IMPACT Chapel

In October 2016, Brian expressed great interest in a small congregation in Hawaii that was in danger of closing. The church building was nestled in the heart of a private community of 1,100 young families, and Brian recognized the potential to grow the congregation of 10 and reach the community with the Gospel. A month later, he took the senior pastor role. 

As the energy of the new service spread, God brought key leaders that were paramount in the foundation of the future IMPACT Chapel Hawaii: Josh (worship leader), Spencer (audio/visual/bass guitar), Ann & Phil (children's church/welcome crew) and Jeff (pastor).

Within a month, the congregation grew to 50. Children’s church began and nursery workers were hired. Meanwhile, Brian worked on the overall mission and direction for the future. The Lord led him to study the Book of Acts where the first century church exploded in growth and reached the world with the Gospel. Most interesting was how it all began and what they did that lit a fire! 

Brian recognized seven basic practices...

1. They gathered together in homes

2. They prayed together

3. They ate together

4. They exchanged experiences of the risen Savior

5. They shared communion

6. They identified needs 

7. They bought and sold as needed and fulfilled needs

Although those basic practices may seem insignificant, it was the recipe for an explosion of God's power! As a result…

1. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit

2. They spread the Gospel in Jerusalem and beyond 

3. Thousands were saved and baptized

4. Miracles performed by the apostles

5. They exploded in growth and churches spawned 

6. Deacons were selected to assist

7. Individual needs were met 

Wow! As a result of seven basic practices, God empowered and increased the church! Had the believers not united under the principles, there would never have been a future. The Gospel would not have spread, we would not have the Bible, and today, we would be lost and undone. 

Most interesting, the first church(s) did not have building programs, worship teams, children's church, bus ministries, daycares, websites, or coffee bars. They didn't have fellowship halls, family rec rooms, big screens and bookstores. No, they didn't have much, but they had all they needed in Christ and in each other. You see, they bonded together, and they did a lot with a little because "little is much when God is in it!" (Matt. 14:15-21). 

Brian summarized their success revolved around three core elements: the SAVIOR, the SCRIPTURES and SERVICE. The Savior, because He was the life-changing purpose. A deep love for the Savior resulted in service, and ultimately the Scriptures, which contained the marching orders. Service, because service was a key characteristic of demonstrated faith - they served one another and God. 

Brian recognized that the small group of believers, as well as most congregations, claimed some type of allegiance to those three elements, but what was missing? What was preventing a greater impact in communities and beyond? Brian believed that the missing link was buried in the depths of complacency and shallow Christianity. He saw the immediate need to dive deeper to connect with God and make a real impact, and he knew that it had to start with the seven basic principles of the original church. He called it, ‘unleashing the church.’

With a new flame lit within, Brian penned the three core elements for IMPACT: 

1. A deeper relationship with the Savior

2. A deeper dive into Scripture

3. A deeper IMPACT through Service

BRANDING

Brian and Spencer tossed around some names.  They needed something that was simple, easy to recognize, and conveyed a clear message.  It only made sense:  (1) God had already made a significant impact on the new congregation in a short amount of time, (2) the impact of the first church was significant driving factor, and (3) the three core values was going to make a huge impact on the community in the years to come.  IMPACT Chapel (Hawaii) was chosen and the letters were capitalized for emphasis.  Spencer drafted a few logos and the current logo was selected.  

CHANGE

Although the full vision of IMPACT wasn't launched until January of 2017, Brian was leading change.  He had no desire to reform the church. Instead, he needed to completely dissolve the formalities, rituals, legalities, and meaningless traditions of the modern church model and inject the three core elements and the seven basics practices. 

PREACHING

Since preaching of the Word is the most important element of the service, Brian led the team to preach with enthusiasm, without notes and without a pulpit!  It required total transparency. It required true preparation and with a message burning in the soul.  It required pastors to energetically speak up and speak out. To interact with the congregation. To use relevant, everyday illustrations like Jesus!  To drill deep, to dive down, to go deeper into Scripture and relay it in such a way that Christians could be fed, grow and mature spiritually. Enough with shallow Christianity! It was time to produce, disciple and forge warriors in the faith.  

STRUCTURE

Additionally, Brian modeled the structure and climate after the first century church. It was free from legalism, rituals, unnecessary traditions and unbiblical, denominational-created dogma. There was no church constitution because the Bible was the constitution. There was no official membership, because biblical membership is by faith in Jesus Christ.  There cause was no 'statement of faith because a real statement of faith is just that - a statement of your faith.  Although pastor led, it was a team effort of pastors led by Brian, and no single individual (or group of people) would hold power or control.  Elders and deacon boards were dissolved. 'Business meetings' were changed to family meetings.  Women were highly valued and had a voice in change.  All things were done in to be more consistent with the Scripture to glorify God, empower believers, create trust, ownership and unity.

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

Brian's desire was to move away from the linear layout and to move to a more semi-circular layout.  The goal was to create more personal connection between the preacher and the congregants.  

BEACH SERVICE

Hawaii afforded the opportunity to host a monthly each service.  Outside was purposeful in the plan to create an unconventional approach to church.  Baptisms, child dedications, a meal and activities were the highlights of every beach service.  

MUSIC

The Bible clearly emphasizes 'psalms, hymns and spiritual songs' and it identifies the use of all instruments for God's glory.  For this reason, Josh worked fervently and brought the absolute best every Sunday.  Understanding that music style is a dividing factor in churches, we cared less about 'catering' a certain style or genre.  IMPACT's goal was to align with God and His Word and not to be limited by what people think.  Glorifying God and enjoy His presence through all the songs of God was most important in developing the music of IMPACT. For that reason, Brian encouraged to not get 'stuck in a rut' with a certain style, but to enjoy all psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - to sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord.  From the old hymns of Zion to the new songs of praise, the goal was for Christians to appreciate and rejoice in all styles for God. 

WORKI IN PROGRESS _ STANDBY