h1. Redemption City Church - Vision meeting notes - Sun, Nov 9, 2014

Website: "Redemption City Church"://www.redemptioncitychurch.tv

The church held its first service on Sun, Oct 26, 2014. DD attended the second service. I tagged along for the third service. Impressive beginning. 

On Sunday evening, November 9, the church held a meeting to share its vision with the public.

The meeting ran from 6:00 pm to approx 7:15 pm. I think that at least 50 people attended.

The meeting included an explanation of RCC's vision, introduction of the Leadership Team, and a Q&A period. 

--(I typed these notes within the IA Writer app on my iPhone, and then later, I copied the notes here. The Field Notes pocket notebook and Zebra F-301 black pen remained in my shirt pocket. The analog tech, however, is a good backup.)--


h2. Notes

The meeting was held at the RCC's offices, located in Arrowhead Park.

Stat: 80% of new churches fail within five years.

Stat: If attendance for a new church reaches 100 people by the six-week mark, then the chance of that church succeeding increases dramatically.

RCC:

* simplistic service
* excellence without extravagance
* gospel focused
* reference the writings of Paul
* Jesus - humility and surrender 
* 'Life Groups' is a strategy. It's value is community.

RCC will donate 10% of its donations to other churches or orgs.

New churches are 3 to 5 times more effective at reaching new people than evangelism.

RCC's startup cost: $100,000. 

Before publicly launching, RCC spent approximately 10 months planning with a small group.

Currently, Steven Whitlow is the only staff member.

The Leadership Team consists of four others.

Redemption Church will eventually offer communion once a month.

Steven worked at Cedar Creek for eight years. He had no plans to create a less-funded version of Cedar Creek. His goal was to create a different church.

RCC: serve, donate, and collaborate locally.

RCC has formed a partnership with "Western Avenue Ministries,":http://wamteam.org located in South Toledo. On Dec 7, 2014, RCC's Sunday service will be held at Western Avenue Ministries.

Internationally: Some church money will be donated to international organizations, but at the moment, RC has no plans for mission trips.

RCC's startup funding came from individuals. More than 50% came from RCC people, and 40% came from people not affiliated with RC, but they wanted to see the church begin. --(So I think this means that RCC does not owe anyone money.)--

RCC uses space at The Pinnacle. No plans now for RCC  to obtain its own property and building. The Pinnacle is cost effective and spacious enough.

RCC By-laws: Only spend 35% on payroll. RCC will go slow with hiring new staff. 

Before hiring a new person, the church would like to make budget for three consecutive months, minus the payroll that they would use for the new hire.

RC budget breakdown:

* 10% to the city fund for use at orgs within Toledo
* 35% to payroll
* 20% to RCC ministry and operations
* 35% to building expenses

A couple areas where people can help RCC:

* youth programs
* hospitality, which includes setup, tear-down, and greeters

 #religion - #activism - #toledo