Parkside Baptist Church Prospectus by FBCDurham

PROSPECTUS

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Parkside Baptist Church is a church plant of First Baptist Church of Durham launching in the fall of 2024 in the Research Triangle Park region.

...Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 PAGE 2

TABLE OF

CONTENTS ABOUT RTP

SPIRITUAL NEED IN RTP

MISSION & VISION

WHO WE ARE

WHAT WE DO & HOW WE REACH

WHAT WE BELIEVE

HOW WE PARTNER

WHY RTP - THE STORY

PROJECTED TIMELINE

NEXT STEPS: PRAY, GIVE, GO

GO WITH PARKSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH

Boxyard RTP, a unique retail and restaurant destination in RTP.

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ABOUT RTP ABOUT RTP The Research Triangle Park (RTP) region of North Carolina has been the focus of much development since its founding in 1959. Located at the center of the triangle region – so named because of the three universities of NC State, Duke, and UNC situated in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, respectively – RTP is the largest research park in the United States. The early presence of large, multinational companies eager to take advantage of RTP’s strategic location cemented its position as a hub for innovation and sparked worldwide interest. The magnetism of scholastic, economic, and innovative opportunity has been fuel for meteoric population growth in the triangle region for decades, a trend that continues upward as new AI research firms, biotechnology companies, and life sciences laboratories usher in fresh waves of growth.

An artistic rendering of HUB RTP, a new “live, play, work” center coming to RTP.

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STRATEGIC LOCATION Situated at the center of the triangle region’s growth, RTP is only a few minutes’ drive to much of the new residential and commercial development in the area.

Target Area 10-Minute Driving Range 15-Minute Driving Range

A GROWING REGION Population growth around the triangle has historically been directed toward Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary, all of which are outside the formal boundaries of Research Triangle Park. It was common to have a home in one of these areas and commute to RTP for work. Over the last 25 years, the expansion of major highways and surging housing demand have driven commercial and residential development into previously underdeveloped regions closer to the center of the triangle, including the Northwest Cary, Morrisville, South Durham, and East Durham regions – all adjacent to RTP. Whereas RTP was previously seen as a commuter work destination, the shifting landscape is challenging that identity – a shift willingly embraced as RTP pushes to become a “live, play, work” center in its own right. These regions may have historically been overshadowed by their larger siblings, Raleigh and Durham, but they are now stepping up into the promise of their own, bright future.

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SPIRITUAL NEED IN RTP DARKNESS AND BLINDNESS The people moving to RTP are doing so in hope of a better tomorrow. They want to live a life of blessing, find happiness, and take part in something bigger than themselves. These desires demonstrate that eternity is written on each of their hearts (Eccl. 3:11), and yet, because of their sin, most “[have] no hope and [are] without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). The success they seek can neither ultimately satisfy, nor can it solve their greatest problem: the reality that they are dead in their trespasses and sins, are deserving of the wrath of God, and are blinded in unbelief (Eph. 2:1-3). In the RTP region, spiritual blindness takes many forms. Tens of thousands of international immigrants are ensnared in false religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Others claim no religion and are seeking fulfillment in materialism and amusement. The need for each one is the same: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only through repentance and faith in him can they be reconciled to God, live for his glory, and be satisfied for all eternity.

A new park being constructed at HUB RTP

A PROVIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITY In Acts 17:26-27, Paul writes, “And [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.” If God is sovereign over the movement of people, and if his central work in the world is the salvation of sinners, we should not ascribe the RTP area’s growth to mere economics. The Lord is bringing people to this region for a reason. The great commission’s call is to make disciples of all nations, and disciple-making happens best in the context of healthy, gospel-preaching churches. The reality is there are not enough such churches in the RTP area to keep up with the population growth and the unique needs of a diverse community. God is moving people to this region, and gospel witness is lacking among them. It’s our desire to plant a healthy church filled with disciple-making disciples who will reach the Research Triangle Park region with the hope of Christ. PAGE 6

A DIVERSE POPULATION Data based on 2020 US Census Report & Categories

310,000+ Area Population

Total RTP

68,000 Asian

$75-80k Median Household Income

49,000 Black

28,000 Hispanic

165,000 White

4th Fastest Growing Metro in the United States, 2022

Kitts Creek, a housing development near RTP

+24%300,000+

Housing Growth, 2010-2020

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MISSION & VISION MISSION STATEMENT We exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ who obey the great commandments and fulfill the great commission. Glorify God by Making Disciples...

