parkside
Church
THE GOSPEL CHANGES
EVERY TH I NG
WH Y ATL ANTA?
THE I NFLUENCE
2ND
THE INFLUENCE
1.
Rapidly growing national impact.
2.
Home to sixteen Fortune 500 companies, Atlanta has
the third
highest concentration of Fortune 500
MORE
THAN
companies in the US.
3.
4.
16
The tenth largest metro area economy.
FASTEST GROWING FOREIGN
A hub for industries of transportation, technology,
manufacturing,
health, and
automotives.
BORN
POPULATION IN THE US.
8 MILLION
BY 2040
100
5. TOBudding film
and television
industry.
HOME
Fortune
500
companies,
Atlantamecca.
has the third
6. Sporting
SPORTING
HOME OF THE
highest concentration of Fortune
MECCA
7. Home of the world’s busiest airport.
WORLD’S BUSIEST
500 companies in the US.
MORE THAN
8. Home to over 30 colleges and universities, and languages
was namedspoken
the #1 Best
for College Grads AIRPORT.
by Forbes.
in theCity
area.
9. forThe
secondof
fastest
growing foreign
born population in the US.
A hub
industries
transportation,
technology,
manufacturing,
and
automotives.
10. More health,
than 100
languages
spoken in the area.
10
RAPIDLY GROWING NATIONAL IMPACT.
11. Atlanta is projected to grow to more than 8 million people by 2040.
LARGEST METRO
HOME TO MORE THAN 30 colleges and
AREA ECONOMY.
universities, and was named the #1 Best
City for College Grads by Forbes.
TH
BUDDING FILM AND
TELEVISION INDUSTRY.
THE NEED
A common misconception about this highly influential city is that there is no need for new churches, but this
could not be further from the truth. Though there may seem to be a church on every corner, the truth is there
is little gospel presence. It is estimated that 92% of one million people living inside the I-285 perimeter
(the urban core) have no inclination toward church. The city of Atlanta is a juxtaposition of wealth and
success set alongside violence, drugs, human trafficking, and poverty. Specifically, the east Atlanta area has
been historically known as a dangerous and undesirable area. In recent years, this area has seen a wave of new
life and is now one of the most up-and-coming areas of Atlanta with young families and young professionals
moving in by the droves. As it currently stands, east Atlanta has “everything” anyone could desire, except
a strong church presence. Those moving into this area have a deep desire for community but have never
experienced the true community of the family of God.
A S TR ATEGIC LOC ATION FOR
RE ACHING COLLEGE S TUDENT S
N OTA B LE CO LLEG E S/U N I VE R S ITI E S W ITH I N 3 M I LE S FRO M TA RG ET A R E A
G EO RG I A S TATE U N I VE R S IT Y
G EO RG I A I N S TITUTE O F TECH N O LO GY
B EUL A H H E I G HT S U N I VE R S IT Y
1 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
OUR CONTE X T
WH Y GLENWO O D PAR K?
With intentions to land in a Western city, Kimmie and I halfheartedly visited urban Atlanta in March 2015 and have
not been the same since. The Lord has put on our hearts
an unmistakable desire and a clear vision to plant Parkside
Church in the up-and-coming area of East Atlanta. With
our heart to reach the neighborhoods and communities of
East Atlanta, it has become clear that the most strategic
way in which to do that would be to move our family to
Glenwood Park and to see the church planted there. When
Jim Haskell (NAMB, SEND City Missionary of Atlanta)
came to Atlanta and assumed responsibility of being the
lead coordinator for church planting in Atlanta nearly six
years ago, he deemed Glenwood Park as being one of the
top three most strategic areas of all of metro Atlanta. Until
recently, they had not found the right fit for a planter to
move into this area. According to Haskell, making it in this
area requires the combination of a high-capacity leader and the support of a great church. In August we were
approved by NAMB to enter into its program to plant in Glenwood Park, and NAMB believes they have found
the right situation for a church to now be planted in this thriving area.
Historically, East Atlanta was a tough part of town. Facing the difficulties of urbanization, most churches fled
the area for suburban destinations outside of the perimeter. In the last several years, however, East Atlanta
has experienced a major revitalization. It is now considered one of the most exciting areas of Atlanta, and a
premier choice for young families and business professionals, but the church is still sorely missing.
In a 5-mile radius from Glenwood Park, there are nearly 325,000 people and hardly a single church. All people
are important and need the gospel, but our research also indicates that many of the young “millennials” in this
area (nearly 40% of the total population) will turn out to be the future leaders and influencers of Atlanta. This
research is only confirmed when looking at the affluence present, along with the proximity to the capital and
to downtown.
