These are some photos of our May Launch Team Meeting. These meetings are open to anyone and this one was by far the best. We broke into groups and dealt with what we thought the characteristics of a healthy church were, and then the characteristics of a toxic church. Community is beginning to happen as the team is getting to know each other and figure out where we all fit on this journey. If you would like to attend the next meeting, it will be June 20th at 10:00 AM at Breakfast Point Academy. Our next Preview Service in June 6th at 10:00AM also at Breakfast Point Academy. Come see what all the buzz is about!

I apologize for the lack of recent posting. I will be more diligent in the future…

It has been a few months since Baypointe Church began gathering people through launch team meetings and preview services. A lot has happened since we moved here last October to begin this journey, and while there have been lots of highs and lows, I wanted to give an update on our progress. If you have any questions about methods or things we are doing, feel free to email me at ben@baypointechurch.tv and I will be happy to fill you in. So here is an update in key areas:

People:

• We can start here because this is what it is all about. We are meeting twice a month right now. First Sunday is a preview service and the third Sunday is a launch team meeting. In between Sundays are used for the staff to go to church together. We have checked out numerous churches, but mostly attend Northstar Church in Panama City. They have an amazing church that not only has helped us in many ways spiritually, has also become one of our partners in making a difference here on the beach!
• Easter Sunday was our first preview service. We had 57 in attendance (30 adults and 17 kids.) We are targeting young families, and those numbers show we are hitting our target. But we also knew some of these adults were not retainable due to the fact they were visiting from out of town. Nonetheless, we were thrilled at the turnout.
• May 2^nd was our second preview service and we had 62 in attendance (42 adults and 20 kids.) With the exception of one person, they were all locals! This is very exciting. I was asking people how they heard about us and it was a lot of word of mouth. The buzz is happening. (Makes me wonder why I spend so much on a marketing budget…)
• Launch team meetings do not get the same level of attendance but they are geared toward casting vision, training, and just getting to know each other.
• Total, I believe we have 20-25 committed adults not counting the staff. It’s a great start, but we still have a long way to go before August!

Facilities:

• We meet in a school auditorium. We also have a huge band room for our kids experience, a vocal room for the toddlers, and a choir room for the nursery. These rooms are really big so we have plenty of room to grow.
• They have also given us two large storage rooms on campus so we do not need a trailer.

Staff:

• Besides myself, we have Jeremy Williams leads worship as well as handle the media aspects of the Sunday experiences. Billy Tisko heads up our family ministries with BaypointeKIDS being his main focus right now. These guys have either raised partial support and/or are working full time jobs as well as their responsibilities to Baypointe. They are working extremely hard, and I fully believe their work will be rewarded.

Needs:

• This is the one thing many people are asking about. Our needs are still numerous and mostly it is about 2 main things: finances and people.
• When it come to actual things we need there are a few. One is a computer to run our media. We are in need of this in a major way. The other thing we need is a second screen for our stage. The stage we are using is really wide, but also a little on the short side. Due to this, one screen will not work due to the width of our auditorium. We will need one on each side. One church has already purchased one, and now we need the second. The other thing we will need to deal with is lighting for the stage. The lighting is all the long florescent tubes which is not conducive for what we are trying to do.
• There are other things that we need like signage, supplies for our soon opening toddler room, and a few other things as well. It is amazing that we have as much as we have and are DEBT FREE!

As you can see we are off to an amazing start. I have been humbled beyond what I can express by the things that God has trusted me with. In addition to that, I am blown away by how many churches have partnered with us to make this dream a reality. God has huge plans for this church plant and I can not express how excited we are.

Also, I would like to thank some people specifically. There are many people that have helped but out of respect for their privacy, I will leave their names out, but you know who you are and I can’t thank you enough. The following guys and their churches have done big things for us financially, but that is not always what the thanks is about…

Brian Hunter – Encouraging me. Believing in me. Being the voice that knocks me down to build me up. Teaching me that I am not crazy…

Rocky McKinley – Friendship. What else can I say? It the darkest moments of this journey, I know you are there. Thanks man, I can never express how comforting that is. Being alone is a dangerous emotion that you have helped me with so many times.

