CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS

2010 ANNUAL REPORT

A GUIDE TO

OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE AT WOW

619 S Williamson St., Atlanta, MO 63530 (660) 281-7777

goatlantachurch@gmail.com Facebook & Twitter: @churchwow atlantachurch.blogspot.com

2010 ANNUAL REPORT CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS, ATLANTA, MO

ABOUT CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS

Why we Exist
We believe the 1950's way of doing church is failing to reach out to non-believers. In many cases, today's churches are more preoccupied with meeting the needs of the most vested members instead of those who have yet to walk in their doors. This ministry's purpose is to reach out to people that traditional churches cannot relate to alone. We believe the sole source of doctrine is the Bible and that a genuine decision to accept Jesus Christ is the way to a changed, fruitful, and eternal life. OUR PURPOSE To lead people to a productive, lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. OUR FOUNDING VERSE That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 MINISTRY TEAM Our ministry team was created to administer the activities of the church and are elected at the ministrys annual meeting. The 2011 Annual Meeting is Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 9 A.M. at Church WithOut Walls. Regular meetings are held the first Saturday of every month at 9:00 A.M. throughout the year unless announced otherwise. Ministry team meetings are open to anyone that has ever attended worship at Church WithOut Walls. 2010 GROUP LEADERS Adults: Chad Summa is a native of Lawson, Missouri and a graduate of Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) with a Masters in the Old Testament from Cincinnati Christian University. Chad is currently finishing a PhD program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and is a professor of Old Testament Studies at CCCB in Moberly and lives with his wife, Mary, in rural Huntsville. Teens: Aaron Baker is an Atlanta native and serves as the president and co-founder of the ministry. A Mizzou grad, Aaron is the Chief of Staff to Missouri Sen. Bill Stouffer. Aaron has a love for teaching new believers. Heather Thornton and Erica Baker also assisted in leading teens in 2010. Junior High: Rachel Hassani is originally from Ozark, Missouri and is a graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in

We do not maintain church memberships. The official ministry team is made up of at most five members. This year, three volunteers served as treasurer: Sharon Pennington, Don Smith and Mary Summa. Currently, our ministry team members are: Aaron Baker, President Chad Summa, Vice President Huberta Jackson, Secretary Mary Summa, Treasurer Erica Baker, Member To learn more about the ministry team and its duties, see the ByLaws, attached in the Appendix.

2010 ANNUAL REPORT CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS, ATLANTA, MO

WHAT WE DID IN 2010 Continued to serve as forwarding agents for two missionaries serving in New Zealand. Participated in the Atlanta Homecoming Parade for the first time. Sponsored one students trip to a Christian Rodeo Camp in Unionville, MO. Purchased our first liability insurance policy. Conducted a class for the six students baptized in July. Two adults were re-baptized by immersion that same month. Hosted 22 students from Central Christian College of the Bible for breakfast, worship and lunch. Provided gas cards for Central Christian College of the Bible Students and Faculty that are helping with the ministry. Added office hours over the summer for folks wanting to discuss items relating to the ministry or their personal lives. Included devotionals in most worship services. We continue to not have sermons. Observed communion on a monthly basis. Purchased new red Church WOW t-shirts. Added Chad Summa, a professor of Old Testament Studies at CCCB, as a small group leader.

Chad Summa baptizes Aaron Baker by immersion at the Summer Campout.

Communication and is the statewide coordinator for a nonprofit, American Majority, Inc. Rachel has a passion for building relationships with junior high students and is our first junior high leader. Elementary: Erica Baker was raised in La Plata and is a graduate of Moberly Area Community College with an emphasis in early childhood education; she works as a nanny in Columbia. Erica also helps provide breakfast every Sunday morning before worship. Erica is assisted by an intern, Taylor Garza, a West Virginia native attending CCCB. Nursery: Huberta Jackson is another Atlanta native who has returned to the area. Huberta is a graduate of Hannibal-La Grange College and has worked for the Division of Family Services for more than 20 years. She has two children, Trevor and Stephanie and

is assisted by an intern, Melyssa Strong, a student Wisconsin attending CCCB. ELDERS & DEACONS There are currently no elders named for this congregation. Aaron Baker was elected deacon on November 1, 2009. FRIEND OF CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS AWARD Each year, a Friend of Church WithOut Walls award is given to an individual our couple that have supported the ministry with their prayers, work or financial gifts. Previous award recipients include: 2010 2009 Richard & Jackie Thomas Madison, MO Mrs. Cindy OLaughlin Shelbina, MO