After his resurrection and before his ascension, Jesus gave these lasting instructions to the church: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). God has chosen to glorify himself by saving a people for himself through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the engine of the gospel’s spread is disciple-making. Our aim, therefore, is not merely to make converts, but maturing and multiplying followers of Jesus marked by increasing affection for God and increasing observance of Christ’s commands.

…Who Obey the Great Commandments…

When Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment, he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). These commandments are our lanes for growth on the road to maturity as disciples.

…And Fulfill the Great Commission.

In Matthew 24:14, Jesus notes that, “…this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” The greatest expression of love toward those outside of Christ is the proclamation of the gospel, and it’s our desire to make and equip disciples who are committed to this effort in their neighborhoods and among the nations in obedience to the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

GREAT COMMANDMENTS. GREAT COMMISSION. PAGE 8

Our vision is to plant a healthy church filled with disciple-making disciples who will reach the Research Triangle Park region with the hope of Christ for God’s glory. This vision will be rooted in our values and facilitated by our rhythms. [Who We Are]

[What We Do]

WHO WE ARE Biblical. The Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible word, breathed out by him through

human authors. Maximally glorifying God requires humble submission to Scripture, so our desire is to root everything in the Bible as our supreme authority. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

Expositional. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to save sinners, sanctify saints, and increase our fruitfulness in service to Christ. Sermons, therefore, will be expositional in nature, seeking to expose the truth of God’s Word through exhortation and encouragement. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; Psalm 19:11)

Baptist. In the great commission, Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize those who

profess faith in him, instituting the ordinance of baptism as the mark of entrance into the body of Christ. Baptism, modeled by the Lord Jesus, underscores the importance of regenerate church membership, with baptism by immersion picturing our unity with Christ and the power of the gospel. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:44, 47; Acts 5:12; Matthew 3:14-15; Acts 2:37-38)

Reformed. The reformation refers to a period in church history marked by a commitment to examining and submitting to the Scriptures in all areas of faith and practice. Our church desires to follow this rich tradition of Bible-centric theology, including a commitment to a high view of God’s sovereignty in salvation and the doctrines of grace. (Ephesians 1:3-14, 2:1-12; Romans 9:6-29; John 6:44; Romans 8:31-39)

Missional. Jesus has entrusted the worldwide spread of the gospel to every church and every disciple. We are committed to obeying that command to take the gospel to our neighbors and to the nations through praying, giving, and going as the Lord leads through local outreach, service to our community, and cross-cultural missions. (Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8)

Continued... PAGE 9

WHO WE ARE Continued Elder-Led. While Christ is the ultimate head of the church, the scriptural pattern for

local church leadership is a plurality of elders (also called pastors and overseers), qualified men who are confirmed by the church and set apart for commitment to prayer, shepherding, preaching the word, and the overall direction of the church. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; Acts 6:4)

Deacon-Served. Deacons are scripturally-qualified leading servants in a church, confirmed by the body and deputized by the elders to meet practical needs. (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Congregationally-Governed. Each local church is an autonomous expression of the universal church, governed by the congregation under the direct headship of Christ and the leadership of the elders. The congregation affirms leadership, approves the expenditure of church resources, is actively involved in the life of the church, and is the final authority on matters of membership and church discipline. (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13)

Complementarian. We believe God equips both men and women with spiritual gifts to participate in church life and the great commission, and further trust his perfect design for the health of every local church. God has ordained that the office of elder/pastor/ overseer be open only to qualified men and has further enjoined the teaching of mixed settings to men. We look forward to joyfully equipping and encouraging both men and women to flourish in all the ways God has called them in alignment with His word. (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)

Kingdom-Minded. Heaven will be filled with people from every tribe, tongue,

people, and nation giving praise to God for eternity. The Research Triangle Park area is very diverse, and our hope is that our church will reflect this heavenly future by displaying and declaring the love of Christ to all peoples. We further pray God would be pleased to use us to establish other likeminded, international churches in the area with whom we can partner to cross linguistic and cultural barriers and display kingdom unity. (Revelation 5:9-10, 7:9-10)

Relationally Intentional. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted as sons and daughters of God and brought into a family. The church is not only God’s plan for kingdom advance, but is also his gift to us as we make progress in the Christian life. All church members should know and be known, and meaningful membership means everyone is playing an active role in the church’s health and mission. (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 12:25-27; Romans 12:1-21)

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WHAT WE DO Rhythms are critical to making great commandment and great commission disciples. Our priorities inform our patterns, but our patterns also help shape our priorities. To help disciples love God, love neighbors, and share the gospel, we will emphasize gathering, growing, giving, and going as healthy patterns for every follower of Jesus.

