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PROFILE: CRESTVIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST Prepared by Congregational Assessment Sub-Committee and the Elders. (Revised October 2019) History Crestview’s Mission, Vision, and Direction from the Elders (Updated Oct. 2019) Demographics and Attendance Our Elders Leadership Structure and Organization Facilities Budget Children’s Ministry Youth Ministry Adult Education Crestview Outreach and Missions: Local and Far-Reaching Overview of all Ministries and Programs Worship Style And Service Info Waco Community Information

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PROFILE:

CRESTVIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST

Prepared by Congregational Assessment Sub-Committee and the Elders. (Revised October 2019)

History

Crestview’s Mission, Vision, and Direction from the Elders (Updated Oct. 2019)

Demographics and Attendance

Our Elders

Leadership Structure and Organization

Facilities

Budget

Children’s Ministry

Youth Ministry

Adult Education

Crestview Outreach and Missions: Local and Far-Reaching

Overview of all Ministries and Programs

Worship Style And Service Info

Waco Community Information

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HISTORY

The Crestview Church of Christ officially began in November of 1954 with 75 people meeting at the Nurses' Home at Hillcrest Hospital. In February of 1956 the congregation was composed of 110 members and began meeting in the first section of a new facility at 816 New Road. In August of that year, additional classroom facilities were added and the membership totaled 190.

During the 1960s Crestview experienced steady growth and by 1965 membership totaled 390 with a weekly budget of $1,500. Crestview's continual growth caused overcrowding and by the mid 1970s a new facility was planned. In 1981 a new facility at 7129 Delhi was completed and 650 members began meeting and worshipping in this new location. Now Crestview has 702 members and an annual budget of $1,326,000.

Over the years Crestview has developed a strong sense of commitment and passion for serving our community, especially the poor and marginalized. Several of Crestview’s 38 ministries are devoted to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors in the community. Crestview routinely partners with local agencies and churches to provide clothing, food, money, and other needed items for a variety of people in need. Crestview has the only church-operated food pantry in Waco and distributes food several times a week. Crestview has always been a church that loves and nurtures its children and teens. Our ministries to children and youth benefit our own families, while at the same time, providing help and encouragement to families in the community.

Crestview’s strong sense of community outreach led our Elders to challenge the congregation to build a Community Center, which opened in 2004. The vision was to provide facilities, events, programs, and service activities to address the needs of people in the community. The Community Center represents our commitment to help and minister to the community and is available to groups, churches, non-profit agencies, and individuals. For the past several years approximately 2,500 community folks make use of the Community Center each month. Additionally, all Crestview members, especially children and teens, are also able to grow and mature as a result of using this 25,000 square foot facility.

Crestview has a history of stable, long-term ministry leadership. Former Pulpit Minister Jim Martin had a twenty-year tenure before accepting a position at the Harding Theological Seminary. Former Executive Minister Scott Talley ministered at Crestview for 41 years. Scott served as Youth Minister for 24 years before transitioning into administration and community ministry. Jack Whiddon has ministered at Crestview for 19 years. Jack served as Youth Minister for 17 years and is currently the Community and Executive Minister, while also serving as Youth Minister during this interim period.

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Dayna Bell has served as a Children’s Minister for 19 years. Parents Day Out Director Emily Christian has led and managed the PDO program for 11 years and also served as a Children’s Minister for 10 years. Jordan Hubbard has served as the Minister of the Word at Crestview for 5 years.

Crestview traditionally has prioritized and focused on ministering to children, youth and parents. Our current Children’s, Youth, and Parents Day Out ministries not only continue that tradition but also attract children and parents from all sections of the community and are among Crestview’s greatest strengths. Crestview fosters an environment that encourages and forms long-term relationships with ministers as well as the community, and is a great congregation in which to serve, minister and grow in our faith.

