Cannonball Brochure

7/31/2019 Cannonball Brochure

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When Simon Peter

heard that

i t w a s t h L o r d , he put on his tunic . . .

j u m p di n t o t h w a t r and headed to shore.

John 21:7


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a mssag from stv . . .

When Pam and I arrived in northern Nevada, we dreamed about Godmaking a huge splash for the cause of Christ. And it s been much more

thrilling than we ever imagined. The past thirteen years with Summit

have been a life-changing experience for thousands of people

including us!

Now, we are more excited than ever as we look to the future because

its clear that God is saying to us, You have been blessed so that YOU

can be a blessing! Like a kid on the edge of a diving board, gettingready to do a cannonball, we are teetering on the verge of an amazing new season

of ministry. We sense God is calling us to trust him with deeper-than-ever faith so that

we can make a bigger-than-ever splash of impact for Christ.

A cannonball isnt something you can do half-way or by timidly sticking your toes in

the water. A cannonball is about going all in. And once you take that leap, you make

a big splashand that means waves galore!

Its the same way in our life with Christ! And thats what our church is called to do in

this season were calling cannonball. Our church leadership believes God is calling usto do a cannonballmaking all in commitments to Christ that will make waves for

the cause of Christ. Im asking you now to discern from the Lord what steps of faith he is

calling you to take so that YOU can truly go all in with Jesus be a big part of the work

God is doing through Summit. I hope that you will look through this booklet and begin

prayerfully thinking about the splash God wants to make through your life.

I cant wait to see what God will do through these next two years and beyond as we

all jump in together and say . . .


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JULY 2002MOVED FROM YMCA

TO PYRAMID HWY;550+ ATTENDING

MARCH 1999LAUNCHED FIRST SERVICEAT SPARKS YMCA;186 ATTENDED

MOVING MOUNTAINS$700,000 OVER-AND-ABOVEGIVING FOR PURCHASE OFPYRAMID PROPERTY

JANUARY2005

SUMMITRIDGEOPENS

EARLY 200036 ACRES ARE PURCHASEDFOR SUMMITS FUTURE USE

dECEMBER 2004FIRST SERVICES IN NEWWORSHIP CENTER AND

CHILDRENS AREA;

1,200+ ATTENDING

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summit'ssplashes

MOVING HEARTSOVER-AND-ABOVE GIVING

FOR EPANSION OF BUILDING;1,000+ ATTENDING

FIRST TIMEATTENDANCEIS OVER 1,000IN A WEEKEND


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OCTOBER 2005LAUNCHED HISPANIC SERVICEWITH 72 IN ATTENDANCE

2008OVER 200 PEOPLEBAPTIED IN A YEAR;FIRST TIME ATTENDANCE

OVER 2,000

AUGUST 2006

CLARIFIED MINISTRY VISION:LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE,SERVE OTHERS, REACH OTHERS

FALL 2008LAUNCH OFCOMMUNITY-WIDESERVING EVENTS

dECEMBER 2011SENT OUT CENAFAMILY TO PLANTA CHURCH INSANTA ROSA, CA

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NExT STEp II

FINISH RING ROAD;IMPROVEMENTS INWORSHIP CENTER

FOR VIDEO VENUES

NExT STEpIMPROVE TRAFFIC SIGNAL;

RING ROAD; AND LOFTTECHNOLOGY FOR A

VIDEO VENUE


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is a two-ar splashwith a ministry impact for years to come.Its a season where we are being called as a church to goall in and make waves for the cause of Christ. God has done

amazing things through Summit in the past thirteen years.But now he is presenting us with one of the most life-defining

moments we have ever faced. We believe God has a visionfor Summit to be a high-impact church that helps transformthespiritual climate throughout the Truckee Meadows and around

the world in places like Cambodia, Kenya, and South Africa.

But it all begins with us. God is calling us to be all in for him, for Summit,and for the ministry he has prepared for us. It means leaving behind comforts

and fears and jumpin ginto the life that is truly l ife. As we go all in over the nexttwo years, we hope to make a significant splash for Jesus Christ that will make

wavsfor decades.

This will be huge! But we cannot make the impact God has in mind by doingbusiness as usual. It will take all of us going all in like never before! All of us

praing, all of us srving, and all of us giving like never before!

