Paterson overview

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

a gospel-centered community

our story.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

Our family feels a burden to love the city of Paterson, NJ. God loves the city and we feel an increasing passion to reach the underdogs, the outcasts, the poor, and the broken homes. This is what we were and are apart from Christ. God’s goodness loved us enough through Jesus, and we long to show others that same love.

As Paterson natives, It became apparent to us that we needed to concentrate our focus on the inner city. Paterson has the second-highest density of any U.S. city with over 100,000 people, behind only New York City and we believe it is poised to influence many and create change.

Inner cities are a forgotten people group of our nation. We cannot just see them as a case study.

We believe change takes place from the inside out and there are people with so much talent and potential just waiting to be empowered in the city of Paterson.

From our background in full- time ministry at Christ Tabernacle , a multicultural and a multi-site church in New York City with over 4,000 members and the entertainment and corporate world positions us uniquely to relate and speak the language of many different people groups. We believe we will see the rich and the poor gather together (Proverbs 22:2) to love the city. — The Henriquez family Yad graduated from The School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Visual Communication and a CBTS from Princeton Theological Seminary in Biblical and Theological Studies and a GCBS from Moody Bible Institute in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology at Great Hills Baptist Church.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our city.

THE CITY OF PATERSON Known as Silk City, Paterson has struggled to retain it’s prominence as an important American city, despite having an array of largely untapped resources - from the high concentration of beautiful beaux-arts buildings, to its rapid access to the interstate and nearby global commerce centers, proximity to New York City, and the rich history associated with the birthplace of the U.S. Industrial Revolution.

Like many American industrial cities, Paterson’s economy is no longer prospering as it once was.

New Jersey's third-most- populous city is one of the worst places to live in America, according to a 24/7 Wall St ranking. The website ranked Paterson, New Jersey, as the third-worst place to live in America behind only Miami and Detroit.

The report cited Paterson's poverty rate, almost twice the national average, and stagnant economy, for the ranking, which was calculated in a review of crime data, employment growth, access to restaurants and housing affordability among the 550 U.S. cities with populations greater than 65,000.

the need.

WHY ANOTHER CHURCH? We believe that Paterson is a beautiful and vibrant city, it has both a rich history and has a promising future. So many natives are creatives, filled with artist, singers, dancers, poets, rappers, musicians and entrepreneurs.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

Often times people feel like the church doesn't relate to them. As a church plant, we want to establish a church that is culturally relevant and is able to teach and apply the truth of scripture to daily living.

CITY DATA With a population of 147,753 the City of Paterson is New Jersey's third-most-populous city | 57.6% of the population is Hispanic | 52.3% of the population is under the age of 25 | 38% of these individuals are under 18 | 2015 census estimates 510,916 people within Passaic County, New Jersey | The City of Paterson has 52 distinct ethnic groups| The second-largest Muslim population in the U.S. with over 40,0000.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our values.

JESUS IS OUR VISION who He is, what He’s done and what He’s inviting you into. Through Jesus, God is reaching out to you so He can have a relationship with you, because He loves you. If this is true (and it is), everything changes. The “Gospel” is Jesus. The word “Gospel” means “good news”.

(Ephesians 1:22-23, Hebrews 12:2 and Colossians 1:15-20)

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our values.

PEOPLE ARE OUR MISSION Jesus came to us when we were hopeless. Now, He invites us to be a part of what He’s already doing in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces—the hopeless becoming ambassadors of hope. It’s fitting to call ourselves missionaries, because Jesus has made us a part of His mission.

When we start living on mission, God gets glory and we get unimaginable joy (Matthew 28:19–20, Ephesians 5:23–32, 1 Chronicles 12:32 and 1 Corinthians 9:15-27)

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our values.

LOVE IS OUR HALLMARK By living in love we will grow closer to God and each other. We believe that love is an action word that manifests itself through integrity, loyalty, honor, forgiveness, compassion and respect. It is the heart of our core and the value that undergirds all that we are and all that we do.

We love God, others, and ourselves. As a church and as church leaders and church members, we perpetually strive to will the good for others unconditionally and indiscriminately, remain open to self-sacrifice, and love ourselves soberly.

(John 15:13, Romans 12:9 ,1 Peter 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our values.

COMMUNITY IS OUR CALLING We don’t go to church, we are the church. Since church is not a building, event, or institution, we do life together believing that profound experiences happen in living rooms and coffee shops as often as they do in crowded auditoriums. “Family” isn’t just a buzz-word for us—we all need people we can trust and grow with. No Lone Rangers here.

(Acts 2:44-46, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Romans 12:10, Galatians 5:13 and 2 Timothy 1:5)

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our values.

WORSHIP IS OUR RESPONSE Worship is our generous and Joyful expression of time, talents and treasure. When you realize you have been rescued, you want to get to know your rescuer. We try to make our entire lives a “thank you” to Jesus for what He’s given us through the Gospel.

(Romans 12:1-8,1 Corinthians 9, 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Luke 6:38)

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our values.

CULTURAL RELEVANCE As a community of faith, growing in our awareness and understanding of the gospel and in our dependence on Jesus, we also seek to grow in our awareness of the context(s) that God calls and sends us to. This allows us to develop ways to faithfully present the gospel. This value also drives us to learn the issues that plague our city to pray for and to seek its welfare through engaging in social justice.