Travis Johnson – Guidance. Challenging me. Providing resources to ensure the health of our church. Making me think about things that are coming down the pike.

Dr. E. Bob Kuschel – Can’t even list the things I am thankful for. I hope to one day have a heart like yours. A true sense of the word “Pastor.”

Rick Whitter – We have only met and talked a few times, but you have inspired me to be a better person. You have something different that most people don’t.

I know this has been a long post, but I hope this gives you a feel of what has happened over the last few months. We have big things ahead of us because God is behind us!

Grace.

Ben

Many of you that know me know this, but for those who don’t, I do not have an office. At least not a physical one just for me. I have a receptionist and office company that handles things like answering the church phones, getting faxes for me, and receiving packages that are mailed. (Church planters, you need to use this company if you can. Email me for more details.) I am just not there. I am completely mobile, and since moving to PCB in October, I have worked out of a local coffee shop. When I say I am mobile, I mean literally. I carry everything in a wheeled case that allows me to work from anywhere. I have a portable printer, Verizon wireless card, filing system, etc. So everyday, I wheel my office into this great coffee shop. They have free Wi-Fi, great coffee, and it is a place for locals. Many people have said that it wont work and that I need to rent an office to have meetings, “prayer” times, and solitude for working. I get that. I really do, but I just disagree a little. More on that later. But here’s the problem: My “office” coffee shop has closed! I am now forced to find a new place to work from. On top of that, this past week has been Spring Break for my kids and I was forced to work from home. My ROUTINE has been blown up like a pirate ship attacking a US Navy ship! So this upcoming week is about finding a new place to work, and getting back into a routine. Now even more people are going to say, “Rent an office space!” Nope. Not happening yet. I love you guys, but it aint happening. Here’s why:

1. My job, calling, life, etc is about people. I want to meet people, hear their stories, and get to know as many of the residents of this great city as I can. How am I going to do that behind an office door?
2. Finances. I have raised enough money to rent a SMALL office here, but why strain our plant? I would much rather use the money for the many things our church plant still needs. I am fully aware that the more I sacrifice now, the more of my “seed money” I can plant instead of eating will only lead to greater things later. Not to mention I would then have to find office furniture, pay utilities, etc. All the while having little chance to meet any strangers AKA people that don’t know yet that I will be their Pastor!
3. I have found that God speaks to me through witnessing life. I like to be out watching people, reading their eyes, and observing things around me.

Yes, I have designed a time for prayer and solitude. I go to the beach around 8:30 each morning armed with a bible, ipod, and journal. I pray, meditate, and spend alone time. So no worries, I get alone time. Meetings with others? Usually at Starbucks. (If you are wondering why I don’t work there often, it is usually filled with tourists, and for now I am trying to meet locals.) Will there come a time in our church’s journey that I will need to rent an office? Of course, just not right now.

Here’s the deal. Staying productive is more about desire that anything else. I am driven right now to make Baypointe an amazing place for God to work. If this means I have to buckle down and work in places that most won’t, so be it. So for now you can call me the Nomadic Church Planter!

Grace.

Ben

This is another post from a great writer and leader as he explains why investing in church planting is so important and vital to the life of the worldwide church. This is really a great story, and I will let Rick tell it. We are basically strangers!

Rick Whitter is the Pastor at Maranatha Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Enjoy!

“I’ve never even met Ben Liles. We are only what I would call “social network” friends, we have linked up on Facebook and Twitter. Why in the world would I want to support him as he launches a new church? And why am I writing this blog post trying to inspire others to do the same?

One of my primary passions in life is to be missional. I want to be one of the “sent out” ones. I never want to get locked into my own little world, focused on my comfort, ignoring the call of Christ to change the world one person at a time. This is why we regularly serve in missions in third world countries. This is why we raise money to give to needy people in our community. This is why I am in ministry. And this is one of the reasons why we are giving to Baypointe Church in Panama City Beach, Florida. We could certainly use the money that we have sent to Ben and his team but our thinking is, if they are reaching this community for Christ, we want to be a part of that. I love the quote by Jeff Vanderstelt: “The Church is not just the sent people…the Church is a people who are committed to raising up and sending more people.” It is awesome to think that we can be directly involved in winning people to Christ in a community that we have never even visited.