Please consider what it might look like in our life if you totall trustd Godlike never before to

cannonball !


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God is calling us to care for the disadvantaged

and make waves for Christ like never before!

Our Cannonball goal is to invest $2 million

outside the walls of Summit for compassion and

outreach. This is significantly more than the 10%

we have invested in the past for Global and Local

Outreach. But we believe that true generosity

gives beyond the minimumit requires sacrifice!

local ministr

Money will be invested to energize andsupport our local ministry partners such as

Teen Challenge, Pathfinders, Hosanna Home,

and more. Our goal is to transform the spiritual

landscape of the Truckee Meadows!

Caball vs$1,000,000

global ministrMoney will will also be used to advance thecause of Christ through our global ministry

partners. These partners currently includeAIM in Cambodia helping young women

escape sex trafficking; Missions of Hope in

Kenya educating impoverished children and

church planting; and Living Hope in South

Africa battling the HIV-AIDS pandemic and

working in community development.

Caball vs$1,000,000

howcannonballwillbeused

frcmpassin

total2-yearGoalForCoMPaSSIoN$2MIllIoN


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This amount is a

God-sizd strtch that representsacannonball of faith.

It is no t a pun goalthat we know we can hit with little ef fort.

But nithr is it a foolishly xtravagant goalthat will require us to win the lottery.

To get there it will be a God thing.And we will need vron!

And if we all go all in,we can do it with Gods hlp!

LL IN ND MKING WVeS!

totLGoL$11MIllIoN


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First, we prayed. Then we considered what we will need to

spend to continue doing all that we are currently doing.

This includes resourcing ministries like our local and global

outreach partnerships. As well as our ongoing ministries,

such as LIFE Groups, Childrens Ministry, Student Ministry,

Hispanic Ministry, weekend services, heating and cooling our

facility, plowing snow, and paying our mortgage. evrthing.Currently thats about $3 million each year. So if we didnt do anything

special in the next two years we would expect about $6 million in giving.

We then added the cost of the new ministry initiatives we believe God has

put on our heart for the next two years. A huge part of this includes investing

$1 million ach arin Compassion and Outreach. We believe God has blessed

us so that we can be a blessing to others! We also included the ways we feelcalled to improve and expand the ministries we already are doing.

The Cannonball goal of $1 1 million is an 80% increase of our total givingand reflects vrthing Summit will do over the next two ars.

It s a HUGe stp of faith !

How did w arriv at $11 million?

What dos it includ?


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You may have been part of church campaigns in the

past during which you gave your usual gift for ongoing

ministries in a general fund and were invited to give

a second over-and-above gift for a separate Building Fund or

Next Step Fund for capital projects or new ministry initiatives. While this approach

served us well, we also recognize the potential for confusion. It required an explanation

to make clear which fund did what and not everyone participated.

It istim for achang.Cannonball is a newsimplrway.

From now onvrthingwe do ispart of Cannonball.

This also means vroncan get on board andparticipat!

It makes sense because we are all onon missionto

lov God lov popl srv othrs rach othrs .

So everything we do is part ofCannonball.

It will all be funded by on fund

to which we give ourgnrositat Summit.

We will call it theon fund.

Our Cannonball initiative will last for two years as we make a huge splash

that will create waves for years to come. So in those two years every gift

that is given to Summit Christian Church will go to the ONE FUND. Then,

after Cannonball is over, we will continue giving to the ONE FUND as

we continue to expand the cause of Christ here at Summit and in the

world beyond.

i'simefrachange


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If youre a kid at the pool, a cannonball never happens until

you make the move toward the water, decide to go all in . . .

and then take that plunge.

you cant do a cannonballif ou nvr jump.

Its the same ay in our lives. Belo is a tool to hel youetermine hat kin of cannonball Jesus is asking you

to make for him.

A cannonball is an act of faith that involves your whole life. As

you prayerfully think about your life and where God is calling

you next, ask him to make it clear. Ask him to help you. Trust

him. Then go for it!

my two-year generosity commitment

$ What I normally give in a year

(General fund, Next Step, etc.)+

$ My expanded annual generosity for Cannonball (Commitment for Cannonball)=

$ x 2 years = $

+ gift from current stored resources $

= $mytwoyearcannonballcommitment


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IF wE ARE COMMITTING TO CANNONBALL,

HOw dOES THIS CHANGE MY GIVING TO THE

GENERAL FUNd, NExT STEp, BENEVOLENCE, OR

OTHER SpECIAL OFFERINGS?

