How to Launch a Church with 1,200 People on Your First Day

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Yesterday my church, Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN gave birth to its fourth campus in the Bellevue area just west of Nashville. I have been on the board since our early days and I must say this is the most successful launch we’ve ever had. Yesterday morning we had over 1,200 people attending two services. It’s a phenomenal statistics by any standard. There are many factors why we saw such success: from the newly remodeled Circuit City building we purchased, to a beautiful sunny day, and to several families from the area already attending our downtown campus. But I believe the main reason for this amazing first day rested on Bellevue’s campus pastor, Justin Davis becoming a shepherd to the community before we even had a first service.

Months before our opening day, Justin and his wife Trisha and their three boys have been living among the people God had called them to reach.  During the terrible Nashville flood, most of their neighborhood was under water but the Davis’ home was spared. Stranded neighbors and their pets found rescue at the house on the hill and got help by the man many began to call “The Pastor.” The Davis’ took dozens of people in, opening their home for days to some they had not even met before. They cooked all the food they had, clothed and took care of them until the waters receded and people were able to leave.

I heard stories of flood victims in neighborhoods waiting for “the pastor” to come around so he would help them decide on what to do. I’ve been told that Justin’s handy skills are much like mine; he should not be trusted with a hammer. However, people trusted him to give them good council and guide them in the aftermath of such tragedy.

Weeks before Cross Point’s Bellevue Campus open its doors, Justin had become the pastor to many, some of whom have never even been to any Christian church before. Interesting, Justin and all the Cross Point staff and volunteers who have been working tirelessly for over three weeks became the true church, a church without walls but with hands and arms who reached out in love and rescue them without a thought or a price.

a church without walls but with hands and arms who reached out in love and rescue them without a thought or a price.

I’m thankful and honored to served alongside the Davis’ and the rest of our Cross Point staff and volunteers. They have stepped up and gone the extra mile. Often Christians are accused of talking too much and doing very little. Not this time.

When have you seen love through actions more so than words in your life?

  • Jonathan Lewis

    Maurilio,
    I don't go to Cross Point, but I have kept up with all that you guys are going for the flood victims and I'm so impressed with how fast the church sprung into action. I don't know Justin, but he seems the kind of guy I would want to hang out with.

    I hope God continue to bless your new campus.

  • jcatron

    We could have never planned for or predicted the timeliness of this campus. It's a testament to a group of people being obedient to God's leading each step of the way. Thank you for being a part of this leadership team, Maurilio!

  • MaurilioAmorim

    I agree. The way these events unfolded is such a God thing.

  • Fran

    From two hours away, y'all are making a difference and inspiring us all to simply "do" what we are supposed to do. Praying every day that the Lord allow me to be the hands and feet and not just the girl who has Jesus in her heart. 😉

    Congrats and I pray HUGE blessings over that new campus and all the precious people she will reach.

    Fran

  • Sally Epps

    Brother John was a pastor of a small Baptist church in the town I grew up in. He "adopted" our family after my parents went through a divorce and my father left. He was like a father to me during some very difficult years. His actions spoke louder to my mom and sisters than any sermon he ever preached. I'm still so thankful for his love through the difficult years.

  • MaurilioAmorim

    Thanks Fran. That's a great prayer indeed!

  • MaurilioAmorim

    Sally, I also have someone like your Brother John in my life. His name is Milton Hollifield and "adopted" me when I was going through college and couldn't get back home to Brazil. His prayers and love for me on a daily basis are still a source of strength in my life. I love that man, not as much for his oratory, but mostly for the way he has lived his life.

  • Steve Shantz

    This says to me that "Church" is not about a building. It's about meaningful relationship between us and Christ, and a practical outpouring of genuine love between its members to each other and the community. Not many Churches have the opportunity to experience the sequence of events that Cross Point and "the Davis" encountered. This situation was forced on them and gave them an opportunity to show the community a faith that lives. I think a big challenge for the church is to find effective ways to demonstrate their love, even when things are below the flood stage.

  • John

    Wow. Beautiful post. What a holy moment.

    Amazed at God's sovereignty and grace right now. Thanks for posting!

  • MaurilioAmorim

    Well said. I love the line "I think a big challenge for the church is to find effective ways to demonstrate their love, even when things are below the flood stage." I wish I had written it.

  • MaurilioAmorim

    Thank you for your words.

  • Wayne Elsey

    Dude, it is simple – people – having the right "one direction" team, product – having a compelling message – that is real, direct and relatable, presentation – presenting it well and finally promoting it with your hands not your words.

  • MaurilioAmorim

    Well said, Wayne. You have proven that model with Soles4Souls.

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