ALL IN: $128,840
LAND: $33,980
CURRENTLY RAISED
ALL IN: $128,840
LAND: $33,980
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PROMISED LAND
September 24, 2023
The only land we’ve ever really talked about around here was the easement with our driveway on it that links Lamar Alexander Parkway (321) to BCC’s property. Yes, we have a road on it, but we don’t have a sign on it. We don’t have a sign because the city code does not permit a sign on any property not owned outright. So, until we own it, no sign.
No sign on 321 is not an issue for those who know where we are, it’s problematic for guests and emergency responders though. We have stories to back it up. We’ve talked about this easementwith each other and God (in case He doesn’t know we need it 😊). This is the property I prayed about. Like the land promised to Israel, I hope we possess it someday.
That’s why I was surprised one afternoon, a good while ago, when Gary pointed to the property directly in front of our church building in the Industrial Park and told me why that property was the most valuable to BCC. Just to be clear, he told me, “We need it!”
He wasn’t wrong. It’s 50 steps from our front doors and adjacent. I just wasn’t sure if he knew why that property wasn’t an option, so I told him.
Nine years ago, while standing on the land with the property owner and her contractor, I saw the architectural plans to develop that property. The owner agreed to meet there to calculate if we could run a water line for BCC and not impede their masterplan. This is the day I realized our front-door neighbor would be a manufacturer.
She never went through with her plan, then we heard she sold the property. Two years ago, the new owner developed another set of plans, hired a contractor, and had a long-term lease from a local business to rent the facility upon completion.
So, tongue in cheek, I told Gary he’d better pray hard. Then we saw the large sign go up.
“INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE Coming March 2023”
I thought Gary was a better pray-er than that, but I didn’t say anything.
With our new neighbor inevitable, conversations turned to the sight and sounds of a business on top of us. How close would it be? What if they manufacture on Sunday? When should we plant BIG trees? Should we add a privacy fence? When they excavate, maybe we can convince them to work on the unsightly bank and create a barrier? Will we hear annoying beeps of heavy equipment backing up?
Turns out, I was right, Gary was a better pray-er, but I didn’t say anything.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. An unknown man rings the front door intercom.
“Hi, my name is Jay. I own the property right there (pointing to the land just up the bank with the Industrial Warehouse Sign on it just like Gary did long before). Would the church be interested in buying it? I’d love for a church to own that property.”
If you heard Gina’s land announcement, now you know the rest of the story.
If you didn’t hear Gina’s land announcement, watch the service on September 24th.
Pastor Jeff
The WOW Factor
August 29, 2023
A few weeks ago, I was asked by some church members from a Knoxville congregation to come take a tour of our building. You see, they had heard someone say that our building was designed to be multifunctional, and they wanted to see it for themselves. This group of people are getting ready to build a facility and wanted ideas for their project.
What I wasn’t prepared for, and never will get used to, is the wow factor when people walk through our doors. So many times, I get comments of how amazing our church building is. How roomy it feels from the inside yet how it doesn’t seem to look that large from the outside.
It made me start thinking about how blessed we truly are as a church to be able to come to our church building each week, have such a crowd on Sunday’s, host small groups, ministry groups such as student’s and college, have event after event, all in a facility that God has seen fit for us to use. It’s His, we all know, but man, what a great feeling for us to get to utilize it week after week, month after month and year after year.
It's not lost on me, that after 7 years of having a place to meet and not set up each week, we are truly blessed. Not just blessed but a God size blessing that never loses its WOW factor. The Lord truly is good.
As we start focusing on our “Next Phase” of our building, I am positive that God has another blessing in store for us. He has used this building to reach people, to tell others about Him, to love others to Him and we are just getting started. Are we getting a little “snug” in our kids’ hallway, in our gathering area…does our auditorium seem to be filling up more and more each week. Yes, yes it does. We wouldn’t want it any other way. Right!!
I can hardly wait to see what is in store for us. I can hardly wait to see how God will continue to bless Blount Community Church. I can hardly wait to see the new parts of this plan come together to make more room, to give us more space, and space we don’t even know we need yet. I can hardly wait!
I hope you too are as excited about the future as I am. I hope you are looking forward to the many blessings we will see and witness through this place. I hope you will be ALL IN with me and our church to see this through to bigger and brighter days with more space to fill up loving on people who need Jesus. Let’s get ready to see the amazing things happen that only God can orchestrate. Let’s get ready to be wowed once again.
Blessings,
Gina
BCC Kids - a Message from Sarah Beth
August 6th, 2023
I love our building. I love its versatility. I love that with a little creativity and lots of balloons, our Gathering Area can beautifully host a fancy Next Steps Baby Dedication reception or transform into the hub for a rained-out Easter Jam “Chick-or-Treat” experience. And before you ask…No, we usually don’t allow farm animals inside. That was a big ask, but for the sake of celebrating that Jesus is Alive….rain or shine, our staff made an exception.
