Reflecting on Growth and Generosity: A 2024 Journey

 

Summary

As we gather at the close of 2024, it's a moment to reflect on the incredible journey City Church has embarked upon over the past year. This year has been marked by significant growth and generosity, as evidenced by the success of our "Big Give," where over 300 man-hours were dedicated to serving our city, and an impressive $43,000 was raised above regular tithes to bless our community. This spirit of giving and service is a testament to the heart of our congregation and the work God is doing among us.

Our church has experienced remarkable growth, with attendance increasing by 33% since the summer. This growth is not just in numbers but in the depth of our community and the impact we are making. As we look to 2025, we are excited to continue this momentum with new sermon series that will challenge and inspire us, including exploring questions of identity and purpose, and understanding what it means to be followers of Christ in a world that may not always welcome us.

Financially, we are blessed to be in a strong position, allowing us to consider expanding our team with potential hires, including an administrative assistant and possibly an associate pastor. This growth in our staff will enable us to better serve our congregation and community.

Our ministries are thriving, with significant developments in our kids, student, and young adult ministries. The kids ministry is seeing consistent growth, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the introduction of full-time ministry leaders. The student ministry has also seen a 67% increase in participation, with the introduction of small groups fostering deeper connections. Our young adult ministry is building strong relationships, particularly with students from Southwestern, as we seek to reach and support the next generation.

Looking ahead, we are committed to deepening our focus on small groups and prayer. Our approach to small groups will become more organic, allowing relationships to form naturally through short-term Bible studies. Prayer will be a central focus, with new initiatives to engage our congregation in this vital aspect of our faith.

As we move into 2025, I encourage each of you to find ways to serve both within our church and in our broader community. Whether through our various ministries or by using your unique gifts in your neighborhood or workplace, there are countless opportunities to make a difference. Let's continue to invite others to join us on this journey, as we strive to be a church that unchurched people want to come to and a community that empowers the next generation to lead.

Key Takeaways:

1. Generosity and Service: The "Big Give" initiative exemplifies the spirit of generosity and service within our church, with over 300 man-hours dedicated to community service and $43,000 raised to bless others. This reflects the heart of our congregation and the impact we can have when we come together to serve. [01:54]

2. Remarkable Growth: Our church has experienced a 33% increase in attendance since the summer, highlighting the vibrant community God is building here. This growth is not just in numbers but in the depth of relationships and the impact we are making in our city. [04:18]

3. Thriving Ministries: Our kids, student, and young adult ministries are flourishing, with significant growth and new initiatives fostering deeper connections. The introduction of full-time ministry leaders and small groups is creating a strong foundation for future growth. [05:55]

4. Focus on Small Groups and Prayer: In 2025, we are doubling down on our commitment to small groups and prayer. By creating more organic small group experiences and launching new prayer initiatives, we aim to deepen our community's spiritual life and connection with God. [08:12]

5. Opportunities to Serve: As we look to the future, there are countless opportunities for each of us to serve both within our church and in our broader community. By using our unique gifts and talents, we can make a significant impact and invite others to join us on this journey. [10:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:54] - Reflecting on 2024
- [04:18] - Celebrating Growth
- [05:55] - Ministry Highlights
- [08:12] - Small Groups and Prayer Focus
- [10:13] - Opportunities to Serve
- [12:00] - Looking Ahead to 2025

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47 - This passage describes the early church's commitment to fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer, and sharing resources, reflecting the spirit of community and generosity highlighted in the sermon.
2. Matthew 5:14-16 - Jesus calls His followers to be the light of the world, encouraging them to let their good deeds shine before others, aligning with the church's focus on serving the community.
3. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - This passage speaks about the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of using these gifts to serve others, as mentioned in the sermon.

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the key achievements of City Church in 2024, as highlighted in the sermon? [01:54]
2. How has the church's attendance changed since the summer, and what does this indicate about the community? [04:18]
3. What new initiatives are being introduced in the kids, student, and young adult ministries? [05:55]
4. What are the plans for small groups and prayer initiatives in 2025? [08:12]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the "Big Give" initiative reflect the principles found in Acts 2:42-47 about community and generosity? [01:54]
2. In what ways does the church's growth in attendance and ministry participation reflect the call to be a light in the world as described in Matthew 5:14-16? [04:18]
3. How can the diversity of gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 be seen in the various ministries and roles within City Church? [05:55]
4. What might be the significance of focusing on organic small group experiences and prayer in deepening the church's spiritual life? [08:12]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experiences of generosity and service. How can you contribute to initiatives like the "Big Give" in your community? [01:54]
2. Considering the church's growth, how can you actively participate in building deeper relationships within the congregation? [04:18]
3. If you are involved in a ministry, how can you use your unique gifts to enhance the impact of that ministry, as encouraged by 1 Corinthians 12:4-7? [05:55]
4. What steps can you take to engage more deeply in prayer and small group activities in 2025? [08:12]
5. Identify one area in your life where you can serve your local community, using your skills and talents. How will you take action on this in the coming month? [10:13]
6. How can you invite others to join the church community, especially those who may not have a church home? [10:13]
7. Reflect on the upcoming sermon series about identity and purpose. How do these topics resonate with your personal journey of faith? [04:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity as a Reflection of God's Heart
The spirit of generosity and service within the church is a powerful testament to the work God is doing among the congregation. The "Big Give" initiative, which saw over 300 man-hours dedicated to community service and $43,000 raised, exemplifies this spirit. This generosity is not just about financial giving but also about the willingness to serve and bless others. It reflects the heart of the congregation and the impact that can be made when people come together with a common purpose. The church's commitment to serving the community is a reflection of God's love and a demonstration of faith in action. [01:54]

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a specific way you can extend generosity to someone in need this week. How can you reflect God's heart through your actions?