As an additional layer, Glenwood Park has proved to be the hub area and destination of choice for many of
East Atlanta. We believe that if we plant Parkside Church there, we will be able to have a much wider reach
and stronger pull to the residents of the East Atlanta neighborhoods. During one of our vision trips to Atlanta
we had a conversation with an area property manager. Hearing about our heart to start a new church in the
area she said, “We have everything anyone could want here, but the only thing I could think of that we don’t
have is a church.” As this area continues to grow, with more construction currently underway, this will only
confirm Glenwood Park as one of Atlanta’s most premier anchor communities. It has become clear through
much prayer that we must plant here!
2 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
WE ARE PARK SIDE
MISSION S TATEMENT
PAR K SI DE CHURCH E XI S T S TO MAK E HE ALTH Y DI SCI PLES WH O
DECL AR E AN D D I SPL AY THE I NFI N ITE VALUE OF J ESUS FO R THE
CIT Y OF ATL ANTA , FO R THE GLO RY OF GO D.
3 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
CORE VALUES
W E W I LL SEEK TO FULFI LL OU R M I SS I O N BY E N SU R I N G E VE RY M E M B E R O F
PA R K S I D E CH U RCH I S M O B I LI Z E D TO LI VE O UT O U R TH R EE CO R E VALU E S
O F G OSPEL , CO M M U N IT Y, A N D M I SS I O N . W E W I LL D I LI G E NTLY L A B O R A N D
PR AY TO G ETH E R FO R TH E SE VALUE S FO R TH E CIT Y O F ATL A NTA , A N D FO R
TH E G LO RY O F G O D.
1.GOSPEL
The gospel is God’s declaration to all humanity of His Lordship and limitless love. He loves to the extent that
He sent His only Son, Jesus, to redeem and restore imperfect people back into right relationship with Him,
to be His sons and daughters. God accomplishes this work, making us His children, through the perfect life,
death, and resurrection of Jesus. The gospel produces gratitude in us because we realize that our salvation
could only come by sheer, free grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus, not through our own efforts
and works. This is the gospel, and the gospel changes absolutely everything. It changes the way we love,
give, serve, speak, work, think, and view others. Therefore, the gospel will be the motivation for everything
we do as a church. In the Bible, God has communicated to us clearly and powerfully about Himself and the
gospel. In order to grow in our love and appreciation for God and the gospel we will saturate everything we
do in knowing God through His Word. Through our daily attention to God’s Word we will demonstrate our
dependence on the gospel’s relevance and power for all of life. As we are being changed by the gospel in
all of life we will glorify God as the supreme treasure and hope of our lives, for the city of Atlanta, and for
the nations.
2 .COM MUN IT Y
Since the gospel changes our hearts and identities, we are free to become people who have truly authentic,
honest, transparent, and loving relationships. Simply put, the gospel creates a new kind of community. This
kind of community demonstrates the power and beauty of the gospel, because it is no longer bound by
common relational barriers; rather, strong, family relationships are forged among people from all walks of
life, backgrounds, and ethnicities. As a church, we desire to see every member of Parkside committed to
community life by investing in one another and also joining together to reach our neighbors, friends, and coworkers. We, like the early church, will express community by gathering together for corporate worship and
in smaller groups throughout the week. Our prayer is that we will be a vibrant and visible expression of God’s
love for the city of Atlanta, for the glory of God.
3.M I SSI ON
God has always been a sending God. Just as God is on mission to redeem worshipers from all nations, He
also sends us into our social networks, neighborhoods, and workplaces to declare and display the gospel.
Practically, each member of Parkside Church is a missionary into these places for the good of the city and for
the glory of God. As a church we are on mission together to see people changed, communities transformed
and churches planted in Atlanta and beyond for the glory of King Jesus.
4 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
LE ADERSHIP
CH R I S TIAN WH ITE
Christian was born in Fulton County and raised in Hampton, GA. As a proud Georgia native, he grew up loving
the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, and going to Georgia Tech baseball games as a kid. Christian and his beautiful
wife, Kimmie, have an interesting story. Knowing each other in high school, Kimmie played a major role in
bringing Christian to faith in Christ. Just a few months into his new faith, Christian convinced Kimmie to go
on a date with him. Exactly four years later to the day, they became married and have been happily married
for 5-½ years now. Christian and Kimmie have two incredible girls together, Charlieanne (01/12/2012) and
Madeline (08/01/2014). Christian loves being with people, especially his family. He believes his family will play a
key role in the way he does ministry in Atlanta. Christian will serve as the Lead Planter and Pastor.
