ACTS 2:42-44
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.
FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the merger conversation begin?
A: Pastor Lomax reached out to Pastor Terrance in February of 2022 to consider being his successor upon retirement.
Q: When will Pastor Lomax officially retire?
A: December 31, 2023
Q: Are Pastors Lomax and Sister Teresa leaving?
A: No. They will remain members of the house.
Q: What are the benefits of merging our two churches?
A: There is an African proverb that puts it this way: “When you run alone, you run fast. But when you run together, you run far.” We believe The Fountain and COOL Church that joining together as one church we will be more effective at reaching Miami, better positioned to love and serve our community, and offer stronger ministries within in our church. We believe that this will be a win for Fountain Church, a win for COOL Church, a win for our city and most importantly, a win for the Kingdom of God.
Q: When will the merger be completed?
A: Upon final approval of the merger this November, both churches will relaunch in January of 2024 as COOL Church in three locations: COOL Church @Miramar High, COOL Church @The Fountain and COOL Church Online.
Q: How and when will the decision to merge be made?
A: Though we began our merger conversation in early 2023. The active membership of Fountain Church will have a congregational vote to approve the merger on October 29th. The Board of COOL Church has already approved the merger and does not require a congregational vote.
Q: What will be the service times, and how many services will we have?
A: We will have 3 services starting in January 2024. There will be one service at the Fountain location and 2 services at the Miramar High location. The service times will be staggered to accommodate live, in-person worship and preaching at both locations. The first week of November is the target to reveal the service times on each campus.
Q: What will happen to The Fountain Church staff members?
A: Pastor Lomax will be retired and committed to promote the success of the church and will remain available to serve at the discretion of the pastors. Most of the current staff will continue to serve in either a site specific or centralized way. Generous severances will be given to those whose roles are eliminated or who choose to transition away.
Q: How will current members of Fountain Church be transferred to the new church?
A: Current members of Fountain Church can choose to have their membership automatically transferred to the COOL Church on the merger vote day. Fountain members and attenders are encouraged to learn more about COOL Church through its weekly membership Culture Class.
Q: What will happen to Fountain Church’ supported missionaries and organizations?
A: All existing relationships with Fountain Church supported missionaries and organizations will be carried forward into the budget and program of COOL Church for at least one year. After that, they will be open for review and adjustment as appropriate.
Q: How can I help?
There will be ample volunteer opportunities in the new church. Over the next few months, the combined staffs will be working hard to help make the transition for current volunteers and attendees as seamless as possible.
Q: What are my next steps?
CELEBRATE. These are exciting days for The Fountain and COOL Church as God is leading us into a new vision for the future. It is a great opportunity to help even more peo-ple become rooted in Jesus and released to His mission.
PRAY. Pray that God will bless this endeavor. Pray for the leadership of both churches as they work out the details of integrating the two churches. Pray for the combined staffs who are working hard to help make the transition for current volunteers and attendees as seamless as possible. Pray that many lives and families will be transformed as a result of our two churches coming together as one.
JOIN. Join the core team that will re-launch this congregation. This is a great chance with many opportunities for you to serve in a new, exciting endeavor.
GIVE. Continue or begin to support your church with the giving of your time and resources especially during this time of transition.
INVITE. Invite your friends, family and co-workers to services following the re-launch.
Q: WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THE PROPOSED MERGER?
October 29th – The Fountain Church Congregational Meeting to vote on the merger at 11:30 a.m. after the morning service.
December 31st — The Fountain Church will hold a final celebration service/retirement ceremony for Pastor Lomax & Sister Teresa.
January 7th – Grand Opening of COOL Church in Three Locations
December 31st — The Fountain Church will hold a final celebration service/retirement ceremony for Pastor Lomax & Sister Teresa.
January 7th – Grand Opening of COOL Church in Three Locations
Q: Where do I go if I have more questions?
Fountain members and attenders can attend informational meetings on October 22, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. or October 25, 2023, at 7:00 pm. The meeting for The Fountain Congregational vote on the merger is Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.