As a church family, Crestview is committed to our mission: To glorify God by growing in Jesus, serving Jesus, and sharing Jesus with the world, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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CRESTVIEW’S MISSION, VISION, AND DIRECTION

“To glorify God by Growing in Jesus, Serving Jesus, and Sharing Jesus with the world, through the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Crestview’s Mission Statement

Crestview’s Mission Statement was prayerfully written and implemented in 2004. The statement was reviewed by the Elders in 2007 and affirmed without changes. In 2013, during a Congregational assessment the Elders once again reaffirmed and endorsed Crestview’s Mission Statement. This statement confirms Crestview’s mission to assist others in becoming disciples of Jesus and sharing His life through our words and actions.

Crestview’s Vision and Direction:

The Mission Statement reveals the transcendent importance of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. God, the Father, is to be continually praised and relied upon for the strength to live lives of growth and service (I Peter 4:11). God, the Son, is both our example and inspiration as we live servant lives compelled by his love (Philippians 2:5-8; II Corinthians 5:14). God, the Holy Spirit, activates and enables his disciples with power making them loving, self-disciplined servants. Crestview’s Mission, Vision, and Direction, is not focused on us, but rather on growing, serving, and sharing Jesus for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Crestview’s vision and direction is centered and focused on the key words in the Mission Statement—growing, serving, and sharing.

Growing in Jesus:

An important aspect of growing in Jesus involves helping everyone become better disciples. At Crestview this begins with our very active and effective Children’s Ministry and Parents Day Out program. Crestview has always had a heart for children and prioritizes Children’s Ministry with abundant resources and support. Equally, Crestview is a church with a long, rich history in Youth Ministry. Crestview was the first Church of Christ in the Waco area to employee a Youth Minister in the early 1970’s. The adolescent years are a critical time for faith development and Crestview’s commitment to Youth Ministry is of the highest priority and encompasses both the growing and serving aspects of our mission.

Becoming a disciple of Jesus involves a life dedicated to growing, serving, and sharing. Our adult ministry incorporates these elements of discipleship utilizing multiple methods, programs and ministries. Crestview provides a wide range of adult Bible classes on both Sunday morning and Wednesday evening that facilitate growing in Jesus by studying the word of God regularly. Crestview’s Small Group Ministry also affords additional opportunities for growth as disciples. Additionally, small groups offer occasions when participants can serve and share with others; additional growth in discipleship for adults is possible through involvement in one of Crestview’ thirty ministries. Growth also occurs through participation in corporate Worship. Growth as a disciple is a significant aspect of Crestview’s mission, vision, and direction.

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Serving Jesus and Sharing Jesus with the world:

The serving and sharing components of Crestview’s mission are inseparable and numerous. Crestview ministries are devoted to service to others and the sharing of Jesus with the world. As was mentioned in the History section of this profile, Crestview has a passion for serving our community and initiates outreach through facilities, events, programs, and specific ministries designed to meet the needs of folks in the Waco area. Crestview is particularly focused on ministry to the poor and marginalized. Our Community Center is used continually by literally hundreds of service and ministry organizations as well as numerous individuals. Crestview partners with numerous parachurch organizations and Christian ministries that serve various groups within the community (Mission Waco, Friends for Life, Care Net, Caritas). Crestview has been chosen to host the Tim Tebow foundation’s Night To Shine in Central Texas. Night to Shine is a special needs prom that celebrates special needs kings and queens and their families. Crestview is preparing to host our 3 rd

Night to Shine. This has brought us into contact with many special needs families in our community, and we feel God’s leading to serve these families and share our congregation with them. Crestview launched a Celebrate Recovery in October 2019 to help those in our community by providing a Christ-centered recovery program. We believe many will receive healing from hang-ups, hurts and habits through Celebrate Recovery. Many of these groups are dedicated to serving the needs of the poor and marginalized.