But do you know what’s not an exception? Family Game Night. It’s the best Christmas tradition and one of my favorite events of the whole year. If you’ve never been, you’ve never seen the Gathering Area look like this, but every year, we move out everything and decorate for a night of family fun to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. We have games and crafts and snacks and usually someone has to drink maple syrup.
Next week, we’ll all help move hundreds of chairs out of the auditorium to make space for the Rise Against Hunger tables. This is a BCC favorite event that is bringing people together from all over the community. You might love it because it’s fun to serve together. I love it because it’s the first taste of serving that some of our kids will have. Without our building (and the hard workers who will spend all Sunday setting up), this event might not be possible. It takes money and hard work and time, but I think an event like Rise is exactly what Jesus wants us to do with His building.
I love our classrooms— right now we have 8. You’ve probably heard us worshiping, but if you didn’t know we have an absolutely beautiful Large Group Room that is dedicated just to kid’s worship. I'm not joking, if you have not seen this with your own eyes email me and we will set up a visit for you. Watching our kids worship is the very best, but that’s just one part of our kid’s ministry. Our team creates amazing spaces for Promotion Sunday and Cinco de Mayo and countless other events all within our hallway. It’s amazing.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love our hallway. It’s my favorite hallway in the world. But these days, it’s starting to feel limiting. We’re simply out of space. We have small groups meeting on the floor and had to bust a hole in Mr. Gary’s closet just for a spot to put a Check-In printer. I have big dreams. I want a room that is designed for kids who have special needs and might not otherwise have a space to learn about Jesus. I want a space where volunteers can come in and help prepare the materials needed for our small groups. I want a few more small group rooms so when people invite their friends to church we actually have a seat for them. I’d like a room where kids can learn to serve at a young age, but don’t worry, I am good at sharing spaces and will also host volunteer meetings there too. We need a space where our Preschool leaders can bring kids who need a quiet moment, but we also need a space where we can shoot more confetti. That's the best way to celebrate life change in our kids.
Are these big asks? Maybe, but I am getting pretty good at asking for big things… remember I’ve already asked about about Chick-or-Treat so I don’t think anyone will be surprised at this point. Is this going to take a lot of hard work? Definitely, but we’ve been working hard for years, so I am not afraid of that either. I don’t know what Phase 2 might look like, but I do know it will mean a bigger and more efficient space for our dynamic, God-honoring, and often messy kid’s ministry…So yah, I’m all in.
Sarah Beth
All In – BCC’s Story
June 8, 2023
Initially, I wasn't all in on All In.
Several of us were discussing BCC's future, which included the facility and overcrowding. We were on the same page because God already made it clear to begin working toward Phase 2. What was open for discussion was a theme, a rallying cry to keep us focused.
Solid ideas around legacy and finishing what was started were pitched. They were good. I was leaning toward legacy. All In was then pitched. I immediately assigned it last place on my list. And I was vocal about it.
"All in is a poker term!" Not that I know much about poker. "We've done All In in the past!" Eleven years ago. Easter 2012. You remember, don't you? If not, I'll post a promotional mailer at the end to prove it. "All in...small in! Can't we be more original?"
They let me rant. Not much else to do when someone is popping off and refusing to listen. They didn't even remind me of messages I taught on James 1:19. Then we broke until the next time.
What I think happened after this meeting is they ganged up on me in prayer. I think this because All In naturally became the idea we all began to lean on. Even me and I didn't realize it was happening.
God began reminding me of past BCC'ers who had gone all in to follow Him and start this church. BCC'ers who gave so much time, so much money, so much faith. There's no better way to describe what they did than All In.
God reminded me of the present. Current BCC'ers going all in with passion to Love Him and love others. Sacrificing what they want for the mission of Jesus. Many in this camp are old enough and thinking about legacy. I'm one of these.
And we know what's required to leave a legacy. Going All In.
All In requires faith and sacrifice. These make God smile. Neither faith nor sacrifice hangs out with comfort, and I enjoy comfort. But I love to make God smile even more. I've learned I can't let comfort trump faith and obedience. When I do, I regret it.
God demonstrated going All In, so it's no wonder that He expects the same. Complete commitment glorifies God. It also makes us more like Him. Since the disciples, there's always been Christians who gave their all. BCC joined this endangered species of Christ-followers years ago. It's our story. It took a minute, but I get it now. I'm all in on All In.
Pastor Jeff
Aren’t We BIG Enough?
June 2, 2023
It was the fall of 2006, about a year after we launched. I found myself asking the question, “Aren’t we big enough?” I remember because I was spending a lot of time alone in the outdoors, talking and listening to God. Initially, I asked myself. Then I asked God.
