(Updated Feb 11, 2020) As you have questions, we want to answer them as we can. Please scroll down below and perhaps the question you have has been answered or perhaps it is still a question we have as well. By the way, your questions help us to process, so keep them coming. We are better together!
Q- I missed “Vision Night” (February 9, 2020). What’s the big news? A- We are celebrating all that God has done in our church and believing that He has so much more in store. We took time to assess where we are today, introduce a new mission statement, and focus on a specific goal in the coming year to launch a new campus in East Rockingham County. We will keep sharing in the weeks to come!
Q- What is the biggest factor in launching a successful campus in East Rockingham? A- There are so many important things…prayer of course! But we believe the success of this new campus will largely depend on our ability to recruit a faithful group of leaders to serve at the new location (not just attend, but to serve). We have set a specific goal of 100 people who will commit to serve in East Rockingham as a part of this new campus.
Q- Who will be a part of the launch team? A- Anyone who senses God’s call. We are less interested in a launch team that just shows up for the first few weeks, and far more interested in those who will make a long-term commitment to the new campus.
Q- How will recruiting for possible team members for the new campus take place? How often will this be done? A- A specific invitation will be given on Sunday, March 1 for our people to prayerfully consider. Following that day we will make regular invitations as we keep the vision in front of the church. We will also be holding 4-5 “connection events” throughout the Spring and Summer with the specific purpose of inviting folks to consider joining the new campus, and keeping it fresh in front of all of our people.
Q- Why are we taking an entire year to prepare to launch this campus? A-While there is a lot of work to do in planning, the majority of our time and focus throughout the year will be recruiting people who are committing to serving long-term at the new location. Again, we are trusting God for 100 people to be committed to serve and we will be spending a lot of time throughout the year implementing a plan to cast vision and invite people to be a part. You only get one chance to launch. It is critical to do it right.
Q- Can you share an update about the church that was planted in August County (Verona) several years ago? What is our relationship with them moving forward? A- HFCN has a wonderful history of planting churches in places such as Rockbridge County, Woodstock and, as you mention, Augusta County. With each of these churches we sent a specific team to plant a new church, knowing that each would ultimately be an independent church. That’s not quite the same model we are following with the East Rockingham campus. We have a strong relationship with Living Stone Church of the Nazarene (the church in Augusta County) and they are doing very well. They are continuing to minister effectively to their community and they are praying about what God has next for them as a church.
Q- How is planting a new campus in East Rockingham different than previous church plants? A- Planting a campus is unique in that it is planting a church that is an extension of the other campus to which it is connected. In other words, we are seeking to plant a church in East Rockingham County that will serve as a continuation and an expression of the ministry God is doing at our current Harrisonburg location – not a separate independent church as are the examples above. While East Rockingham campus will be unique to that community in many ways, our mission, vision and values will be the same. We will no longer be one church in one location, but rather one church in multiple locations. This approach not only provides greater resources for the new campus, but greater challenge for us on Boyers Road. And we believe this kind of challenge is just what we need to grow in God’s purpose.
Q- What in your mind is the greatest challenge ahead of us? A- While there are many, I think the most significant challenge we face is getting everyone plugged into serving in some meaningful way at either location. There’s an old adage that, in a church, 20% of the people do 80% of the work. That can’t be true for us. So we must be able to engage, motivate and equip 100% of our church family to serve meaningfully on Sunday and throughout the week.
Q- What is our financial plan once the mortgage is paid off this year? A- We have always been very disciplined in our stewardship of the funds with which God has blessed us and that, of course, won’t change. Right now, beyond the initial staffing and funding of the East Rockingham Campus, we have begun to draft a financial plan for the future. We will continue to work hard to ensure our funds are being stewarded prayerfully. The fact is, giving will be more important than ever.
Q- What changes/initiatives are in store for overseas ministries? A- 1. Our word as a church is “GO”. God is sending us out into our communities, and even around the world. We are excited to be offering many different mission opportunities outside of our community. This is one step in establishing some new rhythms of mission beyond our borders. 2. HFCN is also a part of regularly supporting the work of the Church of the Nazarene in 162 world areas. When we give faithfully at HFCN, we are part of carrying the mission around the world. 3. We are constantly evaluating our partnerships here locally and around the world. God is constantly opening up new doors and we are excited to see what other new opportunities arise as we continue into the future. I’ll remind you of the church description I talked about on Vision Night and on Sunday morning: …we will reach beyond our walls to welcome the outsider, the broken, the lost, the hopeless. That, of course, includes our work with overseas ministries.
Q- I was wondering if we would start doing worship nights more regularly? A- Great idea! We are listening and seeking the Lord’s guidance on how we can create some regular opportunities for a focused times of prayer and worship throughout the year. In fact, our work in planting the East Rockingham campus may benefit from these kinds of “family meetings.”