Crestview shares Jesus with the world and the community by hosting, and supporting many events, activities and mission efforts (Youth Mission Trips, Fall Festivals, Parents Day Out, Prison Ministry, Foreign Missions in Croatia and Africa). Of particular note, Crestview has been heavily involved in the area formerly known as Yugoslavia since the 1960’s, and continues to actively partner with local ministers in Croatia and Eastern Europe. Crestview’s leaders are dedicated to utilizing our facilities and resources, as well as our time and our lives to serve others and share Jesus with the community and the world.

Crestview’s Leadership Team believes that God is leading us down the current path and direction as established by previous Spirit led leaders. The current leadership is committed to pursuing the Mission, Vision, and Direction as outlined in this document for the foreseeable future, always remaining under the direction of the Holy Spirit. We seek folks to join with us in pursuit of this Mission, Vision, and Direction as Crestview continues growing, serving, and sharing Jesus with the world.

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DEMOGRAPHICS

Waco is a city located in the state of Texas, and is the county seat of McLennan County. Waco marks the halfway point between the larger cities of Dallas and Austin. Recent estimates show that the population of this city – which is dubbed the “Heart of Texas” -- is 135,000. Waco is the 22nd most populous city in Texas. The greater Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area is quickly surpassing 250,000 people and is comprised of over 30 small towns and boasts 20 Independent School Districts. Crestview Church of Christ is located in the suburb of Woodway with a population 9,000 and is a short 7 miles from Waco’s downtown.

Waco is enjoying its new-found fame. The “Fixer Upper” phenomenon has swept through the country and Waco has become a tourist destination. Waco has an active downtown with shopping, restaurants, coffee spots, food trucks, the Magnolia Silos, and plenty of entertainment. Baylor University provides Waco with exciting sports, a great college scene, and ministry and theology conferences at Baylor’s Truitt Seminary. Cameron Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas, and it is perfect for day hikes or a trip to the fantastic Cameron Park Zoo. Waco is an easy drive to the DFW metroplex and to Austin, but you might find you don’t need to leave town for excitement!

With its proximity and easy access from three major roadways (I-35, Hwy. 6 & Hwy. 84), Crestview draws people from all over McLennan County and surrounding areas. Crestview has 700 baptized members, with an additional 100-150 children of members. Attendance on most Sunday mornings is between 500-550. The worship center and supporting facilities are designed to accommodate additional growth.

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OUR ELDERS

The elders have divided the membership into flocks of 55 to 60 members with each elder responsible for the oversight and shepherding of an individual flock. Currently there are 9 elders.

Mike Coates has served as an elder for over 13 years and has been at Crestview for over 20 years. He has been married for 47 years to Martha; they have 4 children and 12 grandchildren. He is retired and is currently serving as co-chairman of the elders. Mike leads a life group and spent several years assisting with the Upwards Basketball program.   Mark Driskill became an elder in January 2014 and has been at Crestview for 27 years. He and his wife Carrie have 2 adult daughters. Mark works in the Athletic department at the Waco Independent School District. Mark serves on the video, vehicle maintenance, and college/young professional ministries.  Faron Kincheloe has served as an elder for over 13 years and has been at Crestview for 29 years. He has been married to Cathy for 39 years, and they have two adult daughters and one grandchild. Faron works for Baylor University as the Assistant Director of Institutional Research and teaches two graduate statistics courses at Texas A&M.  He is currently serving as co-chairman of the elders, compiles the agenda for each meeting and leads most meetings. Faron currently serves as a substitute Bible class teacher, and has served in the past as a teacher, deacon, and ministry leader in Adult Education and Leadership Training for Christ.

Bill Litton has served as an elder for 13 years and has been at Crestview for over 49 years. He and his wife Deeanne have 2 adult children and 7 grandchildren. Bill works in sales and is semi-retired. He has led the Reality Fellowship ministry since 1991.  Mark Mitchell became an elder in January 2014 and has been at Crestview for 19 years. He has been married to Robin for 28 years, and they have two adult children. Mark works as State Physical Damage Manager at Texas Farm Bureau Insurance. He is involved in teaching ministry, men’s mentoring group, and the vehicle ministry.