(1 Chronicles 12:32, Jeremiah 29:5-7, and 1 Corinthians 9:15-27)

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our values.

PRAYER IS OUR PRIVILEGE God wants to hear from His children —because He loves us. We know God is in control and in every little detail He is close. Like worship, Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus our SOURCE. We believe that prayer changes things. We embrace the Biblical reality that spiritual warfare is the context of our lives.

(Matthew 7:7, Matthew 21:22 , Mark 9:29 , Acts 9:40, Ephesians 6:18 and Philippians 4:6-7)

our values.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

CREATIVE SOULS We believe to help artists abide abundantly and unabashedly in their expression of God’s creative image. Through our various medium -specific connection groups, amateurs and professionals mature together in spiritual and technical disciplines, removing barriers between artistic collaboration and communing in Christ.

During our services, songs, poems, dance, and paintings might help make clear God’s word. We believe that Christian artists strive to meet and impact the wider Paterson’s culture by blurring the line—before all the world—between what is excellent work and what is ardent worship.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

our beliefs.

WHAT WE BELIEVE. Simply put, we believe that the gospel changes everything. The gospel is the good news that Jesus has come to live the life that we never could, to die the death that we deserve to die, and to raise from the dead to conquer our greatest enemies: sin, Satan and death. It is the good news that God is reconciling all things to himself through the person and works of Jesus (Colossians 1:20). This is good, good news and it changes everything. It's what the entire Bible, from start to finish, is about.

We are first Christians, second evangelicals, third missional, and fourth reformed in our view of salvation (we believe that God saves sinners), and find ourselves in general agreement with the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, The Gospel Coalition Confessional Statement, and the Acts 29 Doctrinal Statement.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

Theological Distinctives.

DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY. God is sovereign over all things such that there is no aspect of reality outside of His ultimate control. Though God’s rule extends to all things, it is particularly His sovereignty over the work of salvation that is a theological distinctive. We believe that it is exceedingly good and glorious news that salvation is not dependent on the desires and deeds of man, but is grounded instead in God’s eternal decree of election.

Though man is responsible for his sin, God is ultimately and entirely responsible for drawing those He would save unto Himself and overcoming their natural resistance to the gospel.

(Psalm 115:3, 135:6; Ephesians 1:3-14, Romans 8:26-9:23; Philippians 1:29; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Theological Distinctives.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The gifts of the Holy Spirit that we see exercised in the Scriptures have not ceased with the death of the last Apostle or the closing of the New Testament canon. They are available today and are to be eagerly desired and practiced in submission to the Spirit speaking through the Scripture.

(Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:1-16).

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

Theological Distinctives.

THE COMPLEMENTARY ROLES. Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity and value and are different by divine design. As part of God’s good created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church, especially as it comes to teaching and authority. These role distinctions are God’s grace to man and woman and are to be protected, preserved and practiced for His glory and our joy.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

Theological Distinctives.

BAPTISM BY IMMERSION. Baptism is intended only for those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ and can give sufficient testimony to the basics of Christian beliefs. Also, we baptize by immersion because it is not only the original significance of the word, but also best symbolizes the reality to which baptism points—our death and resurrection in Christ.

(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-11).

Theological Distinctives.

GOD’S GLORY TO MAN’S JOY. We believe that man’s greatest joy is found only in faithful obedience to God and that our enjoyment of Him is one of the chief means by which He is glorified.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

(Psalm 16:11; 37:4; Matthew 13:44; John 15:11; Philippians 3:8; Hebrews 11:6).

our plan.

SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS OUT PRAYER GATHERING – We know God is in control and in every little detail he is close.

Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus our SOURCE.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

WORSHIP GATHERINGS – Comming together to experiencing God's presence together as we worship, share stories, minister and encourage.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS – Discipleship happens in relationships.

INTEREST MEETINGS – a gathering to hear about the heart and soul of the church!

BIBLE STUDIES – We believe that Bible studies are a vital part of our spiritual formation.

These nights will consist of interactive Bible teaching, discussion time, worship and prayer.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS – Unique fundraising ideas will help keep your fundraising efforts interesting, entertaining, and profitable.

WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA AND VIDEO – Using multi media to be a part of the church experience in engaging your people and the community.

our attitudes.

HOW WE DO IT GRACE – A generous spirit sees needs as opportunities. Giving people more than they deserve.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

HOPE – not a guarantee of immunity from harm but a conviction that God is always present.

FAITH – the means to real depth in relationships of all kinds LOVE – means to love the unlovely. Connecting with transparency, dignity and respect.

JUSTICE – for all (not ‘just-me’). A concept biased in favour of the disadvantaged. Acting with courage, challenging the status quo.

JOY – impossible to legislate for this but an essential social value. Creating a culture than self-centredness of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.

PEACE – not just the absence of fighting but positive well-being

the future.

church planting proposal // november 2016 // paterson nj

A CHURCH THAT PLANT CHURCHES. We believe the local church is the best place for people to experience God and find hope, community, and purpose.

That's why we're committed to helping plant churches throughout the United States and abroad so that people who aren't connected to a local church can encounter Jesus.

hello@yadacreate.com // 908.397.6077 // see you soon!

thank you.