Another reason that I am behind Baypointe Church is, I having been on the receiving end of generosity for a long time. I understand what it means to have people support me. While I was writing this piece, I got a text about a very generous gift that we just received. This is so humbling. So I am simply sowing into Ben and his Launch Team what I have already harvested. I do believe it is cyclical. I know that guys like Ben will be faithful with what is entrusted to them. He will turn around and invest it into someone else. There is no way that I want to miss being a part of the incredible process that God creates when something fresh and new is being birthed.

One more reason that we are supporting Ben and Baypointe Church: I believe in Ben and what God called him to do. I already told you, we have never met. I hope to be able to spend some time together in the near future, but until then, I have to go with what I feel in my spirit. When I first heard about the vision of Baypointe Church and when I first learned of the amazing open doors that have been presented to them, I knew for sure that I wanted to be a part. I think that Ben is strategically positioned to bring transformation to this community. I believe that the team of leaders that is coming together will spark spiritual renewal. I am confident that God put the right people in the right place at the right time. Who would want to miss out on that?

So, God bless you Ben! We are with you and can’t wait to see the cool things that God does through Baypointe Church!

Rick Whitter
Maranatha Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL”

As most of us know, this Sunday is a huge day in the Christian faith. And due to this day, many churches will be overflowing with people that only come to church a few times a year. We prepare for them, design amazing series for them, and make sure everything is ready for them. I think this is great. Prepare for them so that God will send them your way, but…

When they show up, visitors, those you haven’t seen in a while, guests, etc…I want you to do one very important thing…look behind their eyes. Here is what I am guilty of having done. I see someone and without thinking I begin to size them up, what are they wearing, how many kids do they have, how can I get them plugged in, I wonder what they will tithe, will they like me, will they like the church, etc etc etc. Last night and today I had the opportunity to speak to two people I deeply love and admire. As we were talking I saw behind their eyes, and when I did, things changed. I saw something more important. I saw two people that God loves.

Behind a person’s eyes is a story. There is a life that probably has issues. There is failure, lack of hope, fear, and maybe a surrendered spirit. Behind the eyes is a mind and heart that genuinely doesn’t care about some of the stuff that we as church leaders care about. (Check out Perry Noble’s blog about what they don’t care about here.) They want to know that they will be accepted, loved, encouraged, and to a degree held accountable. They want to know they have people that will be there when times are tough, and won’t bring a video camera to make a video to proclaim to the world how great a certain ministry is for helping. (Which I am also guilty of.) Behind the eyes is a story that could potentially change your life as well…

I am not saying that you shouldn’t look at a person’s gifts, and try to get them to use them so that God will be glorified. That is what leaders are partially required to do. But before you try to plug the person into a service team or whatever, look behind their eyes. Find their heart. Listen to their story.

I love Easter. I love the hope it brings through a torturous death. Jesus died a brutal death, and it was not for ministry teams, small groups, great series, or a plethora of other things we (INCLUDING MYSELF) feel are very important, and they are. He died for people, for their lives, for their journey of faith…for what is behind the eyes.

In continuing with my desire for you to hear a different perspective about why people invest in church plants, I have asked Dr. E. Bob Kuschel, Senior Pastor of Westwood Hills Ministries in Gainesville, Florida to chime in. He was a church planter in the past and has seen it evolve into what it is today. Enjoy!

“It was 1975 and I felt a strong calling in my spirit to “start a Church” in Boca Raton. That’s how we referred to a new work back then.

So, after obtaining the proper permission and authority, I headed for that community to “start a church”. I had a Bible, a family, a calling, ……… and $.35.

Things have changed since then! We now call them “Intentional Church Plants”. That terminology brings with it the idea that some thought, planning and prayer have been exercised.

