GOAL #4 Better Team Collaboration

While we have yet to formally formulate a set of objectives for this goal, we are always striving to become a better team. Here’s what we did together over the past 12 months: • Recognized employee tenure with a special ceremony • Competed in teams during a step challenge to promote wellness • Read and discussed a leadership development book together • Trained as a team by the Red Cross in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens • Continued to offer Active Shooter training • Launched new systems and developed new processes

Report From the Executive Council

The Executive Council serves the church by setting policy in the management of both the church’s corporate and financial affairs. During the Fiscal Year 2018-2019, the Council was fully staffed with six (elected) voting members with staggered terms. The Senior Pastor serves as the Moderator of the Council. In addition by virtue of their positions, we were blessed with the presence and participation of the Chairperson of the Diaconate, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Secretary of the Council. A few of the significant activities conducted by the Council during this fiscal year include:

• Provided oversight for the church’s annual audit with Keiter Certified Public Accounts

• Coordinating the highest and best outcome for

Marshall Street properties

• Reviewed and recommended the annual budget plan to the congregation

• Reviewed and received monthly reports on Capital

Improvements, Human Resources, Financial

Services

• Reviewed and received monthly reports from the Internal Audit and Compensation Review

Committees

• Recommended Bylaw changes to the congregation

• Appointed initial board members for Barnabas

Counseling Center

• Celebrated the service of departing Council member: Deacon Eugene Washington

• Welcomed new Council member: Curtis Jennings

• Participated in Life Stages Dinner and Discussion events with Pastor Watson

• Attended Leader Advance conferences

• Planned alignment gatherings with church affiliates

• Held regular Diaconate and Executive Committee Meetings • Attended Executive Council Meetings • Assistance and participation in Baptism Services • Participation in the Right-hand of Fellowship • Attendance at The National Baptist Deacons Convention of America and Its Auxiliaries, Inc. [NBDC] (2018 Annual and Mid-Term Sessions) • Attendance at Holy Communion Night at National Baptist

Deacons Convention of America and Its Auxiliaries, Inc. [NBDC] (2018 Annual Session) • Attendance at Virginia State Baptist Deacons Convention (2018 Annual and Fall Sessions) • Gift for First Lady Day (Sept 2018) • Gift for Pastor’s Anniversary (Oct 2018) • Participated in Light Up the Night, including

Trunk or Treat in (Oct 2018) • Christmas Outreach (No Child without A Toy) • Support Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry and Seniors Ministry • Gift for Church Anniversary (Nov 2018) • Purchased Large Paver • Received two Diaconate resignations • Interviewed and recommended two candidates to Executive Council • Attendance at Fourth Thursday Celebrations • Attendance at Fire on Friday’s Services • Participated in Sneakers Collection • Participated in RVA Community

Thanksgiving Distribution • Participated in Pack and Delivery of

Senior Thanksgiving boxes • Participated in Life Stage Program • Attendance at the Ministers Ordination • Attendance at the Initial Sermons • 729 Communion Assignments • 137 Bereavement Contacts (Deacons attendance in Homegoing services) • 672 Benevolence Contacts (Visitation assistance given to sick and shut in members) • 2,893 Cards mailed • 689 Telephone calls made • 97 Sunshine Loving Gift Bags [SLGB] • 1,423 Acts of Kindness (Gifts of Kindness – meals monetary donations, transportation)

34

Report From the Diaconate

“...and the Diaconate serves the Church through counsel prayer and, if required Church discipline.”

BecomeBetter

Our Dream

• A dream of touching the world with love • A dream of communicating the positive power of Christ to our generation • A dream of finding needs and meeting them, finding problems and solving them, finding hurts and healing them • A dream of welcoming 20,000 members into the fellowship of our church family—loving, learning, laughing, and living in harmony together. • A dream of 20,000 members who have committed themselves to having a daily prayer time with