Mike Robinson has served as an elder for 20 years and has been at Crestview for 28 years. He has been married for 47 years to Roberta, and their two daughters who, along with their spouses and children, are members at Crestview. They also have a son and his family living in Frisco, TX. Mike is a Professor of Accounting at Baylor University.  Besides shepherding his flock, he leads a life group and has been a life group leader for 28 years.

Steve Sorrells has served as an elder for 2 years. He and his wife Becky have three adult children and have been members at Crestview for the past 20 years. Steve was also born and raised at Crestview, previously served as a deacon and is involved with the youth ministry. Steve is a home builder/developer with Sorrells & Co. LLC.

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Scott Talley has served as an elder for 2 years after serving as a minister at Crestview for 41 years. Scott is now retired after 47 years in ministry. Scott and wife Linda have been married 50 years and have two adult children and two grandsons. They have been at Crestview for 43 years.  Steve Williams became an elder in January 2014 and has been at Crestview for 38 years. He has been married to Kay for 31 years and they have two adult sons. Steve is retired and was VP of Claims at Texas Farm Bureau Ins. Co., where he has worked for 45 years. Steve and Kay teach the 4 & 5 year olds as they have done for several years. He also participates in the Men's ministry and the Communion Ministry and previously served as a deacon.

OUR MINISTERS

Jordan Hubbard, Minister of the Word Jordan is married to Debbie and they have three children, Jenae, Avery, and Jarrett. Jordan came to Crestview in March 2015 as the Minister of the Word.

Jack Whiddon, Community Minister Jack is married to Renee and they have four kids: Aubrie, Forrest, Abigail and Levi. Jack has been working at Crestview since 2000.  He served as youth minister for 17 years and has recently began working as our Community Minister.

Emily Christian, Children’s Minister & Parents Day Out Director Emily is married to Jonathan and they have three children, Zachary, Kathryn, and Ethan. Emily became the Parent’s Day Out Director at Crestview in 2007 and Children’s Minister in 2011.

Dayna Bell, Children’s Minister Dayna became the Children’s Minister at Crestview in 2000.  Dayna is married to Tim and they have enjoyed serving and raising their three children at Crestview.

OUR DEACONS

Thomas Anderson Jason ChanceyJonathan Christian Eric CooperJonathan Davis Rob FortsonBrent Gibson Brian KwastJosh Satterfield Richard StoutGrant Vowels

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LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION

The purpose of Christian leadership is “for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:12-13) In Ephesians, and other passages, the images the New Testament uses to describe church functioning and leadership are more akin to a living organism and family life than a hierarchical organizational structure common to the modern workplace.

The elders, ministers, and deacons are partners in the gospel under the lordship of Christ. Crestview’s leadership structure and organization are designed to describe the working relationship and responsibilities envisioned for the leaders and staff at Crestview. This structure allows Crestview’s leaders to function as a coordinated team with a clear understanding of the specific responsibilities and expectations of each group. This structure also encourages elders, ministers, and deacons to concentrate on their specific roles as revealed in the New Testament.

Elders

Elders are individuals whom the Lord has called out from within the congregation to be the spiritual leaders of the church, and as such, concentrate and focus their ministry on the following:

Shepherding the flock (encouragement, prayer, regular visits, and counseling).

Serving as overseers (provide spiritual direction).

Develop and communicate the Vision, Mission, and Priorities for Crestview.

Deacons

Crestview deacons assist and support the elders by assuming many of the routine daily matters associated with operating a church. Deacons are appointed by the elders and serve under their oversight. The deacon’s primary contribution and focus will be:

Provide support, assistance, and encouragement to the Ministry Leaders (manage the Ministry System).

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Coordinate with the Building Supervisor all matters pertaining to the physical facilities.

