OUR NEXT CENTURY.

A Letter from Our Leadership

Dear Peachtree Family,

We stand on the precipice of a new age—our second century of ministry in an era where church attendance is not a given. Yet, we are anchored in a profound historic mission.

In 1928, when racial hatred divided our nation and spiritualism was the fastest-growing faith, our founders knew how to meet their moment. They built a Cathedral for the Whole City, declaring: "No unkind word will ever be said here of anybody's race or religion... we want you to feel that this Church belongs to you, whether or not you definitely belong to it."

They met their moment with bold hospitality. Now it's our turn to meet ours.

Today's challenges are different but equally profound. Churches may be emptier, brunch lines may run longer, and sports leagues may dominate our Sundays. Some technologists even claim AI will usher in the existence of God—strange spiritual times indeed.

But we carry a legacy of dreaming big and sharing the heart of Christ right here in the heart of the city.

This strategic plan, collaboratively crafted by staff, lay leadership, and our congregation over many months, charts our course for the first five years of our next century. We believe our Christian community is life-giving and has something meaningful to offer. Together, we wish to draw more people to its life and community.

As Jay Padgett, our Board Chair, wrote: "We have seen the vision, faith, and leadership of those who came before, those who built a Cathedral for the city that has stood for 100 years. Now that responsibility has passed to us."

Join us as we meet this moment together.

In faith and anticipation,

Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons, Senior Pastor
Jay Padgett, Board Chair
The Strategic Planning Committee

OUR MISSION

To Seek and Share the Heart of God in the Heart of the City

OUR VISION

We are a growing, diverse community finding unity in Christ and around His table, where all can bring their authentic selves, grow, and connect with Christ and each other.

Rooted in a life-giving theology of unity, liberty, and charity, we are committed to hospitality and the flourishing of all as we pursue justice, mercy, and peace—inviting the world from Midtown and beyond into God's Kingdom.

Our VALUES

  • A place to belong for a lifetime of faith

    • We invite you to belong and experience Christ at His table

    • Our church fits into your life; you don't have to fit into ours

    • We know that finding a place to belong helps seekers come to faithful belief

  • Building relationships that honor diverse thought

    • In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, charity

    • We welcome a diversity of thought with Christ as our key

    • We make room even when we disagree, as Christ has made room for us

  • Worship that drives compassionate action

    • We experience God first in worship and prayer

    • Our worship drives our service to neighbors

    • What starts at Christ's table extends to the streets

  • New life leading to healing and growth

    • New life is found in Jesus Christ

    • Continued growth and healing of broken relationships

    • Lives change by following the way of Jesus

STRATEGIC GOALS FOR 2025-2030

Believing that our Christian community is life-giving and has something truly meaningful to offer, we commit to GROWTH across four key areas:

1. GROW WORSHIP & MEMBERSHIP

Creating a culture of joy, gratitude, and flourishing

2. GROW DISCIPLESHIP DEPTH

Building spiritual formation across generations

3. GROW SERVICE IMPACT

Expanding our love for Atlanta and beyond

4. GROW INFLUENCE WITH THE BROADER CHURCH

Multiplying ministry and partnerships

ACTION PLANS

GROW WORSHIP & MEMBERSHIP

Target: Increase average weekly attendance by 100 worshippers by 2030

Cultivate Engaged Worship

  • Encourage attendance 3+ times monthly (in-person, online, or on-demand)

  • Develop hospitality teams ensuring visitors a deeply connective experience

  • Improve building accessibility and navigation

Foster "Worship + Two" Culture

  • Weekly worship commitment

  • Plus one hour of service weekly

  • Plus one hour of study/fellowship weekly

  • All achievable on Sunday mornings

Create Clear Membership Pathways

  • Define and implement assimilation process

  • Communicate expectations clearly

  • Build hospitality team from entry to exit

  • Develop outward-facing communications strategy

GROW DISCIPLESHIP DEPTH

Target: Double small group participation and launch core curriculum by 2026

Implement Core Curriculum

  • Accessible online and in-person courses

  • Mentorship and spiritual direction opportunities

  • Faith and culture seminars:

    • Faith and racial reconciliation

    • Navigating a secular world

    • Sharing your faith

    • Standing against human trafficking

Expand Small Groups

  • Bible study groups throughout the city

  • Book clubs and fellowship groups

  • Intergenerational connections

  • Youth leadership in worship

GROW SERVICE IMPACT

Target: Transform our building into a community hub

Open Our Doors

  • Host organizations with parallel missions (AA, children's camps, support groups)

  • Convert first floor for direct community service ministry

  • Create hands-on service opportunities for all members

Transform Outreach Funding

  • Implement grant partnership system

  • Organizations apply demonstrating needs

  • Elevate missionary and partner stories

  • Send representatives to visit partners regularly

Develop Ministry Leadership

  • Train elders, deacons, and lay leaders

  • Curriculum for teaching, preaching, and pastoral care

  • Place members on community boards

  • Address unhoused care, literacy, food insecurity

GROW INFLUENCE WITH THE BROADER CHURCH

Target: Plant/support 3 new church initiatives by 2030

Multiply Ministry Mindset

  • Partner with new church development office

  • Incubate church plants at Peachtree

  • Share resources with compatible congregations

  • Increase ecumenical engagement

Expand Digital Reach

  • Develop internship program

  • Create online class library

  • Share worship and arts content digitally

MEASURING SUCCESS

By 2030, we envision:

  • 100+ new weekly worshippers

  • Dozens of active small groups

  • Members intimately involved with ministry partners

  • Revenue-producing programs meeting community needs

  • A building that truly serves as a Cathedral for Atlanta

YOUR ROLE IN THIS STORY

This story doesn't move forward without you. The future of Peachtree depends on all of us praying, giving, serving, and inviting others to the table.

IMMEDIATE WAYS TO ENGAGE:

  • Join Worship + Two

    Commit to weekly worship plus one hour each of service and fellowship

    Join Worship + Two

  • Join a Small Group

    Find community in Bible study, book clubs, or fellowship groups across the city

    Join a Small Group

  • Serve Our Neighbors

    Get involved with our ministry partners and outreach initiatives

    Serve Our Neighbors

  • Support the Vision

    Make Peachtree your priority in charitable giving, starting at 3% of household income

    Support the Vision

  • Invite Someone

    Pray about who you can include on this journey

    Invite Someone