2010 ANNUAL REPORT CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS, ATLANTA, MO

Began a new junior high class for students in grades 6-8. Received a $2,500 grant in partnership with the La Plata Public Library to purchase and implement a community computer lab. Sponsored Carolyn Summers for a short-term mission trip to Jamaica where she worked with elementary-aged children in a Vacation Bible School setting. Served 275 meals and raised more than $5,000 at the first annual Fall Smorgasbord at the Silver Rails Event Center in La Plata. Continued God Rods Ministry with a performance at our annual Christmas program. 2010 ACTIVITIES Skating Party, 1/16/10 Target Age: Elementary 30 children attended this event sponsored by WOW. Afterwards, they returned to the house church for a 20 long banana split and a short devotional and prayer. Adult Night Out, 2/20/10 Target Age: Adults Ten adults from the ministry enjoyed a steak dinner at the

Thirty-three students attended our annual skating trip in January.

nnual cattlemens banquet in Macon. Shamrock Shindig, 3/20/10 Target Age: Teens Church WOW hosted 31 teenagers and adults. Never Blue Avenue, a band from Moberly performed for this annual event. Games followed a band and guest speaker, Heather Thornton. Easter Egg Hunt, 4/3/10 Target Age: Elementary More than 200 children and adults came to hunt eggs. The ministry prayed with the families as a group and also explained the stations of the cross through items found in eggs. Women of Joy, 4/16-18/10 Target Age: Adults Eight women from Church

WithOut Walls attended this conference in Louisville, KY. A cookie-mix-jar fundraiser was held to offset the costs. Sarah Palin, Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman were featured guests. Graduation, 5/23/10 Target Age: Teens WOW hosted graduates from Kindergarten, Sixth Grade, High School and College with a reception following worship. Eight high school graduates and Five sixth grade graduates received a new Bible or $20 cash (if they already had their own Bible) for graduation. Crossover, 6/11-12/10 Target Age: Teens WOW sent 11 teens and 2 adults to this annual Christian concert and speaker event in Camdenton.

2010 ANNUAL REPORT CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS, ATLANTA, MO

Summer Campout, 6/19 Target Age: Teens 50 folks of all ages attended this event. Eight students and adults who were baptized. Several younger students stayed overnight. Shawn Shackleford, youth leader at Family Life Fellowship, Moberly, MO was the guest speaker. Revival Weekend, 7/25/10 Target Age: Adults Around 35 attended the Saturday night service and Sunday morning worship at WOWs oldfashioned tent revival. The guest speaker was Alan Toigo, Campus Crusade for Christ, Columbia, MO and the worship leader was Phillip Schull of Boonville. Saturday Night Live, 8/14/10 Target Age: Teens Two Saturday Night Live events were held in August. These casual events for teens provided a chance to hang out in a safe environment with caring adults. The activities included games, Rock Band and refreshments Outdoor Movie 9/18/10 Target Age: Elementary This evening included a pool full of popcorn and the playing of Toy Story. 36 adults and children attended. Corn Maze, 10/16/10 Target Age: Teens A group of 23 mostly elementary students and adults attended this trip to a corn maze and hay ride in La Plata. Afterwards, Bro. Daryl Ridgely led a campfire

A total of 275 meals were served at our first annual Fall Smorgasbord fundraiser.

devotion at the home of Kim and Blaine Moore. Fall Smorgasbord, 11/13/10 Target Age: Adults More than 275 meals were served to raise more than $5,000 for the ministry. The Silver Rails event center proved to be an excellent venue and the activity was a great team-building exercise for the ministry. Christmas Program, 12/19/10 Target Age: All God Rods performed as well as other presentations from each age group during this Sunday morning worship service. Xtreme Youth Conf, 12/27-29/10 Target Age: Teens A group of 18 teens and adults traveled to Branson for this annual event. Austin Roberts became a Christian at the event.