Support, as needed, the Executive Minister with all administrative functions of the congregation.

Ministry Staff

Ministers are responsible for the planning and implementation of their respective ministries (Pulpit, Executive, Youth, Children, Parents Day Out). Ministers serve under the oversight the elders.

Support Staff

The church support staff consists of administrative assistants, receptionists, publication director, bookkeeper, Community Center assistants, and custodians. The office manager coordinates all office support staff matters. All support staff are under the oversight of the Executive Minister.

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CRESTVIEW FACILITIES

Crestview Church of Christ resides at 7129 Delhi Road; on the edge of Woodway, a beautiful suburb on the southwest side of Waco, Texas. With close proximity to three major highways (I-35, Hwy. 6, and Hwy. 84), it is easily accessible to businesses, restaurants, schools and Baylor University. Its facilities include a Main Building, Community Center, and an adjacent fenced playground.

Crestview’s Main building is a multi-level structure built in 1981. On the upper level are the church offices, church library, teacher’s workroom, prayer chapel, and numerous classrooms. On the lower level is the main auditorium, nursery, kitchen, more classrooms and benevolence area. The auditorium has both a lower level as well as a balcony.

Crestview’s Community Center was completed in April 2004. It has a multi-purpose gymnasium, walking track, youth rooms, recreation area, commercial kitchen, classrooms and the offices of the Executive Minister and Youth Minister. Our community center has served as a meeting place for over 200 religious, community, non-profit, and civic groups. Approximately 3,000 people a month use our facilities for a wide range of events including children and youth activities, Celebrate Recovery, Al-Anon, MCC Collegiate events, Family Abuse Center, Fencing Club, YOGA classes, No Limitations Basketball League, Home School Programs, Red Cross Emergency Shelter and many more.

In 2016, the main building and auditorium underwent an extensive renovation project. Improvements included updating the auditorium, baptistry, lighting, A/V equipment, energy efficiency enhancements and replacement of mechanical systems. Restrooms were updated to accommodate recent ADA requirements, and the facilities were modernized to carry Crestview through the next forty years. Particularly important to our mission, a significant addition was made to triple the size and capacity for serving our community’s needs with the Liddicoat Food Pantry.

BUDGET

Year Contribution Budget2016 $1,866,650 $1,346,800

2017 $1,391,315 $1,347,000

2018 $1,387,153 $1,307,500

2019 $1,326,000

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Note: Some of the excess contribution over budget was a result of designated giving on our annual Harvest Weekend.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

The mission of Crestview Kids is to partner with parents in teaching our children to know, love and follow Jesus. We want our kids to develop the heart of a servant toward each other and the community. We also provide opportunities for our children to build strong relationships with other Christians in a safe and loving environment. Crestview’s strong children’s ministry program is one of the top reasons why people are drawn to and attend Crestview. Children’s Ministers are Dayna Bell, who has been with Crestview for 19 years, and Emily Christian, who has served in this role for 10 years.

We offer traditional Bible classes on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights for children birth through 6th grade. Sunday nights, our children attend Life Groups with their families. Special events are offered throughout the year and provide opportunities for our children and their families to grow closer to God, each other, and those in our community. Some special events include Celebration of New Life, Family Nights, Vacation Bible School, Sports Camp, Family Camp, 4 th, 5th and 6th grade retreat, Crestview Summer Camp, March Mission Madness and Mission Days, Fall Festival, Christmas Program and Dinner.

The mission of Crestview’s Parents Day Out is to help accomplish and extend the ministry of Crestview Church of Christ. These goals are accomplished by providing care and education and by encouraging the development of each child to his / her greatest potential spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. We provide developmentally appropriate activities, guidance and a program of ministry and outreach to the families of the children enrolled. Emily Christian serves as the Director of Parents Day Out.