God, giving a weekly tithe to God and participating in a weekly small group that they might grow deeper in discipleship and warmer in fellowship. • A dream of 20,000 people united in prayer, believing God for amazing things • A dream of multiplying groups,ministries and locations • A dream of 2,000 small groups within our church providing support,encouragement and accountability to our members as they seek to grow in the image of Christ. • A dream of group leaders who lovingly lead, encourage, teach and care for those in their group; group champions equipped with the vision, character, knowledge and expertise to feed our growing flock. • A dream of equipping every believer to discover, develop and deploy the gifts God gave them. • A dream of enrolling 2,000 adults, children and youth in the Bridge. • A dream of a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated, and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance, and encouragement. • A dream of a world class children’s center with an excellent staff serving hundreds of children in our community and raising a standard for ministry to children • A dream of 300 plus acres of land upon which we will construct “The City of Possibility” with beautiful, yet simple, facilities including a worship center seating thousands, a counseling, educational and fitness center, homes, businesses and retail space. All of this will be designed to effectively minister to the total person spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially-and set in a peaceful, inspiring, contemporary landscape.

Our 2020 Prayers

We Believe God…

As we reflect on all God accomplished through us, we look to 2020 with greater excitement. The Word of God teaches us that our God is a progressive God and subsequently, God has given the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church a progressive vision for 2020 and beyond. Support this vision and watch God bring it to fruition by sharing this prayer focus daily.

Colossians 2:6-7 (MSG) My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Ephesians 4:14-16 (MSG) God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love - like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love. Galatians 4:1-2 (NIV) Let me show you the implications of this. As long as the heir is a minor, he has no advantage over the slave. Though legally he owns the entire inheritance, he is subject to tutors and administrators until whatever date the father has set for emancipation.

Pray for Central Virginia

 Pray that through this ministry, like Nehemiah in the scriptures, God will rebuild and restore the areas that have been torn down, neglected or choked out.  Pray that through the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church that God will take this region to the next dimension.  Pray that the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church will accomplish these things through purposeful evangelism, intentional discipleship, powerful worship, creative and innovative ministry and authentic fellowship with one another.

Pray for Our Vision

 Pray that God would move us mightily beyond the Pareto Principle (20% of the people doing 80% of the work) and that we would have significantly greater participation in the ministry (2 Corinthians 4:1).  Pray that 100% of SPBC members complete the DNA New Member’s Orientation and start or join a small group (2 Corinthians 5:15).  Pray that we show our love and obedience to Christ and secure our blessed financial future by having 100% of SPBC members consistently giving tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:6-12).  Pray that 100% of SPBC members participate by inviting and winning one person to Christ in 2019 (Proverbs 11:30).

Pray for Our Senior Pastor and First Lady

 Pray that God grant to them favor (Nehemiah 2:5, Esther 2:15, Psalms 5:12).  Pray that God increase them in godly wisdom (Proverbs 2:6; 4:11; 8:11, 14).  Pray at God’s wisdom will bring them health and strength (Proverbs 12:18).

Pray for the Leadership of our Church

 Pray that our Campus Pastors and leaders would possess and manifest the same “DNA” of Pastor

Watson as he follows God.  Pray for humility and unity among our leaders.  Pray for all hindrances to our prayers and progress to be dispelled like Achan in the Old Testament (Joshua 7).

Pray for the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church

 Pray that God’s glory would continuously fill and flood all of our locations and lives.  Pray that we are well equipped to receive and reproduce the harvest God entrusts to us.  Pray for God’s favor on those who faithfully attend, support, serve and honor God.

Pray for our Community and Nation

 Pray that whatever God blesses the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church to accomplish in the Commonwealth of Virginia will impact the nation.  Pray that Saint Paul’s revolutionizes how church is done.  Pray that those in authority seek Godly counsel.

Pray for Greater Faith

Those that come to Him must first believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).  Pray that we are empowered to live lives conducive for God to hear and answer our prayers.  Pray that our faith is always combined with works.  Pray that our faith increases as we trust God in every area of our lives.

2020 is a year of opportunity for SPBC and its members. Prayer is the foundation we build on it is the glue that holds it and us together and it is the weapon we use to keep the adversary at bay. Pray as we become better before bigger.

