Celebrating 20 Years of Faith and Community

Today marks a celebration of God’s faithfulness over the past 20 years—a journey that began with a handful of people willing to say “yes” to a vision that seemed impossible. The story of this church is not one of grand plans or perfect execution, but of ordinary people stepping out in faith, often with little more than hope and a willingness to serve. From the earliest days, when every door seemed closed and resources were scarce, God provided through unexpected partnerships and the generosity of others, like First Baptist Benton and individuals who gave sacrificially. Their support not only sustained us but multiplied, unlocking further opportunities and growth that none of us could have predicted.

The heart of this community has always been about making space for everyone—because every person matters to God, whether or not they realize it yet. That conviction has shaped every decision, from the way we welcome newcomers to the risks we’ve taken to serve our city. The stories shared today—from founding members, staff, and supporters—remind us that God works through relationships, through small acts of obedience, and through the courage to keep going when the outcome is uncertain. There have been moments of laughter, surprise, and even fear, but through it all, God has shown up, often in ways we could never have orchestrated ourselves.

Looking back, it’s clear that the journey has been marked by God’s provision, the faithfulness of people who prayed and gave, and a willingness to trust God with the unknown. The future holds new opportunities, and the same spirit that launched this church continues to call us forward: to love boldly, to serve generously, and to believe that God can do more than we ask or imagine. As we take communion and worship together, we pause to give thanks—not just for what God has done, but for what He will do as we continue to say “yes” to His call.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith often begins with a simple “yes,” even when the path ahead is unclear. The willingness of a few to step out in faith, despite uncertainty and lack of resources, opened the door for God to move in ways far beyond their expectations. Obedience in the small things can lead to outcomes that impact generations. [30:01]
• 2. Generosity is contagious and multiplies impact. The sacrificial giving of First Baptist Benton and individuals like Ted Kinsey didn’t just meet immediate needs; it inspired others and created a ripple effect that sustained and grew the ministry. True generosity often requires risk and trust, but it unlocks God’s provision in unexpected ways. [45:06]
• 3. God’s faithfulness is often seen most clearly in hindsight. Looking back, it’s evident that God provided exactly what was needed at every step, even when the situation seemed dire. The stories of surprise offerings and timely support remind us that God is always at work, even when we can’t see the outcome. [80:50]
• 4. Community is built through shared vulnerability and honest relationships. The foundation of this church was not expertise or resources, but a group of people willing to be real, to pray together, and to support one another through uncertainty. Authentic community is forged in the willingness to walk together through both the highs and lows. [78:42]
• 5. Every person matters deeply to God, and that truth shapes our mission. The conviction that everyone deserves to be within reach of a loving, grace-filled church drives us to keep opening our doors wider. Our calling is to reflect God’s heart by making space for all, regardless of their background or story. [62:21]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Worship and Musical Flashback
• [03:30] - Reflections from Founding Members
• [14:27] - Early Memories and God’s Work
• [17:10] - Special Moments and Milestones
• [23:43] - Investing in the Next Generation
• [30:01] - The Story of God’s Provision
• [42:55] - First Baptist Benton’s Partnership
• [45:06] - Radical Generosity and Sacrifice
• [47:23] - Faith in Uncertainty
• [53:44] - Dreams for the Future
• [58:15] - The Power of Encouragement
• [60:01] - Meet the Staff
• [69:53] - The Original Team’s Story
• [78:42] - Honest Reflections and Lessons Learned
• [80:50] - God’s Surprising Provision
• [90:04] - Communion and Closing Worship
• [108:15] - Final Surprise and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) — > Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

2. Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
> And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Observation Questions

1. In Ephesians 3:20-21, what does Paul say God is able to do, and how does this relate to the story of the church’s beginnings?
2. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were some of the key practices and attitudes of the early church community?
3. The sermon described how the church started with just a few people saying “yes” to God’s call, even when the outcome was uncertain. What were some specific examples of people stepping out in faith or giving generously? [[30:01]] [[45:06]]
4. What role did generosity and partnership play in the survival and growth of the church, as described in the stories shared? [[45:06]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God often chooses to work through “ordinary people stepping out in faith” rather than through perfect plans or abundant resources? [[30:01]]
2. The early church in Acts “had all things in common” and gave to anyone as they had need. How does this compare to the generosity shown by First Baptist Benton and individuals like Ted Kinsey in the church’s story? [[45:06]]
3. The sermon mentioned that “God’s faithfulness is often seen most clearly in hindsight.” Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to see God’s provision in the moment? [[01:20:50]]
4. The conviction that “every person matters to God” shaped the church’s mission. How does this belief challenge or encourage the way we view people who are new or different from us? [[01:02:21]]

Application Questions

1. The church’s story began with a handful of people willing to say “yes” to a vision that seemed impossible. Is there something in your life right now that you sense God might be asking you to say “yes” to, even if it feels risky or uncertain? What’s holding you back? [[30:01]]
2. Generosity was described as “contagious and multiplies impact.” Can you think of a time when someone’s generosity inspired you to give or serve in a new way? How might you take a step of generosity this week, even if it feels like a stretch? [[45:06]]
3. Looking back, the church could see how God provided exactly what was needed at every step. Take a moment to reflect: where have you seen God’s faithfulness in your own life, especially in times when you weren’t sure how things would work out? [[01:20:50]]
4. The foundation of the church was “a group of people willing to be real, to pray together, and to support one another through uncertainty.” How can you help create a more authentic and supportive community in your small group or church? [[01:18:42]]
5. The sermon emphasized that “every person matters deeply to God.” Is there someone in your life or in our church community who might feel left out or overlooked? What is one practical thing you could do this week to make space for them or show them they matter? [[01:02:21]]
6. The church’s journey included moments of laughter, surprise, and even fear, but God “showed up, often in ways we could never have orchestrated ourselves.” When was the last time you were surprised by God’s provision or presence? How did it change your perspective? [[01:20:50]]
7. As we look to the future, the call is to “love boldly, serve generously, and believe that God can do more than we ask or imagine.” What is one bold step you could take this month to serve or love others in your neighborhood, workplace, or church? [[53:44]]