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Parent’s Day Out is one of the biggest continual outreach and evangelical ministries of Crestview. The enrollment of community families reached from outside of Crestview who participate in this program is greater than 75%. Crestview Parent ’s Day Out is offered on Tuesday and Thursday’s 9:30 – 2:30. In the summer, Crestview PDO expands to include school aged children Kindergarten through 5 th grade. Our Summer Shine days are filled with fun activities, field trips, swimming and service projects.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Our youth ministry draws families to Crestview and was rated as our strongest area in a recent congregational survey. Youth group activities emphasize worship, service, mission, leadership development, and relationships.

Worship: Besides traditional Sunday and Wednesday classes, we hold a Sunday evening youth worship. During the school year, whole families join the youth for a monthly family worship night. A weeknight Bible study during the school year breaks into separate boys’ and girls’ studies, and during summer months is led by our summer interns. An annual trip to Winterfest is a very popular worship event for our teens.

Service & Missions: Our students are well known for their amazing work ethic. Previous spring break and summer mission trips have included working with the homeless in Portland, OR, cleanup from tornadoes in Moore, OK, cleanup from SuperStorm Sandy in Brooklyn, NY, cleanup from Hurricane Isaac in Pearland, MS, building homes in Honduras, cleanup from wildfires in Bastrop, TX, learning sign language and teaching VBS to deaf students in Alaska. Additionally, our teens have traveled to Village of Hope in Ghana, Africa to work with orphans and traveled to Croatia in 2016 and 2019 to help with Champs Camp. Our youth work diligently to raise funds for these trips through an annual Dodge Ball Tournament and garage sale. Summer Service Days are often spent playing games and dancing with Friends for Life participants (adult day care for senior/disabled adults.). The youth also participate in events that support local charities. In the chilly December – February months, the youth run a free coffee shop offering coffee or hot chocolate to all ages before and after our Wednesday evening Bible classes.

Leadership Development: Seniors and juniors in our youth group serve as camp counselors and small group leaders in class/youth worship. They are encouraged to set an example by speaking up in class and welcoming newer youth group members. Incoming seniors plan the calendar for the upcoming school year. Development of younger students’ leadership skills are encouraged and developed all during their junior high and high school careers. All youth help run the fall festival and VBS for younger children, and are encouraged to show their faith at their schools and in their peer groups.

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Bonding: Fall and Spring Retreats, Summer Camp, and Summer Summit (outdoor adventure) trips give our teens time to escape all the other stresses in their lives, to focus on God, His Creation and each other. Junior High Dynamite days, a New Year’s Eve lock-in and Nerf Wars are popular times to just have fun.

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ADULT EDUCATION

Crestview's Adult Education ministry coordinates Sunday morning and Wednesday evening adult Bible classes for the congregation. Our five Sunday morning classes are divided by season of life, but people are free to attend whichever class they choose. These classes generally use Bible-based curriculum provided by the Adult Education ministry.

Wednesday evening classes are usually more topical and often men's and women's classes are offered at this time. Key challenges for the Adult Education ministry are finding gifted, called and qualified teachers, along with encouraging engagement with Christian education opportunities offered by the church, especially on Wednesday nights.

In addition to our Sunday worship and regular Bible classes, Crestview fully embraces the importance of small groups in supporting and filling the needs of its members. These groups provide a level of intimacy and better opportunities to get to know one another than can sometimes be attained in traditional corporate worship. At Crestview, we strive to provide a wide variety of opportunities to help serve everyone in their various seasons of life. These small groups include the following:

College & Young Professionals – This vibrant and growing group enjoys weekly gatherings, Bible study, dinners, retreats and missions. This is a growing demographic in Waco as a whole, and we see this as a great opportunity for continued development and growth.

Young Marrieds – This all-important group provides friendship and support during young couples’ early years of marriage and family development. Full of many young professionals, as well as several pursuing post-graduate degrees, they help and support one another while also enjoying Bible studies, couples retreats and other fun events.

