FAQ
- How did CharlotteONE begin?
- What is the mission of CharlotteONE?
- Who is CharlotteONE for?
- What is the vision of CharlotteONE?
- Is CharlotteONE a church?
- Why is CharlotteONE so committed to the mission of the local church?
- How many churches are involved with CharlotteONE?
- How is CharlotteONE funded?
- How can my church jump on board?
- The CharlotteONE gatherings do not look or feel like my church. Why?
- Why does the churches in Charlotte need a unified gathering like CharlotteONE? Why not just let one particular church lead the way?
- What does the name “CharlotteONE” stand for?
- What denomination is CharlotteONE affiliated?
- Who is on the leadership team? Can I be on it?
- How do I volunteer/serve at CharlotteONE?
- Can I promote my event/ministry at CharlotteONE?
- Does CharlotteONE offer small groups/mission opportunities?
- Who speaks at CharlotteONE? Can I speak?
- Who is leading CharlotteONE?
- Where does CharlotteONE meet?
- I love the music! How can I join the band?
- How do I send a donation to CharlotteONE?
- If I have a further question about CharlotteONE, whom can I ask?
How did CharlotteONE begin?
Back to TopCharlotteONE began as a shared vision among several local young adult and singles pastors in the Charlotte area. Their vision was to offer a unified mid-week worship/teaching gathering across denominational lines in order for young adults and singles in the metro area to come together as ONE to connect with God and each other in an effort to support the local church. After several months of prayer and preparation, CharlotteONE began as a 4-week “trial” in May of 2006 by several area churches to see if Charlotte would respond to this vision…and respond they did.
When the doors opened for the first time, 300 young adults and singles from different denominations and religious backgrounds caught the vision and the power of ONE. Attendance increased every night with the last night seeing 400+ come together with ONE heart, ONE mind, and ONE voice to worship ONE God as ONE people.
CharlotteONE now meets in Uptown Charlotte and attracts between 500-600 young adults each Tuesday night.
Recognizing the undeniable need and the unbelievable response from the young adult/single community for a unified gathering across denominational lines, it was clear that God was forming a new gathering in Charlotte for a new generation…the generation of ONE.
What is the mission of CharlotteONE?
Back to TopCharlotteONE is a unified movement of local churches coming together as ONE in order to reach young adults and singles for Christ and connect them to a local faith community.
CORE VALUES:
1) UNITY
2) REACHING
3) CONNECTINGWho is CharlotteONE for?
Back to TopCharlotteONE is specifically designed to relate to the needs of a young adult and/or a single adult. Any given week, it is not uncommon for 20somethings to worship alongside of 30somethings and 40somethings, both married and single. If you are a young adult or a single, come check it out to see if CharlotteONE is for you.
What is the vision of CharlotteONE?
So that the young adults and singles in Charlotte may know the love of God through Jesus Christ.Back to TopIs CharlotteONE a church?
Back to TopNo. It is the firm conviction of the local pastors who are overseeing this gathering that CharlotteONE forever and always serve to support the local church and her effort to reach young adults and singles in the metro area. CharlotteONE is led by pastors in local churches, funded by local churches, supported by those in the local church, and exists to serve as an outreach of the local church by encouraging believers and introducing non-believers to Christ and the local church. Therefore, CharlotteONE does not seek to duplicate the church nor will CharlotteONE seek to fully reflect the different aspects of the church.
Why is CharlotteONE so committed to the mission of the local church?
Back to TopThe pastors of CharlotteONE believe that if change is going to happen globally, it will first happen locally. It is the deep conviction of the pastors involved that the local church is the expression of the new community that Christ died to establish here on earth. Therefore, CharlotteONE serves as an outreach of these local churches with the sole purpose of filtering young adults and singles into local faith communities where they can be cared for and nurtured. CharlotteONE believes that the local church is God's chosen vehicle for creating lasting change in the world, and we are humbled to work alongside of so many great churches here in our city.
How many churches are involved with CharlotteONE?
