Our team has its home base in Birmingham, AL and is comprised of students from various universities with different interests and majors united by their gospel identity. The team visited Old Town Alexandria to evaluate the need and viability of a church plant. Old Town is a diverse and affluent area but also one with spiritual skepticism and loneliness indicating a need for community and the gospel. The team proposes partnering with local churches, launching with a $456,000 budget focused on staff, facilities, and outreach through local activities and organizations.

1. Prepared by
GenSend Birmingham
Old Town
Church plant prospectus
Alexandria, VA

2. Karissa Annis
University of Alabama
anthropology and Classics
OUR TEAM
Hallie Boisclair
University of Alabama-Birmingham
Marketing
Caleb Gray
Samford University
Religion
Hannah Green
University of Alabama-Birmingham
Neuroscience
Carter jackson
Samford University
Journalism and Mass communication
Nathan Kitchens
University of Alabama-Birmingham
Graduate Student: Literature
Koby Langner
Belmont University
Religious and Communication studies
John Luke Robinson
Southeastern Bible College
Bible and Counseling
Connor Stepps
University of Alabama-Birmingham
Biomedical engineering
Drew Tunnell
Wallace state community college
Communications
J.D. Tyler
Samford university
Religion
1
Our team has its home base in Birmingham, AL. We all attend different universities and have many
different interests, talents, and majors. Our Gospel identity, however, has been the core that holds
us together. It is the cornerstone of conflict resolution, our evangelism, and cultural exegesis. We
have lived in biblical community by sharing meals, commuting, and ultimately, presenting the Gos-
pel together.

3. core beliefs
Who is God?
What is the bible?
We believe that there is only one true and living God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. God has all
power and all knowledge. He alone is worthy of worship. God exists in three distinct persons but without division.
God the Father reigns as a perfect father over all creation. The Father is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and
all-wise. Christ is the eternal Son of God. He became human through incarnation by the Holy Spirit and through
the virgin Mary. As a man, Christ was the second and perfect Adam. He was crucified, buried, and rose again thus
paying the debt for our sins. He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God. One day, he shall return
to visibly rule the new heavens and earth. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and is fully divine. In older times the
Spirit inspired the writing of the Scriptures. He causes humans to understand God’s truth. He convicts and calls.
And we are baptized through the Spirit. He bestows gifts and empowers believers.
(Genesis 1:1,26,27; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; Matthew 28:19; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1
Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15: 45; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13,
5:18; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Peter 1:2)
The Bible is a book compiled and written by men divinely inspired via the Holy Spirit. It is the revelation of God to
us. The Scriptures are completely without error and contain perfect truth. It reveals God’s judgment and salvation.
Therefore it stands at the center of the Christian life. All Scripture points to Christ and He is its focus.
(Psalm 119:105,160; Proverbs 2:6, 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
These beliefs are what we know to be truth, and we seek to live them out in our lives.
What is salvation?
Salvation is a gift of God offered freely to reedem all men and women. There is no salvation apart from a personal
faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. In general, salvation includes
regeneration and justification, which leads to sanctification and glorification. Salvation results in eternal life in
heaven with Christ.
(Romans 5:1, 6:23; Ephesians 2:9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26)
2

4. core beliefs cont.
What is The Church?
A church is a congregation of baptized believers united by a common covenant and expression of faith in Christ. The
church is under the lordship of Christ, but is visibly preserved through the leadership of elders and the common
authority of its members. There is also a universal church, which is the body of Christ throughout all generations
and peoples.
(Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7;
1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1;
Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3)
What is eternity?
Humans are made to exist forever. Because of sin, humans will only be able to live in eternal damnation unless they
receive the gift of salvation. Those saved will be able to exist in perfect harmony with God and each other in eternal
life. Heaven and hell are eternal realities.
(John 3:16, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8, 2:44, 46)
Our Mission
Our mission was to learn the geography, sociality, and
spirituality of Old Town Alexandria in order to evaluate the
necessity and viability of a gospel-centered church plant.
Our vision is first and foremost that the gospel be
proclaimed in every conversation and encounter in Old
Town Alexandria through the love of Jesus Christ. We pray
for true fellowship and want to see revival in a place with
room for more gospel-centered churches.
Our vision
3

5. About D.C.
Facts About D.C.
Culture of D.C.
- Founded in 1790, capital of the United States of America
- Population of 675,228 as of 2015. This is an 11.7% increase since the 2010 United States census
- If the District were a state, it would rank 49 th in size, ahead of Vermont and Wyoming.
- According to 2015 U.S. Census Bureau data, the population of Washington, D.C. was 48.3%
Black or African American, 44.1% White (36.1% non-Hispanic White), 4.2% Asian, 0.6%
American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
Individuals from two or more races made up 2.7% of the population. Hispanics of any race
made up 10.6% of the District’s population.
- In 2006, half of D.C. residents had at least a four-year college degree
- D.C. residents have an average personal income per capita of $55,755; higher than any of the 50 U.S.
states
- 19% of residents were below the poverty level in 2005, higher than any state except Mississippi
4
Washington, DC is a very diverse city with residents not only from across the United States, but around the world. In
addition to being the seat of our federal government, it serves as a central hub for cultural development, technology,
arts, innovation, communication, philosophy, scholarship, and economics. It is one of the most influential cities in
the world.
“Washington is a city of southern efficiency and northern charm.” – John F. Kennedy

6. -Old Town Alexandria (~about one square mile) has a population of 8,512.
-The median age of Old Town residents is 44.1 years.
-About 31.1% of people are single.
-Household demographics:
-Married-couple families (without children): 40.2%
-Married-couple families (with children): 48.6%
-Single-mother households: 21.6%
-Median household income: $124,336
-Median rent: $1,654
-Racial demographics:
-71% White/Caucasian
-13% African-American
-2% Asian
-7% Persian/Arab
-15% Hispanic (of any race)
About Old Town Alexandria
Facts about OTA
Old town alexandria
Located just off the King Street metro station is Old Town Alexandria, Virginia which spans 1.066 square miles. Old
Town Alexandria was founded in 1749, being one of the oldest historic districts in Virginia, and is a popular tourist
attraction for those interested in a plethora of dining options, rich history, and a diverse art scene. A free trolley
takes guests and locals from the METRO stop to the waterfront and makes frequent stops along the way. Old Town
Alexandria is located 8 miles south of D.C. proper on the Potomac River. Both George Washington and Robert E.
Lee called Old Town home during their lifetimes. There are numerous parks along the river, restaurants, and an
original Torpedo Factory Art Center which provides space for over 160 artists.
5

7. Why OTA
Spiritual Culture
Areas of Engagement
Old Town Alexandria is a very promising place for a church plant for a number of reasons. There are multifarious
worldviews represented by the residents and workers. Our team encountered New Age thinkers, conservative
Christians, charismatic Christians, agnostics, and athiests, but the