VLC PRACTICE FIELD
The Testimony & Vision of Destiny Sports
Larger B4T Vision
GIVE IT AWAY 1,000,000 TIMES!
The Lord blessed us with 46 acres in a fast-growing and highly valuable portion of Lubbock. Much of this land will likely never be needed for standard church purposes. We could easily sell the excess land at a premium and give the money to good and worthy causes. But what if, instead of leading us to sell it, God entrusted us with a vision to develop it into something excellent, God-honoring, and profitable? What if we give the very profits He blesses us with away…over and over, year after year!? What if we could give this land away a million times…to His glory!?
Our vision for this land is to develop it into a renewable resource that provides local ministry opportunities while serving God’s mission to reach unengaged nations (people groups without access to the gospel).
How Would This Work?
Launching, recruiting, and partnering with Christ-centered businesses that thrive locally and facilitate Godly spiritual growth for all who engage them will make this work. And we believe God will call some of these businesses to be exported as startups in unengaged areas of the globe. We need to create quality businesses that meet local needs.
How Does This Fit the Rest of Our Church Ministry?
Our church focuses on relational discipleship, embodying Avodah (the Hebrew word that integrates work, worship, and service), and sending disciple makers to the lost. Our sending will depend on our ability to disciple relationally. Our relational discipleship should be present in our workplaces (not just church groups) and foster within us open hearts to the call of God to go where He pleases. Our work (Avodah) should employ relational discipleship but also cast vision in the hearts of people who God might send to work and make disciples in another culture (or city). They are all interrelated.
We are sent to the lost. Our God is a sending God. The Father sent His Son (1 John 4:14). The Father and the Son send the Spirit (John 15:26). They send us (John 20:21). We are sent to the lost of every nation, tribe, people, and language (Rev. 7:9). Some of the lost are in Lubbock. Some are in Dallas. Some are in Pakistan. Wherever they are, we are sent there, as the Lord directs. However, we must overemphasize the unengaged because they are harder to reach. Hard things take extra work. As David Platt said so well, “All the easy places have been reached.”
Three Key Areas (clarified):
Once established, our Goal is to give $1,000,000 a year to fund or start ministries in unengaged regions of the world and send waves of disciple-makers wherever God calls them to go.
Our vision for this land is to develop it into a renewable resource that provides local ministry opportunities while serving God’s mission to reach unengaged nations (people groups without access to the gospel).
How Would This Work?
Launching, recruiting, and partnering with Christ-centered businesses that thrive locally and facilitate Godly spiritual growth for all who engage them will make this work. And we believe God will call some of these businesses to be exported as startups in unengaged areas of the globe. We need to create quality businesses that meet local needs.
- Quality Business
- Evaluate business plans, provide coaching, and help launch
- Offer ongoing training to maximize success
- Provide on-the-job ministry mentoring to help new businesses understand that godly work (in any vocation) is part of redeeming the lost
- Local Ministry Possibilities
- Job Creation - blesses families
- Skills training - enables us to onboard and train workers in every economic demographic
- Community Interaction & Engagement - build relationships where the gospel can be seen and heard
- Provide Goods and Services - meet the needs of our community
How Does This Fit the Rest of Our Church Ministry?
Our church focuses on relational discipleship, embodying Avodah (the Hebrew word that integrates work, worship, and service), and sending disciple makers to the lost. Our sending will depend on our ability to disciple relationally. Our relational discipleship should be present in our workplaces (not just church groups) and foster within us open hearts to the call of God to go where He pleases. Our work (Avodah) should employ relational discipleship but also cast vision in the hearts of people who God might send to work and make disciples in another culture (or city). They are all interrelated.
We are sent to the lost. Our God is a sending God. The Father sent His Son (1 John 4:14). The Father and the Son send the Spirit (John 15:26). They send us (John 20:21). We are sent to the lost of every nation, tribe, people, and language (Rev. 7:9). Some of the lost are in Lubbock. Some are in Dallas. Some are in Pakistan. Wherever they are, we are sent there, as the Lord directs. However, we must overemphasize the unengaged because they are harder to reach. Hard things take extra work. As David Platt said so well, “All the easy places have been reached.”
Three Key Areas (clarified):
- The profits generated on this section of VLC land will be used in three ways:
- As a priority, we will send money to fund outreach in unengaged areas of the world. The primary options are Bible language development groups like Wycliffe, B4T (Business for Transformation), and traditional mission launches to unengaged people groups.
