what was “Faithful to the Mission?”
Faithful to the Mission was our campaign to raise the funds needed to complete the departure process from the United Methodist Church.
Our goal was to raise $800,000 for our fair share exit fee from the UMC.
“I am so grateful and excited for the heartfelt commitment you have for the mission and vision that we share together and am super encouraged for how this church has come together to affirm our commitment to Jesus and the importance of God’s Word!”
- Jerry Sweat, Lead Pastor
We met and surpassed our goal!
OUR NEW MINISTRY PARTNER: FOUNDRY NETWORK
We’re excited about our new partnership with the Foundry Network! You can go to www.thefoundrynetwork.org to find out more about the Foundry and the churches that are involved in the network. You can also read an article that is very helpful in answering questions about the Foundry Network at https://peopleneedjesus.net/2022/10/17/the-foundry-network-an-interview-with-shane-bishop/ .
common questions
I hear we are now a non-denominational, independent church. What is a non-denominational church and how will this impact Beach Church going forward?
A non-denominational church is a Christian church that is not affiliated with a specific denomination. Non-denominational churches are independent and not under the oversight of a larger outside organization. Beach is a staff led and lay governed church, which means that Beach is led by our staff in the day-to-day ministries of the church and governed by the oversight of our leadership board. If ever we need or desire outside accountability or wisdom, the Foundry Network offers any support at the request of the local church.
If we are an independent church, what is the reasoning behind joining a network?
Joining The Foundry Network has great benefits for the leaders of our church! By joining the network, we join a larger body of like-minded churches where we can be the beneficiaries and contributors of best practices that serve to advance our mission and the larger work of God’s Kingdom!
I understand Beach is now a part of The Foundry Network. What is the Foundry Network and how can I find out more about it?
You can go to www.thefoundrynetwork.org to find out more about the Foundry and the churches that are involved in the network. You can also read an article that is very helpful in answering questions about the Foundry Network at https://peopleneedjesus.net/2022/10/17/the-foundry-network-an-interview-with-shane-bishop/ .
How many churches are in the Foundry Network?
There are currently 20 churches in the Foundry Network.
Within our denomination, we had to pay apportionments to support UMC agencies and other endeavors. Will we have similar apportionments, or any membership fee associated with The Foundry Network?
There are no membership fees and no apportionment payments associated with The Foundry Network. The only costs will be expenses for two gatherings a year for the churches and their key leaders.
Pastor Jerry referred to our mission, vision, values, and core beliefs as a church. Where can I find them?
You can find our Mission, Vision, and Values here. beachchurchjax.com/what-we-believe .
How will Beach be impacted by no longer being connected to a mainline denomination?
Why did we ordain our Senior Ministry team?
Within a denomination, there is a set process whereby candidates who have proven calling, character, competency for leadership in the church are affirmed by denominational leaders. In non-denominational churches, candidates who have proven calling, character, and competency for leadership of that local church are affirmed by ordination through the local church’s leadership.
We had to pay an exit fee and were required to have a 2/3 vote of our all-in partners when we left the denomination. If we chose in the future to leave the Foundry Network, are their any exit fees or votes required?
There are not any fees or votes required to leave the Foundry Network.