Men’s Ministry – This group is well known for its monthly men’s breakfasts with one another, personal development and Bible classes. Additionally, they are often the backbone of the church, providing support to many members and friends in the community through service projects.

Ladies’ Ministry – A dynamic group of ladies provides intergenerational connectivity throughout our church. Weekly Bible studies and annual ladies retreat provide opportunities for women of all ages to serve, lead and develop their personal faith.

Life Groups – For well over a decade, life groups remain highly active in providing personal growth and developing relationships with our fellow

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members. Service opportunities also abound to allow people to remain involved at all ages.

OUTREACH AND MISSIONS

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

With this verse serving as inspiration, Crestview takes seriously its calling to not only serve its members, but also to reach out to others in our community of Waco, our country and the world. Outreach ministries are key elements in the spiritual life of the congregation, and several examples are noted below:

LOCAL

Food Pantry- The community care ministry is open Mondays and Thursdays for needy families to get boxes of food. Food is purchased using the church budget as well as provided by weekly donations from members and occasional food drives. Volunteers work daily picking up food and stocking shelves. Over 80 locl families are ministered to each week.

Community Outreach Many opportunities are offered for our members to reach others in our community. In addition to opportunities within our Community Center, Crestview is often active out in the community whether through fun events like Trunk or Treat, or in our annual church-wide We Serve Sunday. In fact, another local non-denominational ministry organization often recognizes and cites Crestview as a positive example of service within the community.

Ridgecrest Sunday Service Worship is conducted at Ridgecrest Nursing Home on the First Sunday of each month. Members visit with residents before and after the service.

Mission Waco is a local Christian organization that seeks to empower the poor and marginalized. Crestview has worked closely with Mission Waco for over a decade. Church-wide, each August we assist their School Supply store and at Christmas our members bring gift items to supply their holiday store so parents can purchase presents at greatly reduced prices. Our teens have attended poverty simulations and helped host Church Under the Bridge, and various small groups assist with homeless shelter devotionals and after school meals for children.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program that exists to help people overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups through encouraging community and a dependence upon Jesus.

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Parent’s Day Out provides care and education to infants through preschool age children. Their program provides developmentally appropriate activities, guidance, and a program of ministry and outreach to the families of the children involved.

Financial Peace University FPU is the Dave Ramsey based money management program that helps families set budgets, pay off debt, and plan for the future. It is designed to help families manage their resources God has entrusted to them and to be able to increase their ability to financially support the Lord’s work.

FAR-REACHING

Prison Ministry The Prison Ministry focuses on visiting and spreading the Word of God to men and women who are part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Bible studies, worship services and one-on-one prayer time are done in Hobby Women’s Unit in Marlin, Hughes Men’s Unit in Gatesville, Woodman State Jail in Gatesville, and Darrington Men’s Unit in Rose Sharon near Houston.

Bibles by Mail (World Bible School) This ministry provides Bible correspondence course lessons to those who are incarcerated. Tracts, Bibles and personal encouraging messages are sent to those who request them.

Adult Mission Trips This is a fairly recent but fast-growing ministry, with several members desiring opportunities to continue to serve after experiencing their children’s youth group mission trips. Recent trips have included disaster recovery response as well as providing renovation services to Christian encampments. Additionally, Crestview regularly schedules trips to the Holy Lands for members’ personal spiritual enrichment.

Disaster Relief Crestview is a standby center for the Red Cross to assist in housing refugees at our Community Center, which has a full-service professional kitchen and a supply of temporary bedding. During the Galveston storm a few years ago we housed many people and we were on standby during the recent West, TX fertilizer explosion. Crestview has also founded an active Disaster Relief ministry to go provide assistance to communities that have experienced natural disasters. Recently we have served in Canton after a tornado, and Houston and Wharton, TX following Hurricane Harvey.