- It is conceivable that we would use profits to train future B4T practitioners who will go to unengaged areas from Lubbock.
- We will use some profits to maintain the land we develop for this purpose. It will not be used to maintain regular church property.
- We will reinvest profits into future business development until our land is fully developed. Once the land is fully developed, the profits will continue to fund missions as well as be used to maintain the earmarked property.
- As a priority, we will send money to fund outreach in unengaged areas of the world. The primary options are Bible language development groups like Wycliffe, B4T (Business for Transformation), and traditional mission launches to unengaged people groups.
- The work that will be done on this property must:
- Be excellent and God-honoring
- Be a training ground for future entrepreneurs (both locallly and abroad)
- Bring the concept of "Avodah" to life by teaching employers and employees what it means to do their work as worship
- The ministry capacity of these businesses must be kept in focus:
- It's not JUST about job creation and community engagement. It's about spiritual transformation.
- Ministry within our work requires diligence because it is easy to drift toward profitability, especially when funding a worthy cause.
- These businesses should provide a model for other Christians who seek to develop a workplace ministry in their local jobs.
Once established, our Goal is to give $1,000,000 a year to fund or start ministries in unengaged regions of the world and send waves of disciple-makers wherever God calls them to go.
Common Questions & Concerns
Business is dirty in the secular world, and we should be concerned that this dirt will work its way into the church.
There are many ways to think about this issue. It's not cut and dry, nor is it simple. We will absolutely acknowledge that if we decide corporately as one body to engage in the development of our church property for profit, we ("we," meaning elders, staff, deacons, and those involved in the development) will 100% incur many struggles that we could otherwise avoid. One of those struggles will be the dirt of secular work, aka temptation. Another will be the perception of some church members and outsiders that B4T is inherently wrong.
That perception should be strongly refuted. But let's address temptation first. The vast majority, perhaps 95% of those who gather at VLC on Sundays, engage in secular work Monday through Friday. They are neck deep in that environment and the temptation that comes with it. We believe it is wishful thinking to propose that the temptations inherent in secular work are not already wreaking havoc in the lives of those who gather here on Sunday.
Further, who can be counted on to show secular workers how to do labor for the glory of God in the midst of temptation? Doesn't Betenbough do it? Doesn't Sinclair HVAC do it? Are we off base to hope that all of you who read this are salt and light in a dark world? If we can do it individually, why can't we do it corporately? And in doing it corporately, wouldn't it be helpful to actively track the methods, logic, and biblical principles that are wisely brought to bear on common temptations in the workplace? And then, couldn't we take this learning and teach it, model it, and export it to God's people elsewhere?
Further, the very essence of the gospel is that God is with us, Emmanuel. He came down into our darkness to redeem us from our sin and brokenness and reconcile us to Himself. As a result, we have become ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). We are reconciling and redeeming agents of God who brings order to chaos for His glory. Bringing order to chaos, generally speaking, is the essence of work (Genesis 1:28). There is perhaps no better venue given to us by God to interact with unbelievers than where we spend most of our waking hours working shoulder to shoulder with them. We have been placed there for a purpose!
Consequently, let's put our hearts into redeeming it. The way we work reflects who we worship. Either we walk into our offices as a servant of Christ looking to the interests of others or as a servant of ambition looking to the interests of self. We can't do both at the same time (Philippians 2; Colossians 3:23; Matthew 6:24).
Further, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
Now then, how do we deal with the perception of evil? Perception is a difficult thing to change because with a church our size, it will take a lot of time and energy. The cost will be very high. Undeniably, we have considered that it might be wiser to avoid this difficulty and struggle and focus on "normal" church matters. In reality it's hard to make this judgment without knowing what the cost will be. We've never done this before.
But regardless of what people perceive, the reality is that business can be done wickedly or righteously. In this way, it is like a tool. Our iPhones can be used for great evil or for great good. We decide.
Should we or should we NOT do it? That is a judgment call. We have to discern God's direction in space and time. We decide. And if the premise is correct that the land west of Wayne Avenue is more than enough for our future church buildings, then we have a responsibility to steward well the land that is left. Or sell it. But no other ideas have crossed our path that have as many possibilities as B4T. It can refine and edify us as godly workers, create a wide range of ways to minister to our community year after year, and generate revenue to fund ministry in hard-to-reach places.
It could fail miserably. It could be wildly successful. God hasn't given us any promises about the adventures we set out on.