For those who have contributed previously to

multiple funds at Summit, this is a way to consider

your total giving to God through Summit. During

this two year period, every contribution to Summitis a contribution to our Cannonball initiative.

Every aspect of the ministry vision God is calling

us toward will be funded through this initiative.

Therefore, every weekend becomes a weekend

to celebrate and contribute towards what God

is doing through us.

wHAT ARE YOU ASING ME TO dO?First and foremost we are asking that you pray

and seek Gods leading on what he is askingyou to do. Prepare your heart to hear him and

then listen to what he says. Engage in your LIFE

Group during this season. If youre married,

talk with your spouse about what this whole-

life commitment will mean for this next exciting

season of your lives.

We are asking you to make a sacrificial

commitment to go all in for Christ that will lead

you to becoming lavishly generous.

Finally, we ask that you prepare to be amazed!

We serve an awesome God, and he is going

to show up in huge ways! We expect that God

will make a huge splash from our collectiveCannonball commitments!

Mark your calendar for

splash wknd Nov 1 7&1 8Commitment weekend

& prepare to xprinca big splash!

ARE THERE AddITIONAL wAYS BESIdES CASH

THAT I CAN GIVE TOwARdS THIS INITIATIVE?

Be creative as you explore ways that you and

your family can give towards Cannonball. You

may have some stocks, property, or other items

of value. Or you may have some stored resources

that God has blessed you with that he may be

calling you to give during this time.

HOw LONG IS MY COMMITMENT?

We are asking that everyone make a two-year

commitment. The fulfillment period for your

commitment will begin December 1, 2012, and

culminate on December 31, 2014.

faq


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wHAT IF I dONT HAVE A JOB RIGHT NOw?

wHAT dOES THAT MEAN FOR MY CANNONBALL

COMMITMENT?

Cannonball is about your total, radical,

sacrificial generosity for Summit. We believe

that God calls us to action in times of hardship

just as much as he does in times that make

it easier to give - probably more actually! ButCannonball is about a heart change - one that

is only accomplished by surrendering our lives

completely over to God. It may mean that God

is asking you to sell things, to pick up odd jobs,

or to trust him by making a commitment that

you dont quite know how to fulfill right now. In

other words, believe God will provide as you

seek for ways to sacrifice and work towardsthat commitment. We pray that everyone will

be a part of Cannonball so that we can all be

supporting, loving, encouraging, and praying

for one another through this spiritually-stretching

season at Summit.

wHAT IF I AM SEVERELY IN dEBT RIGHT NOw?

AM I STILL SUppOSEd TO GIVE?

If you are someone seeking to make payments

to pay off debt right now, we commend you

for making progress on that. And you should

continue to do so. But, the Bible does not teach

that we withhold giving until we are debt-

free. When we honor God first with our giving,

he promises to be involved with every other

aspect of finances. Please contact us if you

need assistance with this or if you would like to

speak with a budgeting counselor. We would be

honored to help.

wHAT IF I HAVE NEVER GIVEN TO SUMMIT

BEFORE?

If you have never given financially to Summit,Cannonball was crafted specifically with you

in mind. Cannonball is a one fund generosity

initiative, meaning that it is different from a

traditional capital campaign where you are

called to give an extra gift above-and-beyond

your normal giving - thus creating two steps for

people who arent yet giving. Cannonball is a

call to radical, sacrificial generosity for absolutely

everyone at Summit. If you have never given

before, this is your chance to get in the game

with a radical sacrifice. We really hope you will!

wHAT IF I AM NEw AROUNd HERE?

Cannonball is about the vision of our church.

We believe that the local church is one of the

most compelling missions to give towards. We

would love for you to make Summit your home,

and join us in Cannonball. If you are ready for it,

this is a perfect time for you to put a stake in the

ground, and make this your church. We need

you on the team!


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One of our values here at Summit is to Love People. We believe that life is not meant to be

lived alone. Thats why we are offering LIFE Group opportunities so you can connect with

others during this exciting season in the life of our church!

