The Miami Pursuit

New "Team Pursuit" Partners: Rick and Janalyn Ferguson

Blogger: Matt

Tomorrow is exactly TWO MONTHS FROM LAUNCH SUNDAY! That being said, there are a billion things to do and I have fallen behind on many things.

One of those is updating the Team Pursuit list. This team is very important to us because it consists of our financial and prayer partners and the groups coming to serve on mission trips. Without them The Pursuit Christian Church would not be possible.

The Ferguson's (Rick and Janalyn Ferguson and their kids: Elizabeth, Ben, Sarah and Noah) are like family to Janie and me. One of my biggest regrets while at Traders Point Christian Church for the past 10 years is I didn't get to know Rick until my last few years. He is like a brother to me and I miss him. The Ferguson's joined Team Pursuit a couple months ago and it's great to have them on board.

We still need more churches, small groups, families and individuals who will join Team Pursuit. Click here to see how you can join Team Pursuit.

Do you know Bob and Linda Smith?

Blogger: Matt

I just got off the phone with Bob Smith. He and Linda are thick into moving details. What moving company should they use? When do they leave for Miami? What stuff do they take and what stuff do they leave behind?

I hate the moving process. Can't imagine how hard it must be to completely relocate after being somewhere for 32 years! Unlike their last name, there is nothing ordinary about this couple. There are not many people I know who look more like Jesus than Bob and Linda. I can't wait to see them unleashed in an area not used to seeing people who are so compassionate, generous, patient and externally focused. Needless to say, they will stick out, which I think is Biblical (something in Matthew about being salt and light).

Just like all of the staff at The Pursuit Christian Church, Bob and Linda are in the midst of raising financial support. It takes generous people for churches to be started.

My request is this ... if you know Bob and Linda Smith and your life has been touched by God through them, take it upon yourself to partner with them financially as they take a major risk in sharing Christ with the 2nd most unchurched area in the U.S.

There are two ways to give:

1. Online at The Miami Pursuit website - Click here and you can setup either a special gift or a systematic gift. Your gift will come directly out of your bank account or you can use your Visa or Mastercard.

2. Through the mail - You can send your gift to:

The Pursuit Christian Church
18520 NW 67th Ave #198
Miami, FL 33015
(Please make all checks out to: The Pursuit Christian Church)

Please specify on the check in the memo line, it is for Bob & Linda.

Note: All contributions are 100% tax deductible.

Join the Team! pt. 3 of 3

#3 Financial Partnership

In starting new churches, money is needed for many things such as space rental, church staff, website, marketing, equipment, etc.  The average church plant needs a 3 year budget between $150,000-$200,000.  Since everything in Miami is more expensive and The Miami Pursuit is planting three churches in the first five years our goal is much higher.  Florida Church Planters has already teamed up with generous churches and individuals in the state who believe in this God-sized dream.  As a result,the financial goal is in reach...but we're not there yet!

Now it's our turn!

We need many generous people who will join Team Pursuit as Financial Partners.  We are seeking three year commitments which can be given either monthly or annually.  One time gifts are also greatly appreciated.  This is obviously above and beyond what you've committed to the church body you are a member of. 

Interested in joining Team Pursuit as a Financial Partner?  Email me at mattmehaffey@mac.com and we can schedule a time I can answer your questions and get some more info in your hands.   

Join the Team! pt. 2 of 3

#2 Prayer Partnership

I cannot over emphasize the importance prayer has been in my life.  I have no doubt the God-sized dream He has revealed (and is continuing to reveal) to us is a result of the prayers of godly men and women.  Spiritual warfare is real and Miami is currently a city Satan has a strong grip on.  The Bible teaches one way we can join in the battle is through the weapon of prayer.  Let me be clear...The Miami Pursuit will not succeed without the continued prayer support of God's people.

Once you decide to partner with us in this way, we will communicate with you on a regular basis so you will know the specific areas we need prayer for.  We welcome individuals, families, small groups, and churches who will be Prayer Partners in Team Pursuit. 

Join the Team! pt. 1 of 3

You may have noticed on the left column of this site the section called "Team Pursuit." As churches, families, and individuals join the team, we will add them to the list.  Over the next three days I am going to blog about the three specific areas you can join The Miami Pursuit team.  You can join the team by being involved in one, two, or all three options.

#1.  Mission Trip Volunteers

I feel especially Spirit-led today to blog about the need for volunteers to come down to Miami in the months leading up to Launch Sunday next January.  OK, maybe it's not the Spirit and it's the fact that Janie and I have been literally snowed in for the past two days and the city of Indianapolis has frozen over.  Did I mention that the current temperature in Miami is 81 and sunny?  =)

As new churches get closer to launch there is much work to be done.  Prayer walks through neighborhoods, preparing and handing out promotional pieces, set up of worship facility, service projects, workers to staff the children's area, smiling faces to greet guests, etc.  There will be something for everyone to do.   

As the date gets closer and we know which weekends groups are needed, teams will be called and organized. 

Stay tuned for the other two ways you can join Team Pursuit!