Before we launched in 2020, people around Horry and Georgetown counties were surveyed and asked the question "How's life going for you?". Almost all the responses recorded were in the ballpark of "could be doing better" or "feel like I'm stuck". This feeling was only made worse by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic since that time! 

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So what is the response of the church? Can it really make a difference? 

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If we are just concerned about putting on a great worship experience every Sunday, the answer is... not nearly as much as we could be. We know that eternity matters, but this life on earth does too. People are struggling and it is our responsibility to show them a better way!

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Our name says it all. To "move forward" means making progress. Seeing growth, if you will. It's directional, in the sense of there's movement and it's the good kind we want to see. If your life was a stock, you'd want it trending in a positive direction, right? 

This is where the church should step in. It's because we believe the church should take back its rightful place in the local community as a center of influence. In this case, having a voice at the table in every area of life (not just "religion"). It comes from our mission of: 

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"We exist to move people forward to the full life that God intends."

 

This mission stems from Proverbs 3:5-6, which says: 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
   and He will make your paths straight.

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What this means is, there is a "cause and effect", a connection that occurs when we put God first in our life! That every area (relationships, finances, career, etc.) is impacted in a favorable way. In other words, when we prioritize our entire life around God, He will open up doors for us in ways that we never could on our own! 

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And it's our belief that the church can help shape all areas of our life, based on that first value... faith. That the church should take the lead in shaping what our community believes about obviously God, but also what a healthy marriage looks like. What our kids should be focusing on. How to manage a budget and grow wealth. Finding your purpose and calling. And the importance of serving others, not just ourselves. 

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We want to see the Grand Strand grow! We want there to be a spiritual awakening, but also to see this community healthier in every area of life. To see thriving families and a booming economy. Where every person has opportunities to do more and be more. Where needs are met by the church with strategic partnerships. 

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So... what's next? 🤔

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As a church plant, we've seen challenges of space and location, as well as resources and scheduling. It's difficult to enact 100% of our vision when you only meet in a mobile space one Sunday morning a week, with Home Groups scattered throughout. 

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In June of 2021, we made the move to a new location that would afford us the opportunity to carry out this vision. A place we could call home, but better yet, serve as a training ground for Christ-followers and a sanctuary for the lost, hurting, and broken in Horry County.

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By having this space, we will be able to offer new opportunities for growth. Classes, workshops, conferences, nights of worship, and other special events throughout the month. All in an effort to help people move forward! 

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In the first quarter of 2023, renovations at our new location are now complete and we will have a beautiful, attractive space for life and ministry. We are excited to see what God is going to do!