That perception should be strongly refuted. But let's address temptation first. The vast majority, perhaps 95% of those who gather at VLC on Sundays, engage in secular work Monday through Friday. They are neck deep in that environment and the temptation that comes with it. We believe it is wishful thinking to propose that the temptations inherent in secular work are not already wreaking havoc in the lives of those who gather here on Sunday.
Further, who can be counted on to show secular workers how to do labor for the glory of God in the midst of temptation? Doesn't Betenbough do it? Doesn't Sinclair HVAC do it? Are we off base to hope that all of you who read this are salt and light in a dark world? If we can do it individually, why can't we do it corporately? And in doing it corporately, wouldn't it be helpful to actively track the methods, logic, and biblical principles that are wisely brought to bear on common temptations in the workplace? And then, couldn't we take this learning and teach it, model it, and export it to God's people elsewhere?
Further, the very essence of the gospel is that God is with us, Emmanuel. He came down into our darkness to redeem us from our sin and brokenness and reconcile us to Himself. As a result, we have become ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). We are reconciling and redeeming agents of God who brings order to chaos for His glory. Bringing order to chaos, generally speaking, is the essence of work (Genesis 1:28). There is perhaps no better venue given to us by God to interact with unbelievers than where we spend most of our waking hours working shoulder to shoulder with them. We have been placed there for a purpose!
Consequently, let's put our hearts into redeeming it. The way we work reflects who we worship. Either we walk into our offices as a servant of Christ looking to the interests of others or as a servant of ambition looking to the interests of self. We can't do both at the same time (Philippians 2; Colossians 3:23; Matthew 6:24).
Further, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
Now then, how do we deal with the perception of evil? Perception is a difficult thing to change because with a church our size, it will take a lot of time and energy. The cost will be very high. Undeniably, we have considered that it might be wiser to avoid this difficulty and struggle and focus on "normal" church matters. In reality it's hard to make this judgment without knowing what the cost will be. We've never done this before.
But regardless of what people perceive, the reality is that business can be done wickedly or righteously. In this way, it is like a tool. Our iPhones can be used for great evil or for great good. We decide.
Should we or should we NOT do it? That is a judgment call. We have to discern God's direction in space and time. We decide. And if the premise is correct that the land west of Wayne Avenue is more than enough for our future church buildings, then we have a responsibility to steward well the land that is left. Or sell it. But no other ideas have crossed our path that have as many possibilities as B4T. It can refine and edify us as godly workers, create a wide range of ways to minister to our community year after year, and generate revenue to fund ministry in hard-to-reach places.
It could fail miserably. It could be wildly successful. God hasn't given us any promises about the adventures we set out on.
We need more clarity on B4T.
It's not an easy thing to clarify. But here is an encouraging story. The folks at VLC that have gone through the B4T Champions Course, or gone to the B4T Expos, or have sat in on meetings and interacted on the theology and practicality of it have all grown to appreciate it more and more.
Here are some ways you can dit into it on your own:
• Explore the OPEN USA website by clicking this LINK
• Peruse Don Simmon's excellent resources on his website at this LINK
Books to read (all of them are available at Amazon, and they're listed in the order suggested for reading):
• Business for the Glory of God - Wayne Grudem
• Workship - Patrick Lai
• Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller
• Tentmaking - Patrick Lai
Here are some ways you can dit into it on your own:
• Explore the OPEN USA website by clicking this LINK
• Peruse Don Simmon's excellent resources on his website at this LINK
Books to read (all of them are available at Amazon, and they're listed in the order suggested for reading):
• Business for the Glory of God - Wayne Grudem
• Workship - Patrick Lai
• Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller
• Tentmaking - Patrick Lai
Real transformation has to be shown.
100%. Transformation is the reason for doing any of this. The business is a tool to bring about transformation. And transformation is a thing that is easier to see than measure. That is a problem we are currently trying to solve. We must have ways to measure spiritual transformation within the context of a business.
It could raise red flags if a church deacon is also a business partner with the church.
We totally understand the perception this issue creates. That is not lost on us. This concern suggests a change of favoritism.
First, we have been openly discussing B4T and asking the church for ideas for years. We have had exactly one person come to us with an idea that they were willing to champion themselves. So, it is impossible that this is favoritism since there is currently only one option.