Back to TopA host of local churches support CharlotteONE. It is these churches desire to have as many other churches in the metro area contributing and supporting the vision for CharlotteONE. The churches currently on board include:
• Carmel Baptist Church
• Charlotte South Fellowship
*Charlotte North Fellowship
• Chrio Church Community
• Church at Charlotte
• City Church
• Element Church
* First Baptist Church of Charlotte
• First Baptist Church Matthews
* First United Methodist Church
• Forest Hill Church
• Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
* Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church
* Idlewild Baptist Church
• Lake Forest Church
• Mosaic Church
• Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church
• Providence Road Church of Christ
• Providence United Methodist Church
• Ridge Church
* Southbrook Church
• Steele Creek Church of Charlotte
• University City Fellowship
• University Park Baptist Church
• Weddington ChurchHow is CharlotteONE funded?
Back to TopCharlotteONE is primarily funded through yearly contributions by multiple local churches as well as individual donors. (NOTE: CharlotteONE encourages any individual donor to give first to the local church and then to CharlotteONE).
How can my church jump on board?
Back to TopThere are several ways in which local churches can join with the other churches and become involved with CharlotteONE. Interested churches are encouraged to contact David Hickman at dhickman@charlotteone.org to discuss different support options.
Some practical ways to support CharlotteONE include: Prayer, Attendance, Volunteering, Financial, and Promotion of CharlotteONE gatherings and events.
The CharlotteONE gatherings do not look or feel like my church. Why?
Back to TopAlthough CharlotteONE deeply respects the rich traditions of our different religious heritages, it would be impossible for CharlotteONE to fully reflect each participant's preferred worship style or philosophy. CharlotteONE specifically targets young adults and singles and will offer a dynamic worship/teaching environment that resonates with that demographic.
Why does the churches in Charlotte need a unified gathering like CharlotteONE? Why not just let one particular church lead the way?
Back to TopAfter seeing countless young adult and single adult services spring up and then die within individual churches throughout the city, it was evident to several local pastors that no one particular church would be able to reach young adults and singles in the city as effectively as several local churches coming together as ONE. So, with the rally cry of, “It takes a city to reach a city,” CharlotteONE was launched in May of 2006 and had an average attendance of 320+ each night and saw 400+ on the last night.
CharlotteONE gives young adults and singles in the metro area a place during the week where they can come and form honest and healthy relationships with God and each other in the context of an unforgettable environment. CharlotteONE, in turn, then points young adults and singles into local churches where they can be adequately cared for and nurtured in the context of a biblically functioning community.
What does the name “CharlotteONE” stand for?
Back to TopRight before Jesus was to be betrayed and then crucified on a Roman cross, He prayed to God in John 17:23 that his followers would “become perfectly ONE, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (ESV) Paul picks this theme up in Ephesians 4 when he writes, “There is ONE body and ONE Spirit--just as you were called to the ONE hope that belongs to your call-- ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (ESV) Therefore, ONE represents the heart of Christ for His followers in Charlotte to become perfectly ONE, so that the young adult/single community in Charlotte may know God and love Him forever. ONE is what Jesus prayed for his followers to become as well as what Paul reminds His followers to remain…this is the heart behind the name.
What denomination is CharlotteONE affiliated?
Back to TopAlthough CharlotteONE deeply respects the great denominational distinctions among the Body of Christ, CharlotteONE is not identified by any one particular denomination.
Who is on the leadership team? Can I be on it?
Back to TopThe leadership team of ONE consists of 15-20 young adults and singles from a variety of ages, races, backgrounds, denominations, and experiences. Members of the team are required to be a functioning member of a local church as well as serving in their local church in a leadership/serving capacity. Furthermore, each member is required to go through an application process, interview, and background check before being accepted on the leadership team. This team is already formed and if the need arises new applicants will be personally approached. For more information on the current leadership, go to "Leadership"
How do I volunteer/serve at CharlotteONE?
Back to TopCharlotteONE is always looking for passionate individuals to volunteer within the ministry. If anyone is interested in serving the local church through CharlotteONE, they must first submit an application and attend a CharlotteONE training session. All applicants are strongly encouraged to be a functioning member of a local church and serving within their respected church before applying to volunteer with CharlotteONE.