I am so happy about that because it brings with it a sense of community, connection and support.

And support is such a vital life-line to a church plant. Support means that I care about the people in the community where the church is being planted. It means that I am willing to extend myself beyond what I find comfortable. It means that I will be praying for the people and the leadership team of the new church plant. It means that I will make some financial adjustments in my own life so that I can have a part in the harvest.

Baypointe Church in Panama City Beach is an intentional church plant that has a great leadership team that has my complete support.

They need your support. Let’s all help and watch God at work.

In the Bonds of Calvary,”

Dr. E Bob Kuschel

I recently asked some guys I admire why they believe in investing into church planting. Afterwards, I thought that many others would appreciate some of their answers, so for the next few posts I will be inviting guest bloggers to explain why they invest into church plants.

So today, a great friend of mine, Brian Hunter, Lead Pastor of Genesischurch.tv in Tallahassee shares his thoughts on investing in church plants, and specifically Baypointe Church.

“When times get tight, whether because of the economy or some crisis within an organization, leadership has to make some hard decisions.  As a church, the biggest decisions are where to cut and save and then where to invest.  Whenever a church withholds their own giving, resources seemingly get even tighter.  The wise decision is to pick what matters most, spend only what you have in order to function, and then embrace some faith venture that keeps you alive, even when it feels a little dead.  There is nothing more important to an existing church than investing in building another church.  Church planting should always be that faith venture, always because what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you even if you appear to be struggling. When things are tight and stressful, it is easy to forget the investment side of the faith challenge you are in.  When you invest in a new, life-giving church, something new and life-giving happens in your church. I can’t explain it, but it does.  Baypointe Church in Panama City Beach is an incredible opportunity to be part of something new and life-giving.  You have a great pastor and leadership team, tremendous network in ARC and the Church of God Church Planting Office, and a city ready for something big to happen.  So if you need something to invest in, something to be part of that makes your impact wider and broader, something to participate in that will change lives and make an eternal difference, then I challenge you to simply consider making some kind of monthly investment for one year to help launch Baypointe Church, Panama City Beach this Fall! The return on your investment will be immeasurable!”

Brian Hunter

We all have limits. We all have places, that if crossed in our lives bring about the formidable foe to healthy living: frustration. Are you aware how deadly this emotion is? Are you aware of how it affects multiple areas of your life?

Let me let you in on a little secret…as I write this I am frustrated. I mean really frustrated. The “why” behind my frustration is not that really a big deal, very inconsequential to be honest. It is just one of those mornings, but this is what I have learned about my frustration: I can fix what I can fix or I can just throw my hands up and live in the turmoil. Now, many of you will instantly say a few things.

1. “Why would anyone WANT to live in the turmoil?” Because it is easier to just let life be life than it is to work at changing what it takes to smooth life out a little.
2. “Well, there are things I can’t fix, they are out of my control.” This is true in many instances, but here’s what you can control: your perspective. If you can’t control the circumstance, then you can’t control it. This won’t make the issue go away, but by not taking responsibility, you will not add unwarranted stress.

Sometimes, life is just frustrating. Things don’t go as planned, and it you begin to look at life as just something you have to go through. Since you can’t change things, or this is just how you are wired, or circumstances seem insurmountable, you would rather just go through the motions. I know this is true, because I have been there. I still get there. It is in these moments that I have to do a few key things. First, I pray. Yep, sounds cliché and religious, but in the moments when I feel I am spinning and can’t breathe, I simply ask God to give me a moment of clarity. To calm my brain down and let me think. (In case you haven’t figured out or don’t know me well, my brain is one of my greatest strengths and weaknesses at the same time. Sometimes it gets going so fast…overload!) Next, I try to take a quick inventory of the top 2 things that are getting me. Are they controllable or not? Can I do anything right now to deal with either of them? Fix what I can, try to file the other away. Finally, when I can breathe, I see what I can learn from this. Did I fail to plan? Did I overplan? Did I speak without thinking? Did I not say enough? Is this just a season I am in, and I need to recognize and embrace it? Either way, all frustrating moments can teach us something.

