Resources
You will find the LAUNCH sermon series, Life Group discussion videos, digital recourses, and FAQ
LAUNCH SERMON SERIES
Below are resources for the Launch sermon series from Fall 2021. You can find links to the sermon videos, Life group discussion videos, and can download the Launch Guide and Family Guide.
COURAGEOUS FAITH SERMON SERIES
Below are resources for our Launch mid-point series called Courageous Faith. You can find a link to the sermon videos and can download the Courageous Faith Booklet.
FAQ
If we are committing to LAUNCH, how does this change my giving to missions, the general fund, and other special offerings?
During this two-year period, every contribution to God through First Mansfield is a contribution to our Launch initiative. Every aspect of the ministry vision God is calling us towards for the next two years will be funded through Launch. There will not be separate funds. Every gift made will go into the same fund and will be our Launch giving. Therefore, every day becomes a day to celebrate and contribute towards what God is doing in us and through us as we seek to expand God’s mission through First Mansfield.
What are you asking me to do?
First and foremost, we are asking that you pray and seek God’s leading on what He is asking of you. Prepare your heart to hear Him, and then listen to what He says. Engage in a small group during this season, if you haven’t already engaged in one. Engage in personal reflection with God in the Launch workbook you will be receiving. Talk with your group, your spouse, your family, friends, or others about what this commitment will mean for this next exciting season of your life.
We are asking that you make a commitment to gospel-motivated generosity – whatever it is that God leads you to do. Follow His leading.
Finally, prepare to be amazed. It is an awesome God that we serve, and we anticipate He will move in huge ways as we seek an unprecedented impact from our collective Launch commitments – something only God can do. Please mark your calendar for Commitment Sunday, November 7, and prepare to experience a life-changing worship service that will forever be remembered as a defining moment for our church and for our own faith.
Are there additional ways besides cash that I can give more towards LAUNCH?
Be creative as you explore ways you and your family can give towards Launch. You might have some stocks, property, or other items of that nature. Or you may have some stored resources that God has blessed you with in the past that He might be calling you to give out of during this time. Please let us know if you need assistance with facilitating gifts of property or stock, and we would be happy to help you with that. You can contact Mike Sellers at mikes@firstmansfield.com and [817-473-1161] to make a gift of this type.
How long is my commitment?
We are asking that everyone make a two-year commitment. The fulfillment period for your commitment will begin with our First Big Give on Sunday, December 5, 2021 and it will culminate in December of 2023.
What if I don't have a job right now? What does that mean for my Launch commitment?
Launch is about your total, prioritized, gospel-motivated generosity to God’s mission at First Mansfield. We believe that God calls us to action in times of hardship just as much as He does in times of abundance, and that looks different for every person. Launch is about a heart surrender - one that is only accomplished by seeking the Lord and responding to His call and His Word. So that may mean that you are being challenged to sell things, to pick up odd jobs, or even to trust God in faith by making a commitment that you don't quite know how to fulfill right now but that you believe God will provide for as you seek for ways to sacrifice and work towards that commitment. We would love for 100% of us to be a part of Launch so that we can all be supporting, loving, encouraging, and praying for one another through this spiritually-stretching season at First Mansfield.
What if I am significantly in debt right now? Am I still supposed to give?
If you are someone currently 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. We would be happy to help you in this journey and/or to recommend a budgeting class that might minister to you. Being in debt does not, however, make someone "excused" from giving. Giving isn't about what God wants from you; rather, it's about what God wants for you. So, it should be our joy and privilege to give at all times, regardless of the amount or percentage. Please contact us if you need assistance with paying off of debt while still giving or if you would like to speak with a budgeting counselor, and we would be honored to help.
What if I have never even given to First Mansfield before?
Launch was crafted specifically with you in mind. Launch 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 aren't yet giving. Launch is a call to surrendered, gospel-motivated generosity for absolutely everyone at First Mansfield. If you have never given before, this is your chance to get in the game with committed giving. We really hope you will.
What if I am new around here?
Launch is about the vision for our church and our personal discipleship in giving as followers of Jesus. We believe that the local church is one of the most compelling missions to give towards, and we would really love for you to make First Mansfield your home and join us in Launch. 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!