Take Your Next Step…As a Disciple

Every believer is commanded to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible. That’s not a surprise! The Bible is the Word of Life! However, our pursuit of biblical understanding isn’t for our benefit alone. Our knowledge of the Bible should both inform our own way of living as well as help others follow Christ more completely. Consider 2 Timothy 2:2. Paul tells his young apprentice Timothy, ‘’You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” Paul commands Timothy to become an influential disciple: someone who not only is growing in the Word, but someone who is encouraging others to become more passionate Christ followers as well. That’s why we’re encouraging you this year to take your next step in discipleship. Maybe you’re a new Christ follower and you haven’t been baptized yet. Take the step of being baptized. Maybe you only come to church occasionally. Take the biblical step of committing to attend church regularly. (Hebrews 10:25) Attending 24 times a year? Why not reach for 36? Maybe you’re even ready to push for 50 times a year! But don’t come alone. Use your influence and bring your entire family with you. Get involved in a group and join with others who are committed to studying the Bible together. Prayerfully ask God which steps are the right fit for you and become a more influential disciple during 2020. Here’s a checklist, where are you?

Visit Church regularly Begin to Pray Daily Join the Church Attend the DNA Seminar Begin Scripture Reading Get Baptized Begin to Worship Regularly Share My Faith with Others Invite Others to Worship Disciple My Kids Begin to Serve in the church Decide to Give Share in a Life Stage Event

Join a Small Group Apprentice in a Group Lead a Group Mentor Group Members Mentor Group Leaders

Serving others is one of the surest ways to become a healthy Christ follower. It’s also one of the best ways to fully embrace the mission of Saint Paul’s. When you serve other people you are tangibly connecting them to God and others.

What if you took a first step into the world of serving as a Greeter or an Usher at one of our campuses? Make a commitment to extend a friendly handshake each week. With each greeting you’ll help someone feel a part of the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church family. Maybe ImagiNATION is the place for you. When you hold a baby or care for that daring three-year-old in our nursery, you are allowing a mom or dad to be discipled while also showing God’s love to a child. Like coffee? Why not volunteer with our Culinary Team at one of our campuses? As you assist others with something as simple as a cup of coffee, you are extending biblical hospitality to someone who may be quite lonely. Serving isn’t just a way to meet a momentary need. It’s also a critical way to influence others. The Bible tells us we should “…think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 (NLT) Imagine what your participation in an outreach project could mean to a co-worker who is wondering if having faith makes a difference in the world. That’s influence!

Maybe you’ve got a passion for worship. Why not volunteer in our Worship and Creative Arts ministry? Maybe you’re burdened by the needs of those right here in Central Virginia. Take a look at what opportunities are available by serving short term. Here’s a list of just a few things we did in 2019 imagine what’s going to happen in 2020!

Collect Socks & Hats for Homeless Host a Black History Month Celebration Art Empowerment & Health Expo Sponsor Voter Registration Training Conduct Operation Bail Out (Post Bail for Mom’s and Dad’s) Host Alice Walker with the Center for Womanist Leadership at Union Theological Seminary Start SPBC Library Book Collection Sponsor Junerosity (month of generosity) Provide Haircuts for the Homeless Sponsor “Daddy’s Boy” to promote prostate health Perform home repairs for our seniors Sponsor Maximize Your Health Week Support CARITAS at the Healing Place Provide school supplies to a school in Ghana Partner with FEEDMORE to distribute food to the community Conduct a Citywide Day of Community Service Sponsor the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Domestic Violence Symposium & Walk Provide Disaster Relief during Hurricane Florence & Michael Celebrate our Veterans Distribute over 2,000 Complete Thanksgiving Meals for Families in need Distribute thousands of toys at Christmas

Paul wrote a letter to Timothy who led a diverse congregation that included some who had been blessed with good jobs and incomes. Paul tells Timothy to challenge “... them to do what is good, to be rich in good works to be generous, to share.” - 1 Timothy 6:18 Paul knew giving changes us. It changes our priorities. It’s a way we declare that the kingdom of God is more important than ourselves. (Matthew 6:33) Giving changes our attitude. Want more joy in your life? Invest in others. You’ll be blessed. Not sure? This Sunday visit ImagiNATION on any one of our campuses while it’s teeming with kids learning to worship or visit our website and watch a video about what God has done through this church family in 2019 because of your generosity. Then try not to smile! God loves a cheerful giver! Giving adds breadth to our influence for Christ, whether we’re investing in physical needs by giving to outreach projects or spiritual needs by purchasing discipleship materials, giving-allows us to bless others in ways that have long-term impact. So take a step in your giving today. If you’ve never given to your church before, making a first-time gift is an obvious place to start. Say you give occasionally? Then set a goal to give consistently. Ready for another step? The Bible talks frequently about the giving of your first fruits. That’s “farmer-speak” for giving the first dollars from each payday. Think of the impact you could have if you started giving electronically each payday! How about setting a goal to give 10% of your income by the end of 2019? lmagine the influence on your own family as they watch you rearrange your priorities to make tithing a reality in your home. Maybe you’ve experienced a financial windfall. It could be a modest amount like a favorable tax refund or a large amount like an inheritance. Think of the influence those resources might have both here in Central Virginia and around the world. That’s what GROWTH looks like. That’s how we become BETTER: take your next step. What’s your next step? Where are you?  First Time Giver (Give for the first time)  Occasional Giver (Give more than once)  Consistent Giver (Give on a consistent basis)  Percentage Giver (Give 10% of your Income: net or gross)  Generous Giver (Give offerings beyond 10% of your income)  Extravagant Giver (Give sacrificially)  Estate Giver (Include the church in your will)