I’ve often said my intent was not to lead a large church. Large is relative, but for me, large meant more than a couple hundred people. After two hundred or so, a church surpasses a simple, one-pastor, know-everybody kind of church.
Growth produces complexity. Complexity requires organized systems.
Organized Religious Systems - not what I wanted.
A church of 200 people can love God and love all kinds of people. Do mission work. Make a difference in the community. Baptize people. Have a lot of fun. And that’s precisely what was happening the first time I asked the “big enough” question. If the truth is told, I was trying to tell God we were big enough because of all the great things happening.
When a church is “big enough,” one thing that’s impossible to do is the very thing Jesus commanded - reach the next person for Jesus. A “big enough” church can’t follow Jesus’ directive to “make new disciples” or obey His words to leave ninety-nine believers and go all in searching for the lost one. Simply stated, a “big enough” church can’t be on God’s mission.
After conviction and time, God changed my heart. The Lord made it clear that growth would happen as BCC reached those outside of our church family. Faltering on the mission was not an option. Some people left because we grew. Now, I’d leave if we stop growing because that means we’re unhealthy, off mission, and can’t right the ship.
During this season of internal struggle, God helped me understand that I feared two things.
The first fear was I didn’t want to lose the “family feel” - the community felt by knowing just about everyone. The second fear was that growth required the hard work of change. And honestly, I had been working really hard to help make the systems needed for 200 people. Pretty selfish of me, I know.
God helped me understand that “Aren’t we big enough?” is the wrong question for a church on mission. The right question is, “Are we healthy and fulfilling God’s mission?” If we are loving God, loving others by making new Christ-followers, and deepening the faith of existing disciples, we’ll be healthy; and healthy things will grow. Growing things require change, or they become unhealthy.
There was a time I didn’t want my daughters to grow up. I loved them small. But my wife and I worked to keep them healthy, and they grew on their own. Healthy things grow and change. My kids grew into adults. I was proud of who they became. Really proud. Then, I became a “Papa.”
Ironically, while I’m writing this in my home office, something just hit the window with a loud smash. I thought it was a bird. Standing up to figure out what the heck happened, I see water on the outside of the window. I look up. No rain clouds. I hear a squeal and look down to see my smiling grandson, super soaker water gun and water balloons in hand. What happened was he just challenged Papa to a water war.
I’ve got a decision to make. Will I keep the status quo and keep writing, or make room for his disruption and engage his challenge? As a younger man, I’d consider this a disruption and not make room. But I’m Papa now, and I want to torment my grandson with water. He won’t stay small for long. Growing up is bittersweet, but God didn’t design him to be small forever.
I got to go. He thinks he’s the man with his super soaker, but I got a garden hose ready for such a time as this.
God created healthy things to grow. My job is to focus on health. God does the growing for people and churches.
Pastor Jeff
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is “All In?”
“All In” means completely committed.
This phrase defines the heart of BCC’ers and has been chosen as a rallying cry for this time.
What are we doing?
Finishing what we started. In 2016, BCC’ers completed Phase One of a two-phased project which is the first half of the facility. Now it’s time to finish Phase Two.
Why are we doing it? Why are we doing it now?
Obedience
Pastors, staff, leaders, and volunteers believe God is directing this faith step.
Space
Overcrowding in BCCKids and Gathering Area. NO dedicated space for students. Unfinished Auditorium. Inadequate parking.
To love others.
Overcrowding reduces effectiveness, creates problems, and undermines the mission to love others. We want our incredible facility to allow guests and BCC'ers to experience God without distractions.
To finish what was started
As good stewards, the plan has always been to maximize the building and grounds and leave a legacy for future generations.
To Stay on Mission
Over half of Blount County is not connected to a church family. The mission of the Church is to love God and love others both inside and outside of the Church.
Aren’t we BIG enough?
See Pastor Jeff’s BLOG above dated June 2, 2023.
Have you considered multi-site campuses?
Yes. Currently, BCC’s pastors believe the most effective evangelistic strategy is to complete the Master Plan, stay on mission, and continue supporting new churches.
What will be constructed?
Dedicated Student Ministry Space
Increased Children’s Ministry Space
Completed Auditorium
Enlarged Parking
Enlarged Gathering Area
Dedicated rooms for Volunteers, Adults, AV, and Guests
Is anyone hesitant?
Yes. Faith steps and tension hang out together.
Will this change us?
Yes, just like moving from Maryville College to Alcoa High School changed us. Just like moving from being portable to a permanent facility changed us. Completing Phase Two likely won’t change us as much as the transition to Alcoa or a permanent facility.
What won’t change?
Our calling to be outward-focused and intentionally reach those outside of the Church.