Can I promote my event/ministry at CharlotteONE?
Back to TopBecause CharlotteONE strives to be impartial, focused, and simple, we typically do not promote events, specific churches, or causes at CharlotteONE. We have found that it is impossible to grant all requests of this kind and we find it difficult to promote some and not others. We ask that you honor this decision by refraining from passing out flyers in the hallways or parking lot or placing materials on the cars.
Does CharlotteONE offer small groups/mission opportunities?
Back to TopNo. It is the clear conviction of the leaders of CharlotteONE that this ministry never strive to duplicate all the different elements of the local church. Therefore, CharlotteONE will be delighted to assist anyone who desires to be involved in a small group, prayer group, or mission trip to join a local church that offer such ministry opportunities.
Who speaks at CharlotteONE? Can I speak?
Back to TopCharlotteONE seeks to provide the best evangelical Christian speakers available. Therefore, most of our speakers come from various outside sources, and are approved by the CharlotteONE board of directors before being allowed to speak.
Who is leading CharlotteONE?
Back to TopAlong with a leadership team made up of 15-20 young adults and singles from local churches, and 80 volunteer leaders, the following local pastors and marketplace leaders serve on the Board of Directors for CharlotteONE.
Jay Hancock, D.Min – Jay provides the organizational wisdom and pastoral support for CharlotteONE. Jay has served the local church as an education and discipleship pastor for over 20 years. He currently oversees Carmel Baptist's Bible study ministries and Christian schools. Jay is responsible for Carmel's singles ministry and works specifically with the younger single adults teaching a Bible study class and helping lead the church's singles ministry team.
John Palmer, MBA - John received a BA in History from Rhodes College in 1997 and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Memphis in 2000. After graduating from the University of Memphis, John moved to New York City where he worked in commercial mortgage backed securities for five years. He recently relocated to Charlotte where he continues to work in CMBS.
Rob Kelly – Rob received a BA in Business Administration from The University of Washington and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity and Christian Leadership from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Rob has served in non-profit administration and consulting for 6 years and is currently serving as the college and young adult pastor at a local church in Charlotte.
Jonathan Ishee, MBA - Jonathan received a BS in Business Administration from Mississippi College and a Masters of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Jonathan moved to Charlotte where he has established himself as a successful and respected business owner.
David Hickman, M.Div – David earned a B.A. in Bible and Religion from Montreat College and is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree. David and his wife Monica have been involved in young adult ministry for several years and currently live in North Charlotte where they serve the local church and ChralotteONE.
Russ Rosser, D.Min – Russ has 45 plus years of pastoral ministry experience. Russ developed a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual church in New York City for 21 years and at the same time was Chairman of the Board and then interim president of what is now Bethel-East Seminary. Russ serves on the board of directors for the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlote and also served as the assistant to the dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Dr. Sid Bradley, before resigning to serve as the Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries at a local church in the city.
Where does CharlotteONE meet?
Back to TopCharlotteONE gathers at First United Methodist Church of Charlotte. Although CharlotteONE is not a First Church ministry, they have been gracious enough to house CharlotteONE for our winter and spring seasons.
I love the music! How can I join the band?
Back to TopAs of right now, RETRUN is the house band for CharlotteONE. However, if the need arises, CharlotteONE will conduct various auditions in the formation of a new house band.
How do I send a donation to CharlotteONE?
Back to TopDonations can be placed in the donation boxes at the CharlotteONE gatherings. Checks should be made out to "CharlotteONE." To give online, click on "Donate Online." CharlotteONE has applied for its 501(c)(3) status, and upon approval, all donations will be tax exempt retroactively.
If I have a further question about CharlotteONE, whom can I ask?
Back to TopThe local pastors who oversee CharlotteONE are more than happy to address any and all questions that pastors, churches, lay leaders, potential donors, and individuals have concerning this ministry. If you have a question, please feel free to contact David Hickman at dhickman@charlotteone.org or call (980)-233-9073.
