Church Planting Proposal
Champions Of Christ Church
"Advancing His Kingdom"
A gospel-centered church plant in Rock Falls, Illinois — committed to being the rock of our community through spiritual transformation and practical service.
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Help us reach our goal of $350,000
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Executive Summary
Champions of Christ Church is a new, non-denominational church plant launching in Rock Falls, Illinois. Our mission is simple and Christ-centered: to be the rock of our community — reaching the broken with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, equipping believers to live victoriously, and serving our neighbors with practical help and spiritual hope.
This is not a church built on trends or theories. It is a church built on a calling — led by a team that grew up in this community and already knows the people we serve. We are committed to providing both spiritual transformation and practical support to families in need — starting from our hometown.
Our tagline says it all: "Advancing His Kingdom."
Our Mission
To be the rock of our community by reaching the broken with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, equipping believers to live victoriously, and serving our neighbors with practical help and spiritual hope — creating champions who transform families, communities, and the world.
Our Vision
We envision Champions of Christ Church as a transformative force where our community finds a rock, the broken become champions, families are strengthened, young people rise up, and the Gospel goes global — starting from Rock Falls, Illinois.
Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Gospel-Centered
Everything we do flows from the good news of Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection are central to our message, our worship, and our mission.
Community-Focused
The church must be the rock of the community. We start with aggressive local outreach, meeting tangible needs and building real relationships.
Practically Compassionate
We don't just preach — we serve. Through food assistance, utility help, and life stabilization, we meet people at their point of need with Christ's love.
Biblically Grounded
The Bible is God's authoritative Word and the foundation for all faith and practice. We teach it, study it, and live it out — together.
Champion-Making
We are in the business of making champions — believers who live victoriously, multiply disciples, and bring transformation to every sphere of life.
Intergenerational
From children to seniors, every generation has value in God's kingdom. We intentionally disciple all ages and equip families to thrive together.
Kingdom-Minded
We partner locally, nationally, and globally to advance God's kingdom — building bridges, planting seeds, and multiplying our impact beyond our own walls.
God's Calling
Why this church, why now
Champions of Christ Church was not born in a boardroom. It was born in a calling — a persistent, undeniable stirring that began in one man's heart years ago and has only grown louder with time.
For over 15 years, Pastor Andrew Kennedy has served in ministry — preaching, teaching, counseling, and walking alongside people through every season of life. He is also the author of Shepherds Who Stopped Shepherding: The Diagnosis Delusion and the Church's Embrace of Secular Counsel, a book calling the church back to the sufficiency of Scripture in an age of secular dependency. He has seen the power of the Gospel to transform the most broken situations. He has also seen communities like his own slowly erode under the weight of economic decline, substance abuse, and spiritual apathy.
Andrew is not an outsider with a plan — he is a son of this community with a purpose. He grew up in the Sterling-Rock Falls area, understands its struggles, and has deep relationships throughout the region. This is personal.
"I have carried this calling for years. I know these people. I know their struggles. And I know that God has called me to build something here — not for my glory, but for His."
Our Region
Rock Falls, Sterling, Dixon — and surrounding communities
Champions of Christ Church is rooted in Rock Falls, Illinois, a small city of approximately 9,000 people in Whiteside County. Together with neighboring Sterling (pop. ~15,000), Dixon (pop. ~15,000), and surrounding communities like Morrison, Prophetstown, and Erie, our initial ministry area within a 15-mile radius covers nearly 70,000 people across Whiteside and Lee Counties.
These are working-class, tight-knit communities that have faced economic decline, job loss, and population decrease. Factories have closed, churches have struggled, and too many families are dealing with poverty, addiction, and hopelessness — without a church home to walk with them through it.
22.7%
Poverty Rate
Rock Falls — nearly double the national average of 12.4%
37%
Unchurched
No religious affiliation in Whiteside County (ARDA)
70K
Ministry Area
People within a 15-mile radius
Few
New Church Plants
Limited new planting activity in recent years
Why Our Region Needs This Church
Economic Decline & Poverty
Rock Falls' poverty rate of 22.7% is nearly double the national average of 12.4%. Jobs have left. Factories have closed. Families are struggling to make ends meet — and too often, they are struggling alone.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health
Opioid and methamphetamine use have devastated families across the region. Mental health services are limited, and people often turn to substances to cope with pain, trauma, and hopelessness.
Declining Church Attendance
Existing churches in the area are aging and shrinking. According to the Association of Religion Data Archives, 37% of Whiteside County residents have no religious affiliation — and regular church attendance is even lower. There has been very little new church planting activity in the area in recent years.
Family Instability
Single-parent households, food insecurity, and utility disconnections are common. Children are growing up in environments with limited spiritual input and little community support.
Youth at Risk
Without positive mentors and faith-based programming, the next generation faces cycles of poverty, addiction, and disconnection. There is a critical need for youth-focused ministry in this area.