Heres how to get involved: We are asking that all LIFE Groups join the church wideCAnnonBALL study for the next five weeks. The weekly study guide will compliment the

weekend services as we come together to learn from one another and what it means to be

ALL in And mAkinG wAVeSfor compassion, for the ministry, and for the future.

If you are not currently in a LIFE Group, we will help you find the best group for you. Stop by

Starting Point anytime during the weekend; go online to summitnv.org and click Join a LIFE

Group to find a group; or contact Brett at [email protected] or 424.5683 ext 107.

The following pages will serve for sermon notes on the weekends and the LIFE Group studyguide as we journey together over the next five weeks!

lifegroupstudyguide


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approaching th watrOpen your group time with questions to help you connect with the others inyour group. As you go further in Cannonball, this is also a time to report backon following through from the previous weeks discussion, and talk about yourreaction to the personal daily challenges.

prparing for th jumpThis time is for you as a group to worship God corporately. Options includepraying through a Psalm or lifting up praise in song to God. In most cases theworship choices specifically relate to the passage youll be working through.

diving in dpThis section focuses on reading from the Bible and responding to the truthswe find. The questions are designed to help you understand and apply thetruths of Gods Word to your life. The questions are geared to make you thinkabout your life; how the passage relates to you; and how it can motivate youto make waves for compassion, for the ministry, and for the future. Invite thosewho feel comfortable reading aloud to share in reading. If your group hasquestions about what theyve read, we invite your leader or your Shepherd

Leader to contact your LIFE Group Pastor.

making wavsEach week closes with specific next steps for following through on what youhave learned, personally and as a group. They will challenge you to go all in

and make waves for the kingdom of Christ.

week 1


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week1 .compassionsermonnotes

during th wk rad wk 1 in Generosityb Gordon McDonald


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Play DVDweek 1

studyguide

Look over the information on page 15 to discuss expectationsthat will maximize your experience in Cannonball. Plan tocommit to your group and to the time it takes to make waves.

Talk about a time when financially you were threatened byinsecurity in the face of the unknown. What did were thechallenges? What was the first th ing you felt when you noticedthis distraction or insecurity?

Turn to page 38. The prayer guide can be used throughoutthe Cannonball series. Begin with a time of praising God for allhes doing and will continue to do at Summit.

Do you remember the last time you did a cannonball? Howlong has it been? How many people got wet?

What kinds of words come to mind when you think of acannonball? How is it a good metaphor for the kind of followersJesus asks us to be? Now use those words to describe theimpact generosity could have in the kingdom of Christ, inour families, in the community, and in the world.

approachingthewater

preparing forthejump


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Diving in deep is an interesting term. It implies we are all in from head to toe no holds barred. We dive in deep with a lot of things: marriage, work, family,

pleasures, personal interests, you name it. And we get wet from head to toe. We just

cant help it. In the same way when we dive into a relationship with Jesus, when we dive in with all ourheart, soul, strength, and mind, we get all wet. But diving in deep requires commitment, and sometimesit takes eyes of faith to recognize when Jesus is around. Jesus found Peter looking through these eyes,but he also saw eleven others miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime. Lets take a look at how Peterwalked on water and dove in deep at the same time.

EYES OF FAITH - Matthew 14:25-32

1. Why didnt the disciples recognize Jesus?

2. Jesus reminds them that fear i s unwarranted when he is present. How does he reassure them?

ACCORDING TO VERSE 28 PETER WAS LOOKING FOR A COMMAND AND NOT A GUARANTEE.EPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO.

3. How is this a story of obedience?

4. How is this a lesson on how to discern between an authentic call from God and what might be a foolish

impulse on your part? Talk about a foolish and faithful financial decision in your life. Looking back onthis, how would you approach an opportunity to live in a way that would radically change your life andthe lives of those around you?

ITS DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHAT LAY BEHIND PETERS REUEST IN VERSE 28. MAYBE HE WANTED TOPARTICIPATE IN THE MIRACLE WITH JESUS. PERHAPS ITS NO MORE THAN IMPULSIVENESS OR THE DESIRETO DO SOMETHING ECITINGLY DANGEROUS, TO HAVE A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EPERIENCE. EITHER WAY:

5. How was Peters request based upon his faith in Jesus and not upon an uncertainty about whether the

apparition really was Jesus?

