church. It's so exciting to see the new life being breathed into a dying congregation! It's exciting to experience God working in and through us in great ways! GOD IS GOOD! 

As the Lord stirred our hearts to press in and as Him what His "immeasurably more" is, we were led to ask 5 irreducible questions. 

    1. WHY?

  • If Southside Baptist closed, the church's presence would be lost to the community.
  • Jesus is always about His Father's work. How much more should that be true of us?
  • Sometimes the work requires discomfort or sacrifice but we should always be excited to share in our Father's work!

     2. WHAT? 

Purposes of the Capital Campaign*

  • Fund "ReplantShelby@Southside"
  • Eliminate LBC Debt
  • Position LBCC for the financial freedom to obey God's next call

     3. WHY NOW?

  • Without immediate action, Southside Baptist would have been in danger of closing.
  • At 70%, Shelby is the most unchurched county in Alabama. 
  • 900 SBC churches close their doors annually. 
  • Eliminating debt gives Liberty agility and freedom to pivot when opportunities come along. 

     4. WHAT is the COST?

  • $1.8 million
    • Replant: $1 million (approximately)
      • Renovation
    • Debt elimination: $800,000 
      • $658,626 (as of 9.15.2024)
    • God whispers:

      5. What's Next and What Can YOU Do?

  • Pray 
  • Prepare
  • Participate 
    • What can I reasonably give, and can I reprioritize to give more wisely? 

These questions - and answers - reminded us that bold moves are always part of experiencing God's immeasurably more. Two congregations made bold moves to enter into a replant partnership. Liberty made a bold move to commission 33 core team members, including a campus pastor. Now we have the opportunity to respond in a bold move through a capital campaign for greater gospel impact. The goal is to raise 1.8 million dollars in over 24 months. 

The only way to experience God's immeasurably more through the opportunity is "according to His power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20b). But when God is at work, the immeasurably more abounds. 

The only thing that remains is the question; will YOU pray and seek how you can make a bold move financially for God's glory?

For more information, click here. If you would like to be a part through generous giving, click here to download a Commitment Card. After filling it out, please drop it off in a black bowl in one of our worship service venues. With any questions, you can also email Melissa at mwilliamson@lbcchelsea.com. 

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