Domestic Missions Ministry This ministry financially supports three foster homes and one senior care entity. The desire of this ministry is to make personal connections with employees and residents from each beneficiary to aid their efforts in providing a caring Christian home for the children and enhanced care for the elderly.

Foreign Missions Ministry This ministry has directly supported missions in Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) since 1968. Crestview continues to provide financial support and

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ministerial oversight to Mladin Domanic in Varazdin, Croatia, and financial support to Mislav Ilič at the Kušlinova Church of Christ in Zagreb. Crestview also supports the Croatia for Christ ministry.

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WORSHIP STYLE AND SERVICE INFO

Crestview Meeting Times

SUNDAY

9:00 AM Bible Classes9:45 – 10:05 AM Foyer Gathering Fellowship10:05 AM Worship Service with attended nursery and Children’s Worship (during the school year).6:00 PM Many Life Groups meet at this time; a few meet mid-week.

WEDNESDAY

7:00 PM Bible Classes

Crestview has a traditional style worship service and is known for vibrant singing. A praise team of singers gives strong support to congregational worship through both new praise music as well as time-honored hymns. Many ministries contribute to organizing worship, preparing and serving communion, providing refreshments for the break between class and worship, and running A/V equipment. The iCrestview ministry films and broadcasts worship via iTunes, sermon CDs, and social media. Our Deaf ministry provides signing translation during church service. In our worship, we seek to lift our eyes to our God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to lift one another up through comfort, encouragement, and admonishment.

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WACO COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Here in Waco, there is something for everyone to enjoy, including a variety of historical, business, educational and recreational opportunities.

Local history is celebrated in Waco, dating back to the pre-historic mammoth bones, the indigenous Huaco Indians, and the early cattle drives crossing the Brazos River. With roots in cotton and agriculture, and a heritage which includes Dr. Pepper and the Suspension Bridge, local history is celebrated in Waco. Several noteworthy sites include the Mayborn Museum Complex, the local Suspension Bridge, Historic Waco home tours, Dr. Pepper museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Waco’s own Chip and JoAnna Gaines’ popularity of their Fixer Upper TV series and the Magnolia Silo complex attracts over 50,000 tourists per week, making Waco one of Texas’ most popular tourist locations.

Waco has a very strong and diverse employment base. Major employers include: Providence Health Center, Baylor University, Waco ISD, Hillcrest Health System, L3 Integrated Systems, and SpaceX. Many Crestview members work for one of these top Waco employers.

Waco’s economy is very strong, and is enjoying a resurgence in its downtown with the development of condominiums, unique restaurants and shops, a thriving farmers’ market, and is a popular tourist destination. Many hotels, restaurants and stores have opened new facilities in Waco in the last 10 years, and Waco is rated #1 in hotel occupancy in the state. The new Baylor football stadium continues to fuel redevelopment along the river corridor. While all this is positive, Waco still has a 28% percent poverty rate, which provides Crestview many ministry opportunities.

Historically touted as the Athens on the Brazos, Waco is home of many schools of higher learning including Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, and McLennan Community College. Also, MCC’s enhanced education opportunities allow for degrees from Texas Tech University and Tarleton State University. In addition, the Waco area has over 20 area Independent School Districts as well as several respected private schools.

Cameron Park is the second largest municipal park in the United States, trailing only Central Park in New York City in size. It is located along the Brazos and Bosque rivers, offers world class mountain biking and running trails, and hosts many athletic events such as Ironman Triathalon, TriWaco, and other events for bikes, runners and boating. The Cameron Park Zoo is outstanding and offers great exhibits year round. Beautiful Lake Waco, Hawaiian Falls family water park, Waco Regional Tennis Center, and several golf courses offer great recreational opportunities for all ages. Local colleges and civic organizations offer theater and concerts for all to enjoy, and the Baylor Bears host other Big 12 opponents in sporting events at Baylor University’s exceptional facilities.

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You can easily see why we say “Waco is Way Cool”