6. The other eleven disciples became spectators not water walkers. They didnt get to experience thesupernatural, divine, and miraculous. What are the real risks in doing nothing not stepping out of theboat? What rewards did Peter receive when he got out of the boat?

7. How is it possible to miss what God has for you if you dont step out of the boat to live and give lavishlyfor the kingdom of Christ?

divingindeep


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Wrapped up within the foundation of this miracle is the intention of Jesus to callPeter and us to do something extraordinary. Peter was afraid, but he was about tobecome a water walker. He recognized that God was present, and he realized an

opportunity for adventure and growth real l ife-change for the cause of Christ. And he took advantage ofit. Only Peter knew what it was like to attempt to do what he was not capable of doing on his own and thenbeing empowered by God to actually do it! Cannonball is about getting out of the boat and realizing thatadventure and growth will never happen while youre in the boat. So how about it? Are you all in?

wHERE ARE YOU IN RELATION TO JESUS, ANd wHERE dO YOU wANT TO BE?

Huddled in the boat, life-preserver and seat belt on?

One leg in, one leg out?

Im walking on water and loving it!

Im out of the boat, but the wind looks pretty bad.

Im not only out of the boat; Im all in and making waves!

wHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL BOAT, ANd wHAT IS EEpING YOU IN IT?

Your boat is whatever represents safety and security to you apart from God. What produces the most fearin you, especially when you think of leaving i t behind and stepping out in faith?

The biggest obstacles are:

To go ALL IN I need to:

FINANCIAL GENEROSITY

Jesus is calling us to an adventure-filled discipleship full of excitement and joy. He is calling us to dothe impossible, to achieve the unbelievable. Regarding financial generosity, how can you reach thenext level in this journey?

The biggest obstacles are:

To go ALL IN I need to:

makingwaves


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d d


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studyguide

From the Generosity devotional share which day(s) spoke toyou the most and why.

Who is the most generous person you have ever known? Whatimpact has he or she had in your life or the lives of othersaround them?

Have the group read John 12:3 aloud. Marys gift wasextravagant and sacrificial. It revealed her heart, her truetreasure, and her devotion. The fragrance filled the housesuch that no one could ignore it. However, some criticized herfor it. Yet Jesus exalted her. Take time to pray about how your

giving can become a powerful witness to Jesus, an aromathat fills the room.

approachingthewater

preparingforthe jump


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Before we dive in any deeper with the act of generous giving, it is important thatwe first understand the difference between generosity and giving. Transformation

must take place somewhere between the two. Giving can be done begrudgingly and

devoid of love. But when transformation takes place, we sacrifice something of value to us for the goodof another, because we love them. True generosity is a lways initiated by love. Lets take a look at how thisaligns with the most generous giver of all.

JESUS, THE CHIEF OF GENEROUS GIVERS - 2 Corinthians 8:8-9

1. What challenged or inspired you most about the weekend message? About Cannonball?

2. I am not commanding you, is the first thing Paul says. What does this tell us about the motivation we

should have if we are to be generous?

3. Paul says, I want to test the sincerity of your love. How does he ask the church to Test the sincerity oftheir love, and to whom was he comparing it? (Review the earlier passages 8:1-7.)

4. Paul made a challenging comparison when he said, For you know the generous grace of our LordJesus Christ. Why compare us to Jesus and bring his generosity into the picture?

MOVING IN THE DIRECTION OF POVERTY IN ORDER TO MAKE SOMEONE ELSE RICH

5. Why is financial generosity only realized when giving hurts? How are we being called to become likeChrist when it comes to financial generosity?

6. We are talking about financial poverty and riches, but this passage also addresses spiritual povertyand riches. How can others experience spiri tual riches as a result of our movement in the direction ofpoverty - financial generosity?

GIVE AND THE WORLD WILL TAKE NOTICE!

7. The video is a story of transformation. The church only needed $160,000, but they receivedhow much? Generosity at Malawi Church was contagious! How do you explain that? Howare you encouraged?