Frustration can be a paralyzing force in our lives, or it can be a catalyst to make necessary changes or a shift in perspective. Know your limits, recognize frustration factors, and under no circumstances, make no major decisions while frustrated. Odd are it will be the wrong one.

…and by the way, I am not frustrated anymore.

Grace.

Ben

Someone recently asked me what the hardest part of being a church planter is. It is hard to answer for everyone, but for me this answer was simple and easy. It was not the recruiting of people, starting with nothing, being in a new city, or researching models. For me it came down to one thing that immediately came to my mind: ASKING FOR MONEY!

I am not good at asking for money. It makes me feel weird and I am always afraid of what people think about me when I ask them for money. Now, please understand that I am trying to raise money for Baypointe, not my personal income. I know that God has placed us here, He has opened doors for us, sent people to help, yet when it comes to trusting Him to move on people’s hearts to help us financially, I somehow think it is all on me. In reality, the funds needed to start a healthy church are His and He will find a way to get them to us. Why can’t I trust this? Because it is where the rubber meets the road. It is a massive faith issue, and sometimes that is where life gets the hardest. I hate asking for money!

Why am I afraid to ask for money to help bring Christ to a community, but am not afraid to do anything else for the same cause? Because I, like most, hate rejection. I know the state of the economy, and that many people would love to help, but simply can’t. Then I feel bad for making them feel bad. AHHHHHH! I hate asking for money!

I am a minimum of 10 grand away from getting all the supplies we need to open the doors for our first preview service. Did I mention I have less than a month to get most of that? I know God has a plan to make it happen, but I just wish He would let me in on that little divine secret so I could sleep a little! I will have to do the one thing I hate…yep you guessed it…I will have to ask for money!! I hate asking for money!!!

So yes, some of you reading this will be getting a phone call from me. I have learned that the only way this will happen is for God to move on your and many other’s hearts to make Baypointe a reality. So, I am asking you to pray now. To see if God will use you to change the face of a city. To plant into something you may never see with your own eyes, but will be rewarded for. I am asking you for help.

Okay, I did it. I asked for help. I asked for money.

Yep, I still feel the same way…I HATE ASKING FOR MONEY!

Grace.

Ben

Humbled. Excited. Thrilled. Inspired. Confirmed.

These are the words that come to mind when asked how I felt after the first Launch Team meeting this past Sunday. After months of preparing, massive marketing, and a TON OF PRAYER, Baypointe Church had their first launch team meeting and what a great day it was.

We met new families, and most  of them were excited about being a part of the vision of Baypointe. Some signed up for specific launch teams, and some just said “put me where you need me!” (We need more people like that in the world!) It was a great start, and I can’t wait to get to know them better and serve alongside of them.

Words cannot express how much I appreciate the numerous friends (many of whom are Pastors) that took time out of their busy Sunday to call me, text me, email me, and most importantly pray for me and the team that day. They are so busy on Sundays, yet took time to contact me. One of the most unique was a phone call I received around 9:30 from Brian Hunter (Genesischurch.tv) and the entire early service congregation. Yes, he called me from stage, on speaker phone and had the whole church yell and scream for us. Another great thing that happened was that I had 2 texts messages on my phone from Rocky McKinley (Destiny Community Church) and Dr. E. Bob Kuschel (Westwood Hills Ministries) saying they were praying for me before I was even awake!! Another was Marty Martin (Northstar Church) who gathered his teaching team together before their service and prayed for us. This is a church that is in the same city as us, yet is Kingdom Minded enough to truly want to see us explode. Then after service, the number of calls and emails kept coming, and I can’t say how much I appreciate you all.

It was a great start, but we still have a lot of work left to do. Changing our community is going to take prayer, and work, and neither of these will we be afraid to commit to. We also still have funds to raise, and would love to have you partner with us. I will be posting a Baypointe Wish List within a few days, and if you would like to help us purchase any of these items, please email me at ben@baypoinechurch.tv, and I will process it.

Baypointe has started. There is no looking back, and to be honest, I don’t want to!

Grace.

Ben