Beyond the 4 Walls · The manifesto
The way we do church is changing.
Church was never meant to stay inside four walls. It flows out of our core values: when God’s presence comes first, families are discipled and His power moves, the church goes wherever we go.
What we believe
The church is people, not a place.
We gather to encounter God's presence through worship, prayer and the Word.
We grow strong families who carry that presence home.
We go into Americus, Sumter County and the nations with the love of Jesus.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
Seven places the church goes
- 01
In homes
Around tables and in living rooms. Faith that's lived where families actually live.
Get connected → - 02
In the streets
Sharing the love of Jesus with our neighbors, on our own blocks and across Americus.
Evangelism tools → - 03
In schools
Showing up for students, teachers and families in Sumter County.
Local outreach → - 04
In businesses
Bringing hope to the places people work every day, with integrity and generosity.
See the Needs Map → - 05
In the café
A coffee shop and café where anyone can pull up a chair. Church that feels like a front porch.
The café → - 06
Online
Wherever you are, you can follow along, pray and open the Word with us.
Open the Word → - 07
To the nations
From Americus to the ends of the earth, sending and supporting the global church.
World missions →
Ways to live it
Start this week.
FAQ
Questions
What does 'beyond the 4 walls' mean?
It means the church is the people, not the building. Sunday matters, but the goal is for what happens inside our walls to spill into homes, streets, schools, businesses, online and the nations.
Is The Gathering Place still meeting in a building?
Yes. The Matthew 18:20 Project is renovating our building in Americus. This week we gather at Wolf Creek Plantation, and as a mobile church our meeting locations may change with weather and availability as we wait for our permanent location. The building will be where we gather and get sent from when we return.
How do I start living this?
Pick one step: join a team, claim a need on the Needs Map, pray on the Prayer Wall, or invite a neighbor to follow along with us.
Generosity
Help build a place to gather in Americus.
Every gift fuels the Matthew 18:20 Project as we renovate and gather in this prelaunch season.
Our mission field
The city is the sanctuary.
Beyond the 4 walls means downtown sidewalks, parks, campuses and the places our neighbors already gather.