By Fiscal Year End 2018

Year Members Campuses Celebrations Budget

2017 11,6213 3 4 7.7 2018 11,052 3 4 7.2 2019 10,711 3 4 7.7

*Our By-Laws require that we move to “inactive” status all persons who have no record of giving for a fiscal year—the membership number reflects our compliance with that policy effective FY2018.

About Us

We are not about tradition, but we are about truth. No authority, other than God, guides the means, faith or order of our church.

We are committed to God’s Holy Word. (2 Timothy 3:16, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:12)

We are not about religion, but we are about a relationship with God. What we seek most is not to know about God, but to know God, and to grow into a deeper, more intimate and more committed relationship with Him. (James 1:27, I Peter 2:2 Ephesians 4:15)

We are not about the past, but we are about the present and the future. We seek to be an impactful and relevant ministry that ministers to your real life issues. We seek a practical and powerful word from God for our present problems, and we seek to be a ministry that equips all to walk boldly into the future and into the destiny that God has for them. (Ephesians 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 1:17, Romans 8:28-30)

We are not about what you wear, but what you want.

We seek to worship God in spirit and in truth. This means that worship is not determined by the clothes on your back, but by the desire in your heart. Wear whatever you like. There is no code of dress, just a code of desire. We desire to worship God from the depths of our hearts and with the essence of our whole life. (Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 5:7 and 29:2, John 4:23-24)

We are not about being perfect, but we are about being real. In this place, among this people, you do not have to pretend. You don’t have to put on airs and have it all together. We welcome everyone. We are all broken and incomplete. We seek to be made whole, complete and transformed through the worship, fellowship and discipleship of Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:23, 5:12, 15:7, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

We are not about being average; we are committed to a spirit of excellence. Our God is perfect in all His ways. Nothing He has done or created has been haphazard or commonplace. Therefore, because we are His workmanship, we were created to bring God glory. We commit to do everything with a spirit of excellence. This is the only acceptable way to truly honor the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! (2 Corinthians 13:11, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 4:8)

We are finding needs and meeting them, finding problems and solving them, finding hurts and healing them; touching the world with love and communicating the positive power of Christ to our generation!

Our Promise

God is able to do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)

Our Vision

(Where We Are Going) We are touching the world with love by communicating the positive power of Jesus Christ to our generation; finding needs and meeting them, finding hurts and healing them, finding problems and solving them.

Our Mission

(Why We Exist) We exist to empower people to grow into the persons that God created them to be.

Our Strategies

(How We Achieve Our Mission) We believe that God has called us to a unique ministry approach: to celebrate in worship, connect with each other in groups, cultivate their spiritual development through study, care for each other and the world and contribute our money and minutes to the kingdom of God in the name of Christ. Saint Paul’s is ONE church in many locations, empowering us to do together what we cannot do alone.

Our Multi-Site Approach

A multi-campus ministry is fundamentally one church meeting in multiple locations sharing a common vision, budget and leadership team. The purpose is to bring the church closer to where the people are, do a better job of reaching different types of people, and make it possible for people to serve because the church is near where they live.

Dr. Lance D. Watson, Senior Pastor

Belt Campus (BLT): 700 E. Belt Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 • 804.232.5696 Creighton Campus (CRE): 4247 Creighton Rd., Henrico, VA 23223 • 804.643.4000 Elm Campus (ELM): 29 Elm St., Petersburg, VA 23803 • 804.732.1200 www.MySPBC.org • 804.643.4000