Transition Study Report

Transition Study Team Mission & ValuesCommunity StudyChurch & MinistriesCommunication Sam BarnettDanny AdamsApril CrooksMelodie Cannon Austin DavisMargaret AndersonMelissa HurrelbrinkCarol Carter Dave LamppSeth BranchKathy JonesJim Davis Hollie LittonKim CarrWillis KirkRyan Goodson Allen SainRae EthridgeJason PeacockTom Strother Richard WhitakerRobbie FrermanBob RoodJoybeth Turner Mary WrayCamille WheelerJane SouthwellAl Walker Dan Davis, StaffTog Goodson, StaffVince Stiffler, StaffMichael Meredith, Staff Leigh Ann Powell, Staff

Transition Study Team Mission & ValuesCommunity StudyChurch & MinistriesCommunication Communicate a biblical, theological and philosophical framework of Mandarin Baptist Church. Collect, analyze and prepare information about the Jacksonville region that will provide a clear and helpful understanding of its: people and people groups, culture, needs, strengths, history. Collect, analyze and prepare information about Mandarin Baptist Church that will provide a clear and helpful understanding of its: people, culture/values, ministries and resources, leadership and structures. Develop and deliver a clear and compelling presentation focusing on how Mandarin Baptist Church is planning to join God in the next phase of ministry.

Mandarin Baptist Church We are an “Acts 2” Church – Fueled by the Spirit and carrying out the mission of the church as described in Acts 2, including: ✞ Meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation ✞ Sharing the gospel ✞ Encouraging, affirming and upholding fellow believers ✞ Worshipping Jesus in all we do

Our Biblical Foundation

Our Core Values ✞ Christ-likeness – Continuous discipleship toward a goal of spiritual growth ✞ Relationships – Ministry to meet each others needs ✞ Unity – Holding together through common faith ✞ Integration – All members exercising spiritual gifts ✞ Spirit-led Worship – John 4:23 – “worship in Spirit and in truth” ✞ Evangelism – 2 Tim. 4:2 – “Preach the Word” ✞ Obedience/Accountability – Upholding God’s Holy Word ✞ Missions – Acts 1:8 – “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in all Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

Our Reason for Existence ✞ Worship and bring glory to God ✞ Preach the gospel ✞ Teach people how to live through following Jesus ✞ Evangelize the world

Our Inspiration Our inspiration to act comes from three main sources: ✞ God and our Relationship to Him ✞ Strong Servant-leadership ✞ Strong Family of Believers

Our Business We are in the business of advancing the cause of Christ through: ✞ Equipping the people of God to: 1)Proclaim the gospel 2)Teach and disciple 3)Grow in Christ and use their spiritual gifts

Our Mission ✞ We exist to lead people to TRANSFORMED LIVING through Jesus Christ. ✞ Our mission is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20): -is the heart of our existence -gives our church great authority -calls us to faithfully and sacrificially make disciples

Our Non-Negotiables ✞ The authority of the Bible – The Bible is comes from God, is completely true and is without error. ✞ The Holy Trinity – There is one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ✞ Salvation – We are saved from our sins through the grace of Jesus Christ alone.

Our Community The “Community Study” area was defined as: St. Johns River in the West State Road 210 in the South Sunbeam Road in the North Philips Highway/ I-95 in the East

Facts about Our Community ✞ Population is growing, but growth is slowing ✞ The largest age group are those in the age range 29-49; followed by 10-28, then ✞ The percentage of affluent families is 48.9, significantly higher than the 15.1% US average ✞ 36% have bachelors degrees and 94% are high school graduates compared to the US average of 24% and 80% respectively ✞ Nearly 20% of families are led by a single parent ✞ Only 31.8% of people are “strongly involved” in their faith, compared to 33.4% nationally (from Percept Demographic Data Report)

Our Church in the Community ✞ We are a Christ-centered, Bible-based church family. ✞ Our facilities are in an excellent location. ✞ 79.4% of our members live within 10 miles of our campus. ✞ We are a warm and generous congregation. ✞ We have a heart for missions. ✞ We are reaching young families. ✞ When we are intentional with our efforts, we are successful.

Our Leadership Approach Community Congregation Deacons/Leaders Pastoral Staff Lead Pastor Jesus ✞ Everything is built upon Jesus, our King and great Shepherd. ✞ Leaders make disciples and raise up more leaders for the sake of the gospel.

Our Pastor should exemplify our biblical foundation, understand the needs of our congregation and community, and lead us by: ✞ Faithfully preaching the Word of God and personally adhering to its teaching ✞ Providing and communicating God’s vision ✞ Maintaining humility and a willingness to listen ✞ Empowering believers to use their God-given abilities ✞ Developing personal relationships with the congregation

Our Next Steps ✞ Pray for the Pastor Search Team and next Pastor. ✞ Put God’s expectations first: seek His will above our preferences, biases, and desires. ✞ Discern the voice of God: regularly practice solitude and actively listen to His voice. ✞ Become better followers: we must be willing to trust and respond to God-given leadership.