Gather for worship & fellowship. Corporate Worship Prayer Meetings Community Groups

Grow in biblical knowledge and maturity. Equip Classes (Sunday School) Midweek Studies Discipleship Groups

Give in support of the church and its mission. Time Energy Money

Go to our neighbors and the nations with the gospel. Local Outreach Global Missions

HOW WE REACH Connect for relationship. Engage with the gospel. Disciple to maturity. Send on mission. Grace Park Apartments, Morrisville, NC PAGE 11

WHAT WE BELIEVE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 2000 We have adopted the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (BF&M 2000) as our statement of faith . We believe it faithfully summarizes the gospel and addresses the critical matters of doctrine necessary to covenant with Parkside Baptist Church. While we believe more than what the BF&M 2000 contains, our desire is that new believers and mature believers alike can find unity while committing to mature together in all Scripture teaches.

Visit bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000 to read the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS & AFFIRMATIONS Our church also subscribes to the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, the 2017 Nashville Statement on Biblical Sexuality, and the 1987 Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Visit tinyurl.com/ChicagoStmnt to read the Chicago Statement. Visit cbmw.org/nashville-statement to read the Nashville Statement. Visit cbmw.org/about/danvers-statement to read the Danvers Statement.

HOW WE PARTNER ON MISSION TOGETHER The tasks of church planting and world mission are too great for any one church. Parkside Baptist Church plans to voluntarily cooperate with other Baptist churches at the local, state, and national level to accomplish the great commission. Below are a few of our partners in mission:

The Pillar Network thepillarnetwork.com The North Carolina Baptist State Convention ncbaptist.org The North American Mission Board/SEND Network namb.net The Southern Baptist Convention sbc.net PAGE 12

WHY RTP - THE STORY BY CHASE JENKINS In the fall of 2020 I was driving on Highway 54, one of the major thoroughfares connecting Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, and Durham that passes through Research Triangle Park. As I drove, I was shocked by the sight of a large tract of land that had been completely cleared and encircled by a construction fence. Apart from several large company campuses nearby, there wasn’t much other development; the vast swath of orange North Carolina clay starkly contrasted the green, wooded areas that surrounded it. My eyes danced quickly across the advertising signage to discover what this was all about. There was one sign in particular that arrested my attention and captured my imagination. Before I share what the sign said, some context is helpful. A few years ago, FBC Durham had begun a season of emphasis on evangelism, missions, and church planting. It was during this period that the Lord began to work in my and my wife’s hearts regarding our own involvement in church planting, though we wouldn’t have that calling and conviction confirmed for many more months. I’ve been a member of FBC Durham since 2009, having joined as a student at UNC Chapel Hill. By God’s grace I was called into ministry through FBC Durham, developed a passion for missions and outreach there, and then stepped into a staff role in 2016. As my love for shepherding, preaching, and teaching grew, I was humbled to be confirmed as one of the staff elders in September of 2020, just a couple weeks prior to this ride through RTP. FBC is the only healthy church I have been a part of, and I owe most of my spiritual growth to the grace of God through that dear church family and its phenomenal leadership. I say all this to emphasize that I had no desire to leave FBC, and in fact was looking forward to many years of fruitful ministry there. But prayer, exhortation from others, and counsel from the elders of FBC were used by the Lord to plant the seed of church planting—and He caused the desire to grow. This wrestling and FBC’s church planting emphasis are what made the sign I saw so poignant. It read, “Change the World from Here.”

The secular world is investing millions of dollars into the RTP region, building a worldly kingdom. The specific development the sign was advertising was “HUB RTP”, a $1.5 billion center billed as the new downtown of RTP. As I read about the vision for the project, the verbs “live, play, work” were prominent. I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:26, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Ultimately these things can’t satisfy, and they certainly can’t save. Yet, the world had a vision for the region: to “live, play, and work.” Did anyone have a vision to see them worship? My heart for RTP has only grown as I’ve studied the diverse, international population and have contemplated this providential moment as the region grows. The elders at FBC see RTP as strategic for the advance of the gospel, for God’s glory. May God be pleased to truly change the world from here. PAGE 13

PROJECTED TIMELINE Core Team Identification December 2023 - March 2024

During December and early spring, we will continue to hold interest meetings and answer questions about potential core team involvement. We would like for those interested in being a part of the core team to express their willingness to go with Parkside Baptist Church by the end of March 2024.

