|
Nearly two years ago, Pastor Jack Graham began praying about
where God would lead Prestonwood next. As he prayed, the Lord gave
him a verse – “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do
you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in
the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).
Pastor Graham knew the “new thing” meant continuing the journey
that brought Prestonwood to Plano, because relocating was
never intended to be the “beginning of the end.” And he knew it
involved doing everything possible to impact the region, the nation
and the world.
In March, Pastor Graham addressed the congregation regarding a
four-fold vision: a new children’s wing, an education and leadership
training center, upgraded media and PowerPoint equipment, and a second
location – Prestonwood North Campus. The announcement was
met with incredible support.
“I’m thankful for the response and the prayers and calls and e-mails
in support of what we’re doing,” he said. “That’s the Prestonwood way.
That’s the spirit of this congregation.”
Just as God led Pastor Graham on a prayerful journey, He is now
leading the Prestonwood family on a journey of faith toward accomplishment
of that vision.
As we seek to reach more people for Christ, it’s important to recognize
where we’ve been, and to confidently know where we’re going.
We believe God has led us this far – 26,000 members, more than 1,000
annual baptisms, and ministries in abundance – and we believe He is
taking us even further. As we move forth, we must ask ourselves, “What
is my part? How is God leading me in this journey?”
The vision will not succeed unless we commit ourselves to God’s
plan. Yes, the vision is lofty – a calling that will require upwards of $50
million – but by God’s grace and provision it is achievable.
In the past, the Prestonwood family has always been blessed through
sacrificial giving for the work of the Lord.
“It’s like a revival,” Pastor Graham said. “Once you deal with the
issues of possessions and money and surrendering to the work of Christ,
something above and beyond ourselves, that’s a powerful thing in the
hearts of people. And, so...we should be eagerly anticipating what God is
going to do in all of our hearts as He leads us.”
The expansion projects are long overdue and highly vital as they contribute
to the kingdom. The new children’s wing will help build up the
next generation; the leadership training center will equip and encourage
pastors and lay leaders to accomplish God’s will for their ministries; and
technological advances and upgraded equipment will allow for greater
worldwide impact through PowerPoint Ministries with Jack Graham.
In addition, the expansion plan includes the building of a North Campus
to reach the flourishing communities near U.S. Highway 380 and the
future extension of the Dallas North Tollway – an area that real estate
experts recently deemed “one of the region’s next shopping meccas.”
So, why Prestonwood?
“We have resources,” Pastor Graham said, “starting with people who
are willing to work to reach their friends and neighbors for Christ and for
the church.
“We’ve always said, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ And
when you see an area growing by 28 percent – the numbers are staggering
as to how many people are going to be there the next five to 20 years
– you have to ask yourself, ‘Since God has given us the resources and the
opportunity and people, why wouldn’t we do it?’ There’s no reason we
shouldn’t be about the work of Christ in that community.”
The requests from residents in that community for Prestonwood to
join them were also something the church could not ignore. Pastor Graham
called a meeting he had with residents “the tipping point” because
he saw clearly the heart and desire of those people, and he heard their
prayers.
“When you combine Prestonwood’s faith and focus and mission with
people who are hungry and excited about the future there,” he said,
“then you have something very special about to happen.”
| 