Brookfield UMC provided a bus driven by Ruth Downey. Gary and Diana Hassani provided their home during the groups stay. Womens Brunches Target Age: Adults Two womens brunches were held as a follow-up to the Women of Joy Conference. They ladies enjoyed the events and hope to do them again in the future. Adult Game Nights Target Age: Adults Two game nights were held at WOW for adults one in March and one in February, along with carried-in refreshments. Concealed Carry Courses Target Age: Adults Three Concealed Carry Weapons courses were held at Church WithOut Walls this year, training more than 30 adults.

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Speaker & Potluck Sundays Target Age: All Ages To provide teaching to small group leaders, guest speakers were invited to talk to the congregation on the last Sundays of some months. This was followed by a potluck lunch. Speakers included Kelly & Angie Gatts, Ray Ivy on missions in Haiti, Kelly Foley on missions in Mexico, and topics such as creation science and adoption. OUR HISTORY Church WithOut Walls Ministries met for its first worship service on April 13. 2008, to reach people of all ages that may not be reached by traditional churches. The mission statement of the ministry

was to lead people to a productive, lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. After meeting at the Olde Atlanta Locker Restaurant, the community building and park, the congregation began worshiping as a house church in a home purchased by Aaron and Erica Baker via foreclosure sale at 619 S. Williamson St. They were the only bidder at the courthouse steps the date of the sale, October 16, 2008. The facilities have provided a great layout and location for activities. Aaron and Erica Baker, Cathy Baker, the late Linda Gladhill, Lynnette Gladhill, Kerry Green, Huberta Jackson, Barbie Kitts,

and Sharon Pennington were adults active in helping to meet the ministrys early purpose in its first year. Debbie Cain became a part of the ministry in the summer of 2008 to help with the elementary small group. The group described their doctrine as fundamentally Bible-based, with Methodist hospitality and Baptist zeal for Salvation. A majority of those attending worship in the ministrys first year were 30 years old or less, including a large portion of teenagers actively participating in the planning and execution of ministry activities. In its first year, the ministry sent a group of 34 youths and adults to a youth

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revival in Branson. This event helped grow the ministry in its first year, including the addition of several families from La Plata. Some of the more active youth in the ministrys first year included Autumn Zahn, Brock Simons, Cindy Erwin, Sam and Cody Benowitz, Derek Wertz, Derrick McQuitty, Jesse Likes, Nathaniel Lush, Robert and Rodney Nearhood, Stephanie Jackson, Tricia and Tara Pore, and Zach Reed. Several of these students participated in a mission trip administered by the ministry to Chicagos south side. By the end of 2008, Aaron Baker was leading the adult small group, Erica Baker taught teens, and Debbie Cain was in charge of the elementary class. Volunteers took turns assisting in the nursery. Adults also met for ministry team planning meetings weekly on Sunday evenings, including a Bible Study. In 2009, the ministry team began meeting on the first Saturday, monthly. Kerry Green was instrumental in establishing the paperwork and nonprofit status for the congregation through the help of a local accountant and lawyer.

The average attendance in 2008 was 18. There were many weeks less than ten adults and teens met at the community building and the local restaurant worshiping and learning together. Today, Sunday morning worship services still include a trademark country-style breakfast provided by the ministry and its volunteers. These meals include a weekly rotation of items such as pancakes and bacon and biscuits and gravy.