Day 2: Building a Community of Depth and Impact
The church has experienced a remarkable 33% increase in attendance since the summer, highlighting the vibrant community that is being built. This growth is not just in numbers but in the depth of relationships and the impact being made in the city. The church is becoming a place where people feel welcomed and valued, and where they can grow in their faith. This growth is a testament to the work God is doing and the commitment of the congregation to be a light in the community. As the church looks to the future, there is excitement about continuing this momentum and exploring new ways to challenge and inspire the congregation. [04:18]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Think about a relationship within your church community that you can deepen. How can you encourage and support this person in their faith journey?


Day 3: Nurturing the Next Generation
The church's ministries are thriving, with significant growth in the kids, student, and young adult ministries. The introduction of full-time ministry leaders and small groups has created a strong foundation for future growth. The student ministry, in particular, has seen a 67% increase in participation, fostering deeper connections among young people. The young adult ministry is also building strong relationships, especially with students from Southwestern. These ministries are vital for nurturing the next generation and equipping them to lead and serve. The church is committed to supporting these ministries and helping young people grow in their faith. [05:55]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a young person in your life or church community. How can you invest in their spiritual growth and encourage them in their faith journey?


Day 4: Deepening Spiritual Life through Small Groups and Prayer
In 2025, the church is doubling down on its commitment to small groups and prayer. By creating more organic small group experiences and launching new prayer initiatives, the church aims to deepen the community's spiritual life and connection with God. Small groups provide a space for relationships to form naturally and for people to grow together in their faith. Prayer is a vital aspect of the church's spiritual life, and new initiatives will engage the congregation in this practice. The focus on small groups and prayer is an invitation to deepen one's relationship with God and with others. [08:12]

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current prayer life. What is one specific way you can deepen your commitment to prayer this week?


Day 5: Embracing Opportunities to Serve
As the church looks to the future, there are countless opportunities for each person to serve both within the church and in the broader community. By using unique gifts and talents, individuals can make a significant impact and invite others to join the journey. The church encourages everyone to find ways to serve, whether through various ministries or by using their gifts in their neighborhood or workplace. This call to service is an invitation to be a part of something greater and to make a difference in the world. [10:13]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area where you can use your gifts to serve others this week. How can you step out in faith and make a difference in your community?

Quotes



Since then, since school started in August, from August to today, we've averaged 308. So that's a 33% growth in what, four or five months? And we just see more of that happening. God's just doing a great thing. So one thing to celebrate is God is growing us and doing some pretty incredible things through the year. [00:01:36] (19 seconds)


The vast majority of our money is used for ministry. We have some very low fixed expenses. And God has been so good to us, and you've been so generous. We are looking at making some potential hires in 2025. We're looking at hiring an administrative assistant that will come along and serve alongside me and help me kind of things and just make my time grow probably exponentially by that help. [00:03:04] (24 seconds)


Kids ministry has taken off in the fall. A lot of that is the work of our kids ministry people. Jenna Shotwell, Michelle Marshall does events for us for kids ministry. And then the people are just serving every Sunday and helping out in doing kids ministry. You know, our kids ministry facilities aren't the greatest. They're not designed for kids ministry, but our people are the greatest. And once we started these monthly events, we started seeing more and more growth of families and kids, which has been a pretty cool thing. [00:04:18] (28 seconds)


When we started back up in the fall, when school started, from the fall till Christmas, we averaged 77 students. That's a 67% growth in one semester. And again, a lot of great work by Amanda Levi and our volunteers are helping in student ministry. What I'm most excited about student ministry is coming into the fall, they've started small groups. And I don't know the exact number, probably somewhere around 11, 12, something like that, small groups of full-time adults that are coming every Wednesday to meet with kids and to talk about the Bible together. [00:05:22] (33 seconds)


Earlier, I guess it was this year, one of our first small groups we had was our young adult small group. And they gelled real quick. And it's really cool to watch some of those relationships happen, to have a place in Georgetown for 18 to 35-year-olds. There's just not a lot of things happening in Georgetown. And we've got a great small group and are looking to grow some of those. [00:05:59] (20 seconds)


Another big thing we're going to focus on in 2025 is prayer. We've got a prayer ministry that's about to be starting. We've got people ready to go. I've honestly been the one just kind of trying to get my stuff together so we can get it launched. But 2025, it's going to be a priority for us. And so if you're a prayer warrior, we're going to have ways for you to pray. [00:08:57] (18 seconds)


In 2025, I would love for every person that comes to Citi to serve at Citi in some way. Student ministry, kids ministry, young adult, prayer ministry, greeter, set up, tear down. I always use people helping our set up, tear down teams. All kinds of different ways to serve. We've got places. You might create a place that serves. [00:09:49] (18 seconds)


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Transcript
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