#ROOTED2RISE​

Psalm 1:3 | “They shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in its season; whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever they do shall prosper.”

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I. Theological Frame

At Magnolia Baptist Church, #Rooted2Rise expresses both our spiritual conviction and our strategic direction. We are rooted in Scripture, anchored in the witness of our ancestors, and nourished by the faith traditions of the Black Church. Trusting that the same God who plants us in rural soil will cause us to flourish in every season. Magnolia stands as a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive congregation.

 

Our sign says it plainly: “Everyone is Welcome.” We believe that all people — regardless of race, gender, family background, sexuality, or social standing — are created in the image of God and worthy of belonging, love, and purpose.

 

This radical welcome is not a program; it is a theological stance. It is our way of living, Psalm 1:3 — being a tree whose branches stretch wide enough to offer shade, fruit, and rest to everyone whom God sends our way.

 

II. Magnolia’s Context & Calling

This is a small, rural, and rooted congregation — a sacred gathering of about one hundred connected souls. Roughly 40 members faithfully worship each week, drawn from Statesboro families. Another forty remain connected through family and memory, and dozens more join us periodically from the Georgia Southern University community. 

 

We are a church that could thrive at the intersection of tradition and transformation — where the faith of our ancestors meets the fresh wind of the Spirit. Our size is not a limitation but a gift: it allows us to know one another by name, care for one another by heart, and think together as a people who believe the Gospel still speaks with relevance and power.

 

We are unashamedly African American and unapologetically Christian.

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III. The Seven Pillars of Magnolia’s Flourishing

• Deepen Discipleship – Reclaim seven inactive members and recruit seven new ones.

• Nurture Well-Being – Embed Sabbath, rest, and pastoral care into church rhythm.

• Cultivate Leadership – Train and deploy leaders across all ministries.

• Expand Community Engagement – Be a bridge between rural and university contexts.

• Preserve Legacy, Inspire Innovation – Integrate history, technology, and art.

• Strengthen Financial Stewardship – 30 K Annuity; build a 3-month reserve; and expand the Scholars Fund to $10 K.

• Enrich Worship & Sacred Arts – Elevate music, liturgy, and creative expression as acts of liberation.

 

“Where there is no prophetic vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18

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IV. Capital Project
Remodeling of our Social Hall, Kitchen, and Storage Room is not simply a construction project — it is a ministry investment that embodies our calling to be “The Church with the Helping Hands and the Place Where God Provides.”

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This project flows directly from our Rooted to Rise vision and reflects Magnolia’s Seven Pillars of Flourishing — deepening discipleship, nurturing well-being, cultivating leadership, expanding community engagement, preserving legacy while inspiring innovation, strengthening stewardship, and enriching worship and sacred arts.

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We are building not just for comfort, but for capacity — so that our space can better serve the congregation, empower the community, and sustain the work of ministry for generations to come.

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Scope of Work

The remodel focuses on creating a modern, functional, and welcoming environment that reflects Magnolia’s spirit of excellence and hospitality:

• New kitchen cabinetry and countertops (Formica 9922-ML) to improve meal preparation for repasts, community dinners, and church events.

• Enhanced storage and utility areas, including new mop closet and shelving to ensure safety and organization.

• Updated flooring and wall finishes for a clean, durable, and accessible space.

• Flexible design that supports both ministry and community use — from fellowship meals to educational workshops.

• Labor and installation for cabinetry, painting, wall paneling, and flooring improvements.

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The total estimated cost of completion is $12,492.88, a modest investment for a project that will yield long-term ministry and mission returns.