Outreach Strategy
Four pillars of community transformation
Community Resource Center
- • Food pantry and emergency grocery assistance
- • Utility bill help and financial counseling
- • Clothing drives and household essentials
- • Referrals to local agencies and support services
Discipleship & Bible Study
- • Sunday morning worship services
- • Midweek Bible studies and small groups
- • New Believer classes and baptism preparation
- • One-on-one mentoring and pastoral care
Youth & Family Ministry
- • Children's church and Sunday school
- • Teen nights and youth group
- • Parenting workshops and marriage enrichment
- • Summer programs and community events
Digital & Online Ministry
- • Live-streamed services on YouTube
- • Online prayer request system
- • Social media engagement and devotionals
- • Online giving and donor management
Theological Foundation
Non-denominational, Baptist-aligned, and grounded in Scripture
Authority of Scripture
The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God — our sole rule for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
The Trinity
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each fully God, co-equal and co-eternal.
Salvation by Grace
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It is a gift of God — not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Believer's Baptism
We practice baptism by immersion as an outward expression of an inward faith — following the example of Christ and the early church.
Priesthood of All Believers
Every believer has direct access to God through Christ and is called to serve in ministry according to their spiritual gifts (1 Peter 2:9).
The Victorious Christian Life
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, every believer is equipped to live victoriously — overcoming sin, growing in Christ-likeness, and bearing lasting fruit.
Leadership Team
Called, equipped, and committed to this community
Andrew Kennedy
Lead Pastor / Church Planter
- • Years of active ministry experience
- • Currently pursuing Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- • Author of Shepherds Who Stopped Shepherding
- • Lifelong resident of the Sterling-Rock Falls area
- • Experience in preaching, pastoral care, outreach, and administration
Eric Tharp
Assistant Pastor
- • Background in Bible teaching and small group decipleship
- • Experienced in community outreach and evangelism
- • Local roots with deep connections to the area
- • Dedicated to discipleship and spiritual growth
Jessica Kennedy
Director of Children's Ministries
- • Passionate about reaching families
- • Experience in children's ministry programs
- • Creative, engaging teaching and event planning
- • Heart for serving the next generation
Our Facility
A home base for ministry and community impact
1119 10th Avenue, Rock Falls, IL
We have identified a property perfectly suited for both worship and community outreach. This facility provides the space we need to launch and grow, with room for a sanctuary, children's ministry area, and community resource center.
- ✓ Worship sanctuary space
- ✓ Children's ministry rooms
- ✓ Community resource center
- ✓ Kitchen and fellowship area
- ✓ Accessible, centrally located
Property Price
$139,900
Identified and ready for acquisition as part of our capital campaign
Financial Plan
Capital Campaign Goal: $350,000
Capital Campaign Breakdown
Flexible Funding Model
We believe in moving forward in faith while being wise stewards. Our funding model is designed to be flexible — we will launch at whatever funding level God provides and scale our operations accordingly:
$350,000 — Full Launch
Building purchased, fully renovated, equipped, and operational with 6-month reserve
$200,000 — Strong Start
Building purchased with basic renovations, reduced equipment, and 3-month reserve
$100,000 — Lean Launch
Leased space, essential equipment only, community outreach begins immediately
Under $100,000 — Seed Phase
House church model, community events, and relationship building while fundraising continues
Partnership Opportunities
Multiple ways to invest in this mission
Founding Partner
$10,000+
Major investment in the church's foundation and future
Champion Builder
$5,000
Significant contribution to our building and equipment fund
Community Sponsor
$2,500
Directly funds our community outreach and resource programs
Prayer Partner
$1,000
Sustaining support for our ministry operations
Seed Sower
$500
Plant a seed that grows into lasting community impact
Monthly Supporter
Any Amount
Recurring monthly support at whatever level God leads
Next Steps
Our path forward
Secure Funding & Partnerships
Finalize capital campaign, secure church planting partners, and build our support network of individuals, churches, and organizations.
Acquire & Prepare Facility
Purchase the property at 1119 10th Avenue, complete renovations, and prepare the space for worship, children's ministry, and community outreach.
Launch Community Outreach
Begin community events, food assistance, and relationship-building activities. Establish partnerships with local agencies and organizations.
Grand Opening & First Service
Launch our first public worship service with a grand opening celebration, inviting the community to experience Champions of Christ Church.
Grow & Multiply
Expand ministries, develop leaders, and work toward long-term sustainability — with the vision of eventually planting additional churches throughout the region.
Join Us in Advancing His Kingdom
Whether through prayer, financial partnership, or spreading the word — you can be part of what God is doing in Rock Falls, Illinois.
"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 3:11
Thank you for prayerfully considering a partnership with Champions of Christ Church. Together, we will build something that lasts — for His glory and for the good of our community.