Christian recently transitioned from the business world, where he was a Director of Account Management. His
experience has given him a unique gift and burden for reaching business professionals.
M I N I S T RY E X PER I EN CE
Christian has served in student ministry, college ministry, and community group ministry. In college he served
as the chaplain to the school’s baseball team and also as the President of Baptist Collegiate Ministries. He
currently serves as a church planting intern to the Lead Pastor of Open Door Church in Raleigh, NC.
E D U C AT I O N
M.Div. SEBTS, 2015
B.A. Christian Studies, Truett-McConnell College, 2010
5 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
WESLE Y PR I CE
Wesley was born in Fulton County and raised in
Marietta, GA. He is proud of his Georgia roots,
though he pledges no allegiance to Atlanta sports
teams, because they constantly disappointed him in
his childhood. He left his heart and family in Georgia
in 2001 and moved to Wake Forest, NC to attend
seminary. That’s when he met Angey and found the
greatest blessing of his life short of salvation. He and
Angey were married in 2004 and, about 6 years later,
had Cullen (1/15/2011), and, a little later on, Lincoln
(12/4/2013). The Prices love to serve in worship
together, really like good food, and really, really like
good coffee.
M I N I S T RY E X PER I EN CE
Wesley has served in different capacities at
Open Door Church since 2004­—from overseeing
communications and computer technology to
managing audio, visual, and lighting. Currently,
Wesley oversees the worship ministry, where he has
served with Angey and an incredible worship team
for the past 6 years.
E D U C AT I O N
Th.M. Biblical Theology, SEBTS, 2007
M.A. Intercultural Studies, SEBTS, 2003
B.A. English Literature, Kennesaw State University,
2000
WE AR E CO M M IT TED TO THE PH ILOSO PH Y OF TE AM I N CHURCH
PL ANTI NG . ALO NG WITH THE PR I CE’S AN D THE WH ITE’S, WE HAVE
ADDITI O NAL K E Y FAM ILIES WHO HAVE ALR E ADY CO M M IT TED TO
GO I NG AN D B E I NG A PAR T OF PAR K SI DE CHURCH I N THE CIT Y OF
ATL ANTA . WE HAVE B EEN HUM B LED BY THE E XCITEMENT AND
I NTER ES T OF OTHER S I N OUR J OUR NE Y OF PL ANTI NG I N ATL ANTA .
6 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
1
TIMELINE
W I NTE R 12 /15 – 3/16
• Develop a prayer team
• Continue to build core team and meet regularly
• Create strategic plan for disciple-making
• Launch parksideatl.com
• Host interest meetings
• Legalize church documents and solidify incorporation status
• Begin fundraising
• Work to form strategic partnerships with churches
• Lead vision tours with partnering churches and potential ministry partners
2
SPR I N G/SU M M E R 4/16 – 8/16
• Move team to target area
• Network with other ATL church planters and pastors
• Begin Community Groups
• Attend city and neighborhood events
• Create awareness of Parkside Church
• Disciple new believers
• Identify mercy ministries to serve alongside
• Secure funding
• Secure a meeting location
• Conduct first membership meeting
• Work with mission teams from supporting churches
3
FALL / W I NTE R 9/16 – 2 /17
• Launch first worship service
• Meet for corporate worship each Sunday
• Follow up with visitors to each service
• Catalyze intentional service outreaches to the community
• Launch new Community Groups
• Establish and conduct membership classes
• Begin formal Community Group leader training
• Continue mercy ministry efforts in the city
• Establish children’s ministry
7 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
4
SPR I N G/SU M M E R 3/17- 8/17
• Establish other age-specific ministries
• Add discipleship classes
• Plan for future church planting opportunities and partnerships
• Cultivate NA and international missions partnerships
FUTURE
• Establish internship program for future church leaders and missionaries
• Establish consistent national and international mission trips
• Identify leaders and areas for future church plants
• Commission national and international missionaries
• Establish outreach ministry to moms
• Reach self-supporting status
• Add elders and staff on as-needed basis
• Work toward disciple-making plans to reach business professionals
BUDGET
ADMINISTRATION......................................................................................................................... $4,600.00
OUTREACH...................................................................................................................................$12,000.00
DISCIPLESHIP................................................................................................................................ $11,500.00
FACILITIES.................................................................................................................................... $32,000.00
EQUIPMENT................................................................................................................................... $5,500.00
LEADERSHIP............................................................................................................................... $110,000.00
TOTAL PROJECTED 1ST YEAR BUDGET........................................................................... $175,600.00
8 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
ENDORSEMENT S
DR . DAN N Y AK I N , PR ESI DENT
SOUTHE A S TER N BAP TI S T THEOLOG I C AL SEM I NARY
Christian White is a wonderful young man in whom I have the greatest confidence.