Many of the founders of the ministry were active in the Atlanta United Methodist Church. Today, participants are from a variety of backgrounds including Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Catholic, and Christian Churches. The ministry is best known for its invitation and outreach in the community and its work with local youth. BAPTISMS Baptisms performed at Church WithOut Walls include: 1. Cody Benowitz, March 21, 2009 by Aaron Baker at the Macon Comfort Inn. 2. Rodney Nearhood, October 4, 2009 by Aaron Baker in the yard at WOW. 3. Katie Ogden, June 19, 2010 by Aaron Baker in a pool near WOW. 4. Tristan Borron, June 19, 2010 by Aaron Baker in a pool near WOW. 5. Kirsten Gilliland , June 19, 2010 by Aaron Baker in a pool near WOW. Christina Pennington, June 19, 2010 by Aaron Baker in a pool near WOW. Sharon Pennington, June 19, 2010 by Aaron Baker in a pool near WOW (rebaptism by immersion). Ojuanna Smith , June 19, 2010 by Chad Summa in a pool near WOW. Aaron Baker, June 19, 2010 by Chad Summa in a pool

The congregation continues to have no paid staff or pastor nor an official membership roll. All brothers and sisters are responsible for meeting the needs of those in the congregation and community. Rodney Nearhood leads worship and announcements; Grant Roberts, Merzaydee Moore, Cody Benowitz and Pang Her have all led the praise music.

6. 7.

8. 9.

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near WOW (rebaptism by immersion). 10. Phoebe Dowell, June 20, 2010, by Aaron Baker in a pool near WOW (rebaptism by immersion). We baptize to follow what Jesus instructed us to do as an outward expression of our faith. Baptisms are a public way to acknowledge our entry into the church and our decision to make Jesus Christ Lord in our life. Items to consider before being baptized: 1) Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord in your life? 2) When / how you came to this decision. 3) Do your actions reflect a changed heart and your lifelong commitment? 4) Are you committed to making your body and your life a living sacrifice to God by studying his word, worshiping him regularly, building up his church here on earth and sharing your faith with others? 5)

Do you understand you are not saved by water nor by good works, but by Gods grace through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your savior? Once the above items are satisfied, the following must be determined: 1. A date, time, and location for the baptism; this could include worship at WOW, an event at WOW, or any other time or facility and 2. The Christian to perform the baptism. Anyone interested in learning more about being baptized should discuss the matter with a small group leader at Church WithOut Walls. INFORMATION FOR VISITORS Guests who have or could visit Church WOW should receive the following information by personal visit followed by a written note:

Where is the church? We are a house church located at 619 S. Williamson St., Atlanta, MO 63530. We are one block west of the school and three blocks south of the city park. The home rests at the southwest corner of the city of Atlanta. What do you believe? Our purpose is to lead people to a productive, lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ; our founding verse is Romans 10:9: That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. You will find that our presentation of the Gospel is compatible with most Protestant churches in America. Our adults include folks with a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Catholic, and Independent Christian Church backgrounds. What is your service format? We begin breakfast at 9:30 A.M. and worship at 10 A.M. By 10:15 A.M. we break into our small groups. Those small groups end at 11:30 A.M. We strive to provide an inviting and friendly atmosphere. A large, country-style breakfast is provided each week with coffee mugs provided to all attendees. We use acoustic guitars or recordings to lead contemporary praise and worship songs.

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We work hard to provide Christcentered small groups divided between preschool, elementary, teens, and adults. We do not do sermons, except for the last Sunday of each month when a guest speaker is invited to share his or her testimony. Are you just a youth ministry? No! Although God has blessed us with a large number of teens at worship services, we are a church made up of every age group. Of course, children do have a special place in our hearts. Who is your pastor? We do not currently have a paid pastor. Each of the small groups has a leader that presents their Biblical small group lesson and discussion. Aaron Baker typically leads a portion of our morning worship and serves as a deacon. Our participants do not expect to be pastored by one individual. Each person committed to the purpose of the ministry is called to minister to the needs of the church family and beyond. How do I fit in? We will strive to provide you with the opportunity and the resources to grow in your faith and understanding of God's plan for your life. You can become as involved as you choose. Our focus is becoming a church where everyone can belong and serve - no matter their maturity and knowledge. What do I need to wear? Come as you are. We are interested in you - not your wardrobe. Many in our congregation wear jeans, some dress up a bit more, but overall we are casual in our dress. What about my children? We provide age-appropriate, Bible-centered classes for all age groups. Of course, your children are always welcome to join you at any time. If I visit, will I be singled out as a guest? We treat guests as regulars. For example, you will not be asked to stand or to say anything or otherwise be made to feel uncomfortable. Will I be asked for money? No. We do not ask our people for specific donations and we would certainly not ask a newcomer to contribute financially to our ministry. Any offerings you may give are completely your decision; God has blessed our ministry financially and we have never failed to meet a need because of a lack of funds. An offering is taken at the breakfast bar every Sunday to cover the costs of the ministry. These include utilities for the facilities, breakfast and event costs.