Our calling to reach and pass ownership of Jesus’ mission to the Next Generation.
Our mission to love God and love others.
Our resolve to create a community that feels like home.
Our determination to be FOR Blount and make our community better.
Pastor Kenny crying.
Sweeping up dried rice after Rise Against Hunger.
Open doors for families to celebrate the birth of the Savior at Christmas Wishes.
Every room being a multi-purpose workspace for ministry.
Family and Group outdoor spaces to play, eat, and talk (although they may be moved).
Questions We Have No Answers To...
but don’t mind guessing😊
When will construction start?
We’re not sure. SarahBeth and Steven hope next week. Maybe the end of 2024 or early 2025. Construction documents and a financial plan must be in place before beginning construction.
How long will construction take?
We’re not sure. Pastor Jeff (who doesn’t use tools) and Pastor Kenny (whose largest construction project to date is a lemonade stand) say construction took about a year in Phase One and expect the same for Phase Two. Again, consider the sources.
How much will it cost?
We’re not sure. Cost is a big concern for Gina. Maybe 6-8 million dollars, but we won’t know for a while.
What will it look like?
We’re not sure. Leaders want more storage. Dave wants an adult classroom. Gary hopes it’s easy to maintain. All Danny is concerned about is a finished Auditorium. Paige demands a Volunteer Room, but you’ll have to ask her about that. BCC Students needs space. Marlea says she’ll take pictures of whatever it looks like. What we do know is that it should reflect our current style, with utility and multi-purpose as a priority for all spaces.
Will we be without a building for any time?
Yep. We’re not sure how long, but portability is in our DNA, so we got this.
Email admin@blountchurch.org if you have any other questions.
ALL IN PRAYER CHALLENGE
Would you take the ALL IN prayer challenge? Would you commit to spending some time in earnest prayer every day for the next 30 days? Not only will you enjoy God’s presence, but you’ll begin to see answers to prayer. In prayer, there is no place to stop, but there is a place to start. Start today. “Pray without ceasing.”
A 30-Day Prayer Guide
There are many things and people for which we should pray every day. Each day of this 30-day prayer calendar provides a specific prayer emphasis. The daily prayer assignment is meant to remind you to pray specifically. Write down additional needs that are personal to you and keep a journal of answers to prayer. Meditate on the Word of God and claim God’s precious prayer promises.
Day 1 – Pray for a clean heart. Psalm 19:12-14
Day 2 – Pray for your Pastors and those who teach you God’s Word. Romans 15:30, 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Day 3 – Pray that God will help you live consciously in His presence today. Psalm 5:3, 55:17
Day 4 – Pray for people far from God to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:1
Day 5 – Pray for those who are sick. James 5:16
Day 6 – Pray for a Christian who is away from the Lord. Habakkuk 3:1-2
Day 7 – Pray for BCCer you know who is going through a trial. Psalm 18:6, 50:15
Day 8 –Pray in faith for God to work in a seemingly impossible situation. Matthew 21:22, Mark 11:24
Day 9 – Pray for Freedom House and Isaiah House. Matthew 18:19-20
Day 10 – Pray for the President and those in leadership in our nation. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Day 11 – Pray for God’s protection for our military personnel. Hebrews 4:16
Day 12 – Pray for God’s comfort for a family that has lost a loved one. Luke 18:1
Day 13 – Pray for Volunteers at BCC. Matthew 9:38
Day 14 – Pray for your family. Philippians 4:6-7
Day 15 – Pray for wisdom for BCC’s upcoming decisions. James 1:5, Romans 8:26
Day 16 – Pray for opportunities to share your story. 1 John 5:14-15
Day 17 – Pray that God will deliver you and those you love from evil. Matthew 6:13, Mark 14:38
Day 18 – Pray for God’s power. Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 17:20-21
Day 19 – Pray that your joy might be full in Christ. John 16:24, Romans 12:12
Day 20 – Pray for the will of God to be done in your life today. Matthew 6:10
Day 21 – Pray for revival and renewal. 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 85:4-6
Day 22 – Pray for God’s blessing on BCC. Ephesians 6:18
Day 23 – Pray for those with whom you have had conflict. Matthew 5:44
Day 24 – Pray for God’s Word to be real in your life. John 15:7, 1 John 3:21-22
Day 25 – Pray about matters that are troubling you. 1 Peter 5:7
Day 26 – Pray for a new believer to be strengthened in the Lord. Colossians 1:9-11
Day 27 – Pray for God to be glorified through your prayers. John 14:13
Day 28 – Pray for a fellow BCCer who has been discouraged. Philippians 1:3-6
Day 29 – Pray for God’s great supply for every need. Luke 11:9-10, James 4:2
Day 30 – Pray for a grateful heart. Psalm 28:6, Colossians 4:2