Second, we would argue that it's good to begin this endeavor with someone we have a history with. Ryan Highley (Destiny Sports Founder/Operator) and his family are committed and trusted members of VLC. He has his interests at heart, as well as ours. Additionally, he has already bought into the idea of transformation. There is significant alighment that is hard to duplicate.
First, we have been openly discussing B4T and asking the church for ideas for years. We have had exactly one person come to us with an idea that they were willing to champion themselves. So, it is impossible that this is favoritism since there is currently only one option.
Second, we would argue that it's good to begin this endeavor with someone we have a history with. Ryan Highley (Destiny Sports Founder/Operator) and his family are committed and trusted members of VLC. He has his interests at heart, as well as ours. Additionally, he has already bought into the idea of transformation. There is significant alighment that is hard to duplicate.
A deacon and an elder in business together could raise a red flag. They would be making revenue from a church partnership. Is this appropriate?
This concern is aimed at the apparel business, of which Ryan Highley (VLC Deacon & Founder/Operator of Destiny Sports Mission) and Kirby Adams (VLC Elder) are currently business partners. This partnership was disclosed to the deacon body two years ago as a potential conflict of interest. In truth, there is no conflict of interest here as the apparel business and Destiny Sports Mission are separate, unrelated businesses. Unless Ryan and Kirby try to force the ball clubs that want to use the VLC practice field into an apparel contract as a condition of gaining access to the field, this is only an unfortunate, gossip-generating coincidence.
Further, the church office has a conflict of interest policy that we renew annually with staff members. We will be extending it to the Elders and B4T associates as well lin order to monitor this issue going forward.
Further, the church office has a conflict of interest policy that we renew annually with staff members. We will be extending it to the Elders and B4T associates as well lin order to monitor this issue going forward.
How are the finances being handled? Is the same person that handles the church finances also handling the finances from B4T revenue?
The initial plan is simple. We will establish a designated B4T account in our existing financial software and bank account. It will receive the monthly lease payments. This same account will distribute 50% to mission ministry, and then hold the remainder for 2 purposes: maintenance needs that arise, and the balance for future B4T development.
Initially, this will be done by the same person who handles the church's finances. That will change once our legal counsel deems it wise to create a separate entity (LLC or C-Corp) to hold the land and B4T businesses.
In both cases (designated account in current church bank or a separate entity), we suggest an expense report for B4T income and expenses be made available to the church upon request and at the year's final business meeting. It will be something to celebrate.
Initially, this will be done by the same person who handles the church's finances. That will change once our legal counsel deems it wise to create a separate entity (LLC or C-Corp) to hold the land and B4T businesses.
In both cases (designated account in current church bank or a separate entity), we suggest an expense report for B4T income and expenses be made available to the church upon request and at the year's final business meeting. It will be something to celebrate.
How will the proceeds be spent?
Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established." God will determine the ultimate establishment of this venture, but we commit it to Him. And before Him, we make the following commitment to you:
This proposal is aimed at God's mission to reach the lost of this world. We are partnering with Him to develop this property for the sake of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The funds received by this joint venture with Destiny Sports Mission are estimated to be $50,000 annually.
These funds will be allocated for three purposes:
1. 50% of the revenue will be directed toward outreach in unengaged areas of the world. The primary options are Bible language development with groups like Wycliff, B4T (Business for Transformation), and tradtitional mission efforts to unengaged people groups. A specific ministry has yet to be determined.
2. As needs arise, an undefined percentage will be used to maintain the practice field.
3. The balance of the remaining funds (50% minus maintenance costs) will be saved for reinvesting into the next development project or for unforeseen expenses that arise directly from this pactice field.
The elders also commit to giving an annual report disclosing the revenue and expenditures from this project.
This proposal is aimed at God's mission to reach the lost of this world. We are partnering with Him to develop this property for the sake of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The funds received by this joint venture with Destiny Sports Mission are estimated to be $50,000 annually.
These funds will be allocated for three purposes:
1. 50% of the revenue will be directed toward outreach in unengaged areas of the world. The primary options are Bible language development with groups like Wycliff, B4T (Business for Transformation), and tradtitional mission efforts to unengaged people groups. A specific ministry has yet to be determined.
2. As needs arise, an undefined percentage will be used to maintain the practice field.
3. The balance of the remaining funds (50% minus maintenance costs) will be saved for reinvesting into the next development project or for unforeseen expenses that arise directly from this pactice field.
The elders also commit to giving an annual report disclosing the revenue and expenditures from this project.