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Will I be contacted or placed on a mailing list? Those that participate in any part of our ministry receive a quarterly newsletter unless requested otherwise. We also try to follow up with guests to thank them for attending and to answer any questions. However, any further contact would be up to you. Summary: We are very serious about our mission to lead people to a productive, lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. We care more about folks that have not yet become a part of our church than our most vested members. We are here to be Christs church on earth, not to divide. We would love for your family to be a part of ours. WHAT WE TEACH Christian education is a focal point of our ministry. It is our hope that graduates of each small group would know and understand the following truths: Nursery: God created the world. (Genesis 1:1) Jesus was born in a lowly manger and is the son of God.

Jesus died on a cross for our sins; on the third day he rose from the dead. Jesus is Gods only son and if you believe in him, you will know him in heaven. (John 3:16)

Elementary: Accepting Jesus Christ and being born again is the most

There is only one path to heaven and it is through Jesus Christ. The Bible is God-breathed and absolutely true. It is true no matter who you are, where you live or when you are living. We should study the Bible to know and love God more, including how to use it and where to find the books. The Bible begins with Adam and Eves original sin and how it removed people from God. The rest of the Bible teaches us people can get back with God. An understanding of the following Biblical stories and characters: Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, The Tower of Babel, Abraham, Lots Wife, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the Exodus, Moses, The Ten Commandments. Teens: A Biblical-world-view is the safest bet to please God in our daily lives and to grow in our relationship with Him. God does not cause bad things to happen, he lets them happen.

important decision we can make in our lives it is a choice to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. God is represented in three parts: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Baptism is an outward sign of our inward decision to make Jesus Lord in our life. This decision leads to our salvation. We take communion monthly to remember the broken body and the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.

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If someone makes the genuine decision to accept Jesus Christ, they will live a different, more fruitful life. This includes good works. Good works do not get us to heaven, making Jesus Lord in our lives, does. However, if we are genuinely saved, we will have good works. If a person has made the genuine decision to accept Christ, they will work to turn away (repent) from their sins. However, we will always be sinners. Even though we are broken and are not worthy, we can still go to heaven if we accept Jesus Christ. That is grace.

ATTENDANCE Trends for attendance at Church WithOut Walls on Sunday mornings continues to be difficult to discern. The ministry continues to grow with 200 individuals visiting in the last two years.

in residences instead of hotels, lowering the ministrys annual expenses. As our programming grew this year, our costs held steady as we found ways to spend less and do more. In-kind contributions continue to grow. One example includes the donation of six meat goats from a friend of the ministry in Bowling Green, Missouri. Robert and Cathy Baker boarded the small herd for 24 hours before they were sold to a local farmer for $500 cash. In addition to a new capital fund, the adult small group has established a benevolence fund for community and ministry needs. In 2010, WOW provided more than $400 in utilities assistance to local residents in need.

However, attendance is irregular for most individuals. In 2010, adult attendance increased significantly. The average worship attendance was 33. FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Adults: We can debate, but should not divide over Christian issues such as communion, baptism, and end times. It is our hope adults would have an understanding of the truths being taught to our other small groups and a deeper understanding of the historical background of the entire Bible.

The ministry is in a solid financial position for the future. With the Meanwhile, the ministry continues help of the Fall Smorgasbord, a to donate bookkeeping services capital fund was established to to two assist with missionar significant future As programming grew this year, ies in costs in mission costs held steady as we found ways New trips, building to spend less and do more. Zealand projects, etc. as their The ministry forwarding agents. This has continues without paid staff or a saved the couple an estimated dedicated building. $2,500, or 10% of amount raised, in calendar year 2010. Significant cost savings took place this year, including lodging

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10

Attendance
40 30 20 10 0 2008 2009 2010 18 32 33

A special thanks to our monthly sponsor: