Tennessee congregation pledges $6 million to plant 60,000 churches

The North Boulevard Church of Christ plans to launch an effort that will result in 60,000 new church plants in the next 60 years. (No, that’s not a typo — sixty THOUSAND. Needless to say, the church’s leaders get a lot of raised eyebrows when they make that statement.)
It may sound like an impossible dream, but members of the Murfreesboro, Tenn., congregation have pledged nearly $6 million toward the effort — part of the congregation’s 2020 Vision. The vision includes retirement of the church’s existing debt, the hiring of a church planter and the creation of a School of Christian Thought to train the people of Middle Tennessee in theology, ministry and outreach. The church also plans to launch a new ministry to reach out to widows in its community.
Members contributed quarters from piggy banks and even their own jewelry to the effort, church leaders said.

Children at the North Boulevard Church of Christ hold up cards detailing the amount of money pledged to the church’s 2020 Vision. (Photo via www.northboulevard.com)

• Feedback
  I hope the outreach to widows will be extended to widowers, too.

  Samantha Ullery

  April, 12 2013

  Where is the vision? Where are the ‘big, hairy, audacious goals’? What is happening at North Boulevard is refreshing, if not amazing: They have opened their eyes anew to God’s vision. I hope readers won’t shrug off the 60,000 church plant goal. Given that the goal was to raise closer to $3 million and the subsequent amount now topping $6 million, don’t be surprised if over 120,000 churches of Christ exist in 60 years that trace their connection to this. The surety of this leadership coupled with their humility in just seeking God’s way forward is touching and inspiring. They have seen God’s vision with fresh eyes and renewal and, given the energy and commitment, I can only wonder if they set the bar a little low.
  I pray this spark is captured in other congregations across the world. I pray that congregations realize the golden value of their widows and widowers in the wisdom and service they have to offer, and the opportunity in turn to serve their needs. I pray that every congregation has its own school of Christian thought, engaging their community in a public square or coffee shop conversation about life, purpose, existence, and destiny through the lens of the Gospel. It is not an impossible dream — it is but a small part of God’s waking reality for us and this world. And the members of this congregation are intentionally renewing its commitment in joining God in His work.

  Joe Cranford

  April, 12 2013

  I commend the North Boulevard for dreaming, praying and coming up with an ambitious vision that is beyond their reach, knowing they will be depending on God for it to happen. I hope this encourages more of us to let God give us a vision of what He can do if he can find willing vessels.
  God bless you
  Bill Long

  Bill Long

  April, 13 2013

  Every congregation should have a plan for growth. If we don’t plan – we won’t do it. What will we tell the Lord on the final day? “Sorry Lord, I did bury the one talent that you gave me in the dirt and here it is.”
  Let’s be inspired by our brethren in Murfreesboro and do some planning (individually or collectively).
  To God be the Glory!

  Dennis

  April, 15 2013

  Having listened to the speech, I think there is a lack of understanding. The members donated about 6 MIL. BUT: “only” 1.6 is dedicated to the planting plan. The rest goes to retiring the debt, and making technological changes to their existiing building.
  Going to the other side of the county maybe a step… With a population of 208,000 (108,000 of whom live in Murfreesboro) maybe a plan to go to places where there are less congregations in bigger population groups?

  Rudy Schellekens

  April, 15 2013

  Who can pray for the church planting in Transylvania too?
  Feel free to contact me anytime.
  In Him
  Cristian

  Cristian Paduraru from Relate4ever Publishing

  April, 15 2013

  Such visionary plans MUST be encouraged by all churches of Christ across the globe. From Jesus Christ the Master planner to His 12 Apostles, the early church grow from the 12 apostles to 3,000, to 4,000, to 5,000 then the multitudes. We must involve all members to win souls for Christ. We have not grown as the Lord;s church because we don’t involve all members.
  God bless the visionary leaders. You are in our prayers
  Chris

  Christopher

  April, 15 2013

  You can find out more about our vision here:
  http://www.vimeo.com/nb2020vision/sundaymorning
  http://www.northboulevard.com/
  This has been a seven month process to date, so many sermons, congregational meetings and small group meetings have gone into the planning and implementation of this great spiritual awakening. We are determined to reclaim the world for Jesus Christ or die trying. Pray for us and light a spiritual fire in your own congregations. Lord come quickly!

  Joy Gotcher

  April, 15 2013

  Brethren,
  I have done church planting in MN, PA and have done mission work in Albania, Russia, Ghana and Cambodia. I have been preaching for forty years. I am presently the outreach minister in Sikeston MO.
  If I can help you soon just let me know.
  Because of Christ,
  Pete Nuthak
  573-620-3594
  [email protected]

  Peter Nuthak

  April, 15 2013

  That is posssible to fulfill the Great Commission, Blessings

  Geoffrey Kirima

  April, 16 2013

  God bless you brethren for this gracious plan. I am pleading that if it will be extended to Africa. Please consider EQUATORIAL GUINEA, for the whole country of E.G. has only one Church of Christ congregation, where I am the preacher.

  OBIA DANIEL UZOMA UKAEFU

  April, 18 2013

  Its Great to have such vision to work for the Lord. God Bless this work of 60000 Churches. Praying and God will do it.
  S.David Martin. Church of Christ, Evangelist, Chennai, India

  Bro.S.David Martin

  April, 19 2013

  Your vision for the mission is encouraging.
  Jesus has not commisioned the impossible.
  I can do all things through Christ

  Paul Renganathan

  April, 20 2013

  This is really a great vision for spreading the word of God.
  There are Still so many areas which has not reach by the word of God.
  Especially some part of Ghana and Burkina Faso.
  I want to suggest to include these areas to your plans.
  Evangelist Adams Akurumolga
  Bongo Church of Christ

  Adams Akurumolga

  June, 19 2013