8. Read Acts 4:32-35. How are we compelled to give financially and in practical ways afterreceiving mercy ourselves?

9. Lets fast forward to 2015. What does this model of early Church generosity look l ike here at Summit andin your life? Dream big! What does the church look like? What does our community look like? What does

your marriage look like? What other stories of transformation are we talking about?

divingindeep

Play DVDweek 2


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Living sacrificially is a lifestyle, and it is probably one of the most difficult things forus to do, yet it is exactly what we must do to make waves in the world. The impactthat we make is up to us. As Cannonball disciples we are called to make waves that

overflow from a transformed heart just like Gods generosity overflows out of his love for us. When we do, wehave a positive impact in our community, and we create waves that last a lifetime.

TRANSFORMATION

Going all in and making waves requires commitment and transformation maybe a change in lifestyle.In order to create a culture of generosity, what steps must happen in your life? What would be the bestoutcome you could imagine if you commit to this new life style?

Life style changes:

Results of a transformed life style:

wE ARE MOST LIE GOd wHEN wE GIVE

Take a few minutes to think about what needs to happen for you and the church to become most likeGod when we give. Consider writing down a few practical ways that you can give lavishly and share themwith the group.

makingwaves

week 3 . freedom


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ek3 freedomsermonnotes


study guide


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studyguide

From the Generosity devotional share which day(s) spoke to youthe most and why.

Who would like to define freedom?

What are you doing today that will have an impact on your freedom10, 20, or even 30 years from now?

Read Luke 16:13 with the group. Take time to pray together forclarity in this study and for direction in your heart to serve God withexcellence. Pray that money will not cause you to dri ft away fromGod and into self-sufficiency but rather a tool for his kingdom.

approaching thewater

preparingforthejump


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The freedom to give generously, to disperse of resources freely and joyfully, is rarelyexperienced by most of us. But that is exactly what Jesus wants us to experience.

He wants us to have the perfect balance of freedom that exists when we are properly

motivated in our ministry of managing the resources God entrusts to us. The Apostle Paul warns Timothythat The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wanderedfrom their faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10. In other words the love of moneynourishes evil and greedy motives lead us away from the true li fe. Worry, fear, greed, and loss are just afew things that distract us from a pattern of consistent, joyful generosity.

ExCESSIVE wORRY - Matthew 6:25

1. What did you find new or refreshing about this passage or this weekends message?

2. What does worry say about us, our faith in God, and what we believe about his provision for us?

3. In what ways can worry or fear be disguised in our lives? An example is working harder.

4. What are you most worried about financially?

5. In what ways does wealth create worry? In what ways does wealth relieve worry? Give

examples from your life.

pULL OF GREEd- Luke 12:13-15

6. After watching the video, what are the dangers and opportunities of wealth from aspiritual perspective?

7. Jesus said in our passage to Watch out for the dangers of money. Be on your guard against all kindsof greed. What were the two kinds of greed in this passage?

8. What other types of greed are there? How do you struggle with them?

9. Jesus continued in verse 15 that a mans life does not consist of what? How has an abundance mentalityfueled the pull of greed in our life and/or been a destructive force in your life (in personal ambitions,relationships, family, a business opportunity, etc)?

10. Conversely, how would the act of giving money away keep you from falling into the gravitational pullof greed?

divingindeep

Play DVDweek 3


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Looking back on this study we can see that worry is evidence of our deepest fears.We may not lay claim to the fact that we worry; but it is lived out in our drive for morestuff: a bigger retirement, a larger house, the best car, a second job, or a bunch

of overtime. And we can see that we are all susceptible to the gravitational pull of greed. When we getpulled in, our freedom to live a joyful, generous life is on the line. But there is a remedy for the distractionsand pitfalls of our culture and our money. We go all in and make waves with our generosity! We get off themerry-go -round and embrace a greater dependence on God, not our stuff.

FREEdOM ANd A GREATER dEpENdENCE ON GOd

Generosity helps free us from the dangers of money and leads us to greater dependence on God. Whatdo you think giving away money lavishly means in your life?

How likely are you to do that?

A STRATEGIC pLAN OF ACTION

Committing to a plan of action and developing a vision statement is a great next step on this journey.Based on your answers above, write down what you think God is calling you to (i.e., God is calling me to

live debt free, or God is calling me to a greater level of financial sacrifice for his kingdom).God is calling me to:

ths s YoUR vs sa!

making waves

week4 .trust


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ustsermonnotes


study guide


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study guide


Talk about your plan of action (vision statement) from last week read it to the group. How does it require a greater dependenceon God?

Who do you really trust and why? How did they earn your trust?How important is that trust to you?

Read Deuteronomy 15:10, 11 and Acts 20:35. Although appearingto be polar opposites (one a command and the later a reminder),both passages urge us to consider a life of generosity and theblessings that follow. Pray that God would continue to work in

our hearts as we prepare to embrace a new life of generosityremembering that, It is more blessed to give than to receive.God and into self-sufficiency but rather a tool for his kingdom.

approachingthewater

preparingfor thejump


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So far in our study weve learned when we look on the generous culture of the earlyChurch and lean on the generous nature of Jesus himself, our hearts and minds

undergo transformation. Weve learned about the freedom that generosity brings from

the entanglements of wealth. The author of Hebrews described this next step as faith, being sure ofwhat we hope for and certain of what we do not see. We must have faith and trust that great blessingsaccompany the generous life.

OVERFLOwING JOY - 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

Have someone read 2 Corinthians 8:1-2. From this passage or the weekend message, what did you discoverabout joy, poverty, generosity, or maybe about yourself?

1. What does it mean to you to be called to excel in the gracious act of giving?

2. The Church in Corinth was being asked to be responsive to the need of others. Other than need, whatelse should motivate us?

3. According to this passage where is abundant joy found? How does circumstance or position safeguardor shelter one from sacrifice or generosity?

4. What is the danger in associating generous giving with the ef forts of only wealthy and powerful?

LIFE pROSpERITY - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Every time Stanley made a decision he asked, How does this impact eternity?

5. What encouraged you most from the video? What conversations are you having with Godabout generosity?

6. From this passage we learn the Corinthians generosity would be matched by Gods generosity. What

does it mean to be enriched or rich in every way? (Refer back to our first passage too.)

7. What do these phrases mean to you? You cannot out give God. Generosity is its own reward.

8. Paul noticed that generous people often discover new wealth (spiritual or material), that allowed themto expand the perimeters of their generosity. Give an example of this in your own life. What are thedangers of expecting every gift to come back?

9. We see in this passage that one persons gift becomes the cause of praise from others. Knowing the

satisfaction that comes from others lifting their hearts to heaven, what do you need to turn over to Godin order that others might praise him?

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Paul uses a water analogy, welled up, when describing generosity that came out ofthe most extreme circumstances. Generous giving was gushing out of lives markedwith suffering and scarcity. But this could only happen because they trusted that God

is with the generous giver. Imagine the conversation that exploded across the region, as people talkedabout this band of believers who found new faith. They trusted that when a person begins to give on thebasis of enthusiastic generosity, all sorts of things in life begin to fall into place. Its time to go all in andmake waves no matter who you are!

GENEROUS GIVERS ExpERIENCE A LIFE FULL OF JOY

Experiencing a life of joy only happens when we plead for the privilege to give generously. What would alife full of overflowing joy look like to you right now? Give specific examples.

How will you plead for the privilege to give generously?

GREAT BLESSINGS ACCOMpANY THE GENEROUS LIFE

Imagine the changed life and destiny of a child, or the restoration of a marriage, or a community rebuilt,people encountering the love of Jesus for the first time, the power to break an addiction the needs ofGods people being met! How will your generosity contribute to this vision at Summit Christian Church?

making waves

my two-year generosity commitment

$ What I normally give in a year

(General fund, Next Step, etc.)+

$ My expanded annual generosity for Cannonball

(Commitment for Cannonball)=

$ x 2 years = $

+ gift from current stored resources $

= $mytwoyearcannonballcommitment

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s y g


How has the Lord been working in your heart as you contemplatewhat generosity looks like for you?

Picture someone who is known for their excellence in giving? Or isit you? What qualifies them (or you) as an excellent giver?

Have the group read Matthew 5:23, 24. Jesus regards givingas a whole-person event. Here we are called to examine ourhearts before we give. If you are caused to remember a brokenrelationship, leave the gift in front of the alter, go repair thatrelationship, and then give your gift. In this time of p rayer, examine

your heart. Prepare the perfect gift, one that is covered in theforgiveness of a mended relationship. Give thanks to God for theperfect gift in Jesus Christ.

