Healthy root healthy fruit
Healthy root healthy fruit
rooted
Colossians 2:6-7
A letter from the pastor
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord, faithful savior, and returning King — Jesus, the Messiah! It’s hard to believe that in 2024, we’ll be turning 15 years old as a church. The faithfulness of God cannot be overstated as we reflect on these past several years spent in the city of Nashville. The Apostle Paul writes to the Church, in Colossians 2, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ROOTED and BUILT UP in him and ESTABLISHED in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (vs 6-7). This year’s ministry theme is that of being rooted and built up and established — firm in our faith — so that we may bear enduring fruit, making much of Jesus in middle Tennessee. Like any plant, to grow and produce fruit individually—or as a church collectively, we must develop healthy roots that know how to find healthy nutrients in order to grow healthy fruit. Psalm 1 speaks of this root system that is connected to healthy nutrients; “He (the blessed, righteous follower of God) is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:3). Compare this to what we learn about from Jesus in regard to those who don’t have a healthy root system, “And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And THEY HAVE NO ROOT in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away” (Mark 4:16-17). In order for us to endure what’s coming our way throughout this year, we must be rooted, and our roots must know where to find healthy nutrients. God has much in store for us this year. We have several known opportunities for God to flex and show out in big ways among us this
year. We are facing some significant decisions related to our space in Germantown, our parking situation, and even a potential relocation. These types of challenges can easily distract us and even discourage us — or they can make us stronger and faith filled. A key to enduring well throughout this season of growth as a church and individuals we must make sure we’re rooted and grounded in the love of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are a one-hit band and this is our ONE SONG. This is what we were founded upon and what we must never forget — it’s all about Jesus Christ and Him crucified, risen, abiding, and returning. It’s all about Jesus! Grow small roots to the many things that are helpful, but make sure that your vital taproot is attached deeply to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we’re rooted in anything other than this, our preferences and pride will absolutely- or perhaps even worse, subtly, lead us to sabotage the mission of God among us at The Axis Church. What we do as a church and the way the Spirit of God is able to freely move among us is directly affected by your personal holiness as an individual Christian. I see us expanding our ministry reach, planting churches, and reaching more people with gospel — yet the scope of this reach is in many ways attached to the way that you and I are each individually pursuing Jesus and reflecting His Kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven. What I wholeheartedly believe we are capable of as a church will require each of us to grow deep in our faith, expand our personal generosity, and to serve each other in greater ways. We can do this, and experience the fruit of this, as we’re anchoring deep into the Word — much deeper than our own wants and expectations. With the same childlike faith that you started with, continue walking with Jesus in childlike faith, trust, and neediness before our good Father. Humble and low before God is the way of developing a healthier root system for our faith. Let’s each become more rooted. Dig in. Fight the drift. Invest fully. Bear fruit. Let’s continue making much of Jesus, taking the Word of God seriously—and not ourselves.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Pastor Jeremy Rose
2023 A year in the life…
As Pastor Jeremy referenced in his letter, we have seen the Gospel bear amazing fruit this year at the Axis. Spiritual roots among us have grown and deepened. Our community has been impacted. Our church is healthy. These are undergirded by prayer and service and humility, and that is pretty amazing! While some of the previous is more subjective, below are some cool stats from 2023 that should encourage us.
This is not a result of a grand plan or clever marketing. It’s because people in the Nashville region are still in desperate need of the Gospel. And we have the wonderful privilege to thrive while we’re planted here. Paul in Acts 17
16 Axis Ministry Partners (AMPs) went on mission receiving over $4,000 in sponsorships
We grew by over 65 new AMPs
There are 13 Active Axis Community groups strategically located throughout the metro area, supported by over 40 leaders
Between Music & Production, Kids & Youth, and Hospitality & Facilities more than 200 AMPs are serving as volunteers
Our homeless neighbors have received financial help over 100 times, and we’ve cultivated 6 active referral partnerships
50 of our “regular” homeless friends have participated in intentional discipleship interactions
45 individual AMPs have taken advantage of the opportunity for greater mental health through our Lantern Lane Farm partnership
Plus scores of visitor connections, 1:1 discipleship opportunities, and requests for benevolence
Let’s be honest…
While we’re in an exciting season of stability and growth, we are also experiencing increasing pressure on space and parking. While seeking to remain faithful and responsive to the Lord’s activity around us, our community is growing, our church is growing, and the excitement about the opportunities is growing.
reminds us that we find ourselves where we are and when we are so that we can find Christ. And the Great Commission instructs us to always be about helping others do the same.
reminds us that we find ourselves where we are and when we are so that we can find Christ. And the Great Commission instructs us to always be about helping others do the same.
What’s ahead…
4 priorities for 2024
This next season is exciting to consider. 2024 is shaping up to be an opportunity for us to continue to develop healthy spiritual roots for the purpose of producing nourishing spiritual fruit.
