Phase 2.5 (almost to 3)

This is a really simple update with timeline information and some snapshots of the life of Restoration Church (in this current moment).

On a walk with another local church planter, our conversation was very friendly until we started discussing support raising. This guy is an awesome pastor, supportive friend, and excellent human. He loves Arvada. He inspires me to love better. In 2022, it is often unheard of to find someone strongly opinionated who can also disagree with you and not grow bitter or angry. For that reason, this (new) local friendship has been a true blessing.

During our meet up, I talked about the struggle of a timeline being purposeful and slow. I mentioned how we found ourselves needing time to build a life before we built a church. This is where we disagreed. He said, "You shouldn't use those words (slow, etc) when talking to supporters. It will turn them off and they won't understand." In that moment, I had to make a decision.

Do I push back hard bring up my personal convictions and how easily his welcomed advice can sound slimy and two-faced OR do I passively hear him out and change the topic.

I pushed back.

We had a good discussion. I have so much to learn about this new role of church planter and lead pastor. Here's (basically) why I pushed back.

We are committed to building a great church FOR God and Colorado. (But) We are also committed to enjoying the process. When we dream (together) we dream about quantity and quality. I don't know everything but I have seen one thing occur consistently in every project, job, and adventure.

No matter what you are doing, eventually the pace, pressure, and processes will become very complicated. Whether you start simple or not.

A business owner friend of mine once explained it to me like this:

When it comes to results, you can NOT have all 3, you can only choose 2:

Quality, Fast, or Inexpensive.

If you choose Fast + Quality = it will be extremely Expensive.

If you choose Inexpensive + Fast = it will not be Quality.

If you choose Quality + Inexpensive (sustainable) = it may take some time.

The temptation is work endless to attain all 3. If I promise all 3, it may impress more supporters and attenders, but it might just murder our souls in the process. It might just burn out our launch team. It might just cause us to chase after church goals and miss out on enjoying the journey.

Thank you for your support. It means so much to all of us. I pray our timeline does not scare you away. In fact, I hope it leads you to ask great questions.

Timeline: You will not see dates. We are chasing goals, not dates specifically.

Phase 1: Move to & Live in Colorado.

Triggers for Phase 2: Live here 6 months, 100 (local) connections, (Jared) transition to part time job & establish bank account + payroll + spending plan (budget) + 501c3 status.

Phase 2: Grow Launch Team

Triggers for phase 3: Launch team of 10 adults, 200 (local) connections, serve monthly together, plans for kids ministry, launch team roles established (with flexibility), & weekly meeting transitioned to church service (finish attending other churches).

(THIS IS WHERE WE ARE AT CURRENTLY)

Phase 3: Grow Attendance

Triggers for Phase 4: Total group of 50 committed adults, non-home meeting location, 50% attenders committed to percentage giving (tithe, etc), public-launch processes established, and schedule public launch date.

Phase 4: Public Launch

Triggers for Phase 5: Marketing plan in place (ads + , host community event(s), final leadership hires made, fundraising/financial goals met, major equipment purchases, soft launch weekends completed, & all weekend teams completed.

Phase 5: TBD

This is all I will include at this time.

Use this timeline as a prayer list or gift list as you continue to support us.

There are some goals not listed under triggers simply to make space for the foundational ones.

Love you supporters. Thank you for walking with us through phases 1 & 2!

- Jared