His passion for Christ, the gospel, the Word, and the Church are immediately
evident upon meeting him. I love his heart and vision for reaching the underserved
in Atlanta. I am in his corner 100% and believe God is going to do tremendous
things through Christian for His glory.
DR . TI M DOWDY, LE AD PA S TO R
E AGLE’S L ANDI NG FI R S T BAP TI S T CHURCH
I have seen the amazing story of God’s work in Christian’s life since he was a high
school student. It has been a blessing to watch what Paul taught in Philippians
1:6 bear fruit in Christian’s life. As his home church we are excited about the next
step in his journey of faith. Christian is fully committed to leading the way to plant
Parkside Church in an urban Atlanta neighborhood called Glenwood Park. I am
confident that God will use him for a great gospel work and our church family is
thrilled to partner with him and his family in this new church for the glory of God!
DR . DWAY NE M ILI O N I , LE AD PA S TO R
O PEN DO O R CHURCH
We are excited to send Christian White and Parkside Church into the heart of
Atlanta’s new urbanism. The need for the gospel is great and the potential for
Kingdom influence is amazing.
Z ACH NEL SO N , E XECUTIVE DI R EC TO R
THE PILL AR NET WO R K
I have been blessed to observe the life and doctrine of Christian and Kimmie
over the past four years as they have humbly submitted themselves to their local
church. Christian has demonstrated giftedness in teaching, preaching, leadership,
evangelism, hospitality, and discipleship. I’m thankful for the investment they
have made at Open Door and I look forward to seeing how God will use them to
plant Parkside Church in Atlanta. The Pillar Network is extremely excited to have
Parkside as a future partnering church.
9 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
THE NEED:B ECOME
A S TR ATEGIC PAR TNER
We are a SBC church plant, partnering with the North American Mission Board and the Pillar Network. We are
being sent out and commissioned by two of our strategic partnering churches, Open Door Church in Raleigh,
NC and Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA. While these two great churches are making
significant investments in our mission, the reality is that we need everyone on board to see Parkside Church
planted for the city of Atlanta, for the glory of God.
CONNECT
Do you know someone who lives in the city of Atlanta that would benefit from being a part of Parkside
Church? As our team members are seeking full-time employment, maybe you know someone that can
connect us with meaningful employment opportunities in the city.
Email me at rchristianwhite@gmail.com and simply put “Let Me Connect You” in the subject line!
PRAY
This journey was birthed out of an intense season of prayer. Prayer continues to sustain us and allows us
to see God at work. You can join in as a prayer partner and receive periodic updates by email.
Email rchristianwhite@gmail.com and simply put “Prayer Team” in the subject line!
GIVE
Our financial partners are a significant component of our support team. Our sending churches are
committed to us financially over the next several years. We are excited to partner with churches and
individuals preferably on a monthly basis. To discuss partnering financially with Parkside Church, email
Christian at rchristianwhite@gmail.com or phone at 404-408-0228.
GO
Join our team for one of the most exciting journeys of your life as we see God move greatly together.
Several families will move to Atlanta and make Parkside their new church home, and we look forward to
seeing how the Lord will call people to serve with us. Email rchristianwhite@gmail.com and simply put
“Interested In Joining Parkside” in the subject line!
10 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
HELP US PL ANT!
GIVING BY CHECK?
All gifts are tax-deductible. Checks and gifts should be made out to
“The Pillar Network” and mailed to:
The Pillar Network
9801 Durant Road
Raleigh, NC 27614
*Please designate the gift to “Parkside Church” on the memo line of
the check or on a separate note.
GIVING ONLINE?
Go to thepillarnetwork.com. Click “Give” (top right). Scroll down to
“Please click here to give now.” Existing users can log in and new
users can create a new login. To give one time, select “Quick Give,”
and you will not need to create a login. Designate your one-time
donation or recurring donations to “Parkside Church.”
11 | PA R K S I D E C H U R C H P R O S P E C T U S
parkside
Church
CONTAC T US
Twitter: @parksideatl
Facebook: Parkside Church ATL
Website: parksideatl.com
rchristianwhite@gmail.com
404-408-0228