These two outcomes are supported by Axis weekly gatherings, Kids and parent ministry, Youth gatherings, events and ministry, vital Axis Communities and Discipleship Cohorts, expanding deeper discipleship opportunities, Men’s and Women’s events, and intentional outreach… all of these will continue and expand throughout the year…These investments in the mission of the church support the conditions needed to grow in faithfulness both individually and collectively.
What’s the plan…
Gatherings: $ 310,107.75
Mission - $ 303,407.75
Discipleship - $ 306,907.75
Ministry Support - $ 334,852.75
In addition, here are just a few highlights of the ways we want to expand roots and fruit in the days ahead...
Intentional increases in internal and external care resources
Expanded focus on community impact through partnerships with Refugee ministries, FCA, homeless ministry, etc.
Providing additional financial support for AMPs seeking mental & emotional health services
Increased investment in Equip, Women’s and Men’s events
Exploring more intentional international missions opportunities in Cuba, Appalachia, and Rwanda, including trip fee support for AMP’s
Investing in church plants in south Nashville, North Carolina, and Florida
The garden
Gatherings
rooted as we gather
rooted as we gather
The Church gathered is our special privilege and responsibility. We receive Gospel encouragement from these moments every week, participate in communion together, and offer our own worship as a community. The resources allocated for Gatherings are used for Elder development, IT & computers, A/V, environmental theming, artwork, design, special events, and streaming services.
Additionally this category includes an equal allocation of facility costs, security & parking, maintenance & equipment, and personnel expenses.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:23-25
Discipleship
The green house
rooted as we disciple
rooted as we disciple
The call to follow Christ involves the sanctifying activity of the Holy Spirit and faithful application of the Gospel through on-going and intentional repentance and obedience. The process of transformation also happens in the context of community as we experience the “one-anothers” of scripture in smaller groups of accountability and service.
The resources allocated for Discipleship are used for subsidizing mental health counseling for Axis Ministry Partners, group curriculum, retreat costs, Axis Kids and Youth, staff development, Axis Communities and Discipleship Cohorts, hospitality, women’s & men’s ministry, the Axis Ministry Partner on-boarding process, internal and external benevolence, pastoral care, Third Thursdays, and more.
Additionally this category includes an equal allocation of facility costs, security & parking, maintenance & equipment, and personnel expenses.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2
missions
the fruit
rooted to further the mission
rooted to further the mission
The command of our Lord to be his witnesses in this world is empowered by the Holy Spirit and involves intentionality. As we are faithful to pray, support and go ourselves - in our communities, across the nation, and around the world - the gospel expands within us and extends through us.
The resources allocated for Mission are used for planting churches, supporting local and global partners like the Partnership of Associated Churches (PAC), the Acts29 church-planting network, Cumberland Crisis Pregnancy Center, Project Connect, FCA, local refugee outreach, individual missionaries, partnership with international partners, and providing scholarships for short-term missions leaders and participants.
Additionally this category includes an equal allocation of facility costs, security & parking, maintenance & equipment, and personnel expenses.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” -Acts 1:8
the trellis
ministry support
rooted in faithful stewardship
rooted in faithful stewardship
The allocation and administration of resources is a humble responsibility that provides for the advancement of the Gospel and acceleration of ministry. Keeping it simple, staying flexible, and doing things with excellence are guiding values, balanced by the realities of being an organization in Nashville. We are committed to do whatever it takes to make it hard to go to hell from middle Tennessee.
The resources allocated for Ministry Support are used for accounting services and software, communications & printing, employee insurance, taxes, licenses, general administration and more.
Additionally this category includes an equal allocation of facility costs, security & parking, maintenance & equipment, and personnel expenses.
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
invest in your roots
The plan for ministry at The Axis is expanding significantly in 2024. Every faithful step of obedience matters! We need each other to accomplish our mission to Know, Love, and Obey Jesus and help others do the same.
Take a step: Let’s read our bibles… let’s establish a regular habit of prayer… let’s begin to serve... let’s experience community in an AC… let’s commit to weekly attendance… let’s all become more financially generous.
God has given us all we have - our time, talent and treasure - and how we steward each is important. What area is God prompting you to consider expanding in faithfulness? Will you pray about this and consider what He might be asking you to do? We count on each other to lead the way in growing, serving, going, and faithful giving. what He might be asking you to do? We count on each other to lead the way in growing, serving, going, and faithful giving.
would you consider taking the 1% giving challenge?
Your faithfulness in giving allows us to do more together than we could ever accomplish alone. Would you consider taking the 1% challenge financially this year? Using the chart below, find where YOU are (your annual income related to your current monthly giving) and move to the right to determine how much you are willing to grow in your monthly regular giving.
rooted
6 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
Colossians 2:6-7