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We have journeyed through uncharted waters in the last few weeks from theguarantee of missed opportunities when we hang out in the boat to embracing

the spiritual discipline of trusting that b lessings follow a generous giver. In this last week

of Cannonball, well discover how everyone can excel in the grace of giving as we look at a couple ofprinciples that can ignite a lifetime of generosity.

GIVE IN LOVE - 1 Corinthians 13:3

1. From the final message in our series or the passage, what are you struggling with most, or what are youmost excited about?

2. The NLT reminds us that these gifts are so spectacular that we could boast about it. But in Gods eyesthe giver is no better than the beneficiary. How has giving to someone else deepened your relationshipwith that person?

3. How is love marked in the true follower of Jesus?

4. What could possibly be gained when we sacrifice out of love for the kingdom? What did you gainthrough Jesus, who gave his body out of love?

5. Talk about the video. Who does that? Who writes a check for ten thousand dollars to acomplete stranger? How are you encouraged or inspired? Who has a similar story to share?

6. How is God inviting you to walk in a lifestyle of generosity to love and care for others, tobegin a lifestyle of generous giving?

FINISH YOUR GIVING - 2 Corinthians 8:11-12

7. What is this passage saying about the follow through skills in the church in Corinth?

8. How has finishing strong in the area of giving been a stumbling block for you? What do you need to doto recognize this obstacle and overcome it?

9. Verse 11 makes it clear that there is an obligation to give with an expression of willingness. How doesthis emphasize the fundamental point that where the heart is, the will must follow?

10. How does finishing well with giving i llustrate how much God has done for us?

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Great giving is not determined by dollar amounts but by the amount of sacrifice.Often times we get hung up on a standard that limits us and limits the grace of God.Generous giving is not limited to just the rich or the well to do. God gave his Son to

establish a standard for all people in any financial situation. Through this five week study, weve fleshed-outwhat it means to jump all in and make waves. We have been challenged to take the different aspectsof our lives and plunge them into Gods vision. And we have been given an opportunity to make somedecisions. Take a few minutes to write some of the Cannonball decisions you have made of the past fiveweeks. Share these Cannonball decisions with the group so you can celebrate together.

EVERYONE CAN ExCEL IN GRACE-GIVING

If you havent made a Cannonball commitment yet, there is still time to jump into Gods work. Jesus tells

a story about a landowner who hired workers throughout the workday, all the way to the last hour. He isteaching us that you have not missed your chance to join the work of Gods kingdom. Its not too late. Whatis God calling you to?

FINISH wELL ANd MAE A pLAN

The apostle Paul introduced the idea of a giving plan in 2 Corinthians 9:7. A giving plan begins with the

settled conviction that what I have earned or what has been given to me is not mine but Gods. Youvecommitted to Cannonball and made a two-year generosity commitment. Nows a great time to plan onhow to keep your commitment. What does your plan look like?

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Use this tool to help direct your prayers during this important season in the life of Summit. As a church, we havealways bathed every major decision and every major initiative in prayer. Cannonball is no exception. We arecommitted to moving ahead only as fast as we can move on our knees in prayer.

praisO Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens!

Psalm 8:1 Praise God for his glory and goodness. Thank him for his grace, mercy, and love. Bless him for his provision.

Thank God for the work he is doing in and through Summit. Praise God specifically for the ways you see him atwork in our church.

Praise God for the amazing opportunities he is placing before us through the Cannonball initiative. Praise himfor the impact for Christ that our church will have in our community and around the globe!

confssionBut if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9

Ask the Lord to forgive us for our foolish sense of self-sufficiency.

Pray tha t God would forgive us for often believing that we are the source of our bounty and blessingnot God.

Ask God to forgive us for turning a blind eye to the under-resourced and needy in our community andaround the world.

ptitionMay your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

Pray for the vast majority of people at Summit during Cannonba ll to go all in withthe Lord.

Pray for every Summite to take major step forward in their generosity journeywith their Cannonball commitment. Ask the Lord to help Spectators to at leastbecome Purposeful Givers. Pray for Purposeful Givers to become PercentageGivers. And pray that Percentage Givers would become Progressive Giversgoing way beyond 10%.

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Documents

Cannonball Brochure