Core Team Development April - June 2024

The core team will meet to discover, develop, and deploy spiritual gifts, and will further receive training for involvement in the church plant. The core team will also begin to craft a culture that we hope to see continue in the church plant through prayer together, participating in outreach and canvassing opportunities, and fellowship aimed at building intentional relationships.

Public Launch Preparation July - August 2024

Development in this phase will focus more heavily on preparing for corporate worship in early September. This will involve identifying specific needs, formalizing ministry team structures, and advertising the church to the surrounding community. We will continue to practice our Connect, Engage, Disciple, Send reaching rhythms together.

Public Launch

Early September 2024 By the grace of God and with His blessing, Parkside Baptist Church will formally begin public worship services on-location.

Where will Parkside Baptist Church gather for worship? We are prayerfully seeking a location in or nearby RTP that will serve as our initial home and hub for ministry (see map on page 5). Ideally we would find a church building to use for worship and midweek gatherings; this would accommodate the needs of our church and would be the most cost-effective. Additional options include renting public school or community center facilities.

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NEXT STEPS: PRAY, GIVE, GO

Pray for Us. God calls us to complete dependence on him in every area of life. The mission of God cannot be carried out apart from the power of God, and prayer is the God-ordained method for declaring our dependence and walking in His power (Acts 1:8, Acts 4:24-31). The only way this church plant will succeed if it’s supported by prayer. As we embark on this journey, we would covet your prayers. Please pray: ...that God would call core team members to commit to Parkside Baptist Church. ...that God would provide a meeting place in the coming months. ...that God would save many for His glory in the RTP region. ...that God would use this church planting journey to conform us all into the image of Christ and increase our faithfulness to him.

Receive our Newsletter. Want to receive updates about the plant’s progress, including ways to pray?

Visit fbcdurham.org/ParksideNewsletter to receive our newsletter.

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A scene from the annual Chinese Lantern Festival in nearby Cary, NC PAGE 15

Give Toward the Mission. The New Testament makes plain that the word of God and the Spirit of God are sufficient for building the kingdom of God. The book of Acts is filled with tremendous demonstrations of God’s power and provision for the advance of the gospel. What’s amazing about this provision, however, is that it always funnels through people. God moves Barnabas to sell his property and lay the resulting sum at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:37). God opens Lydia’s heart to “pay attention to what was said by Paul,” and then in joyful response it’s Lydia that extends hospitality to Paul in his journey through Philippi (Acts 16:14-15). This points to an incredible reality about God’s provision: He not only graciously saves us through faith in Christ, but further lavishes blessings of time, talents, and treasure that He invites us to joyfully give as we participate with him in the advance of Christ’s kingdom. These gifts become a “fragrant offering” of worship, a “sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God,” for which he receives glory, and for which we receive commendation (Philippians 4:14-20; Matthew 25:23).

Based on these truths, and for your joy, we invite you to prayerfully consider giving toward Parkside Baptist Church.

Ways to Give

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Online

By Check

Stock Gifts

Gifts can be made online through our sending church, FBC Durham.

Gifts can be mailed to our sending church, FBC Durham.

Our sending church, FBC Durham, can receive stock gifts on our behalf.

fbcdurham.org/ GiveParkside

Made To: FBC Durham 414 Cleveland St, Durham, NC 27701 Memo: Church Plant

Contact the finance office at finance@fbcdurham.org for more details or call 919-688-7308 ex. 21

Our Funding Strategy Our eventual goal is to see the ministry of Parkside Baptist Church completely supported by the sacrificial giving of its members. The first few years, however, will require investment from partners on mission, including organizations and individuals.

$333,000

2024 $150,000

$165,000

$18k

Church Partners

Core Team & Individuals

SendNC

$353,000

2025 $100,000

$235,000

$18k

Church Partners

Parkside Baptist Members

SendNC

$360,000

2026 $50,000

$310,000

Church Partners

Parkside Baptist Members

Potential Budget A budget is a roadmap for ministry, putting dollars and cents toward the vision of the church. While the elders and membership of Parkside Baptist will set and approve the budget, below is what a three-year budget may look like.

2024

2025

2026

Personnel (at least 2 staff)

233,000.00

240,000.00

248,000.00

Administration

25,000.00

26,000.00

Gathering & Growing

50,000.00

45,000.00

Giving & Going

25,000.00

38,000.00

41,000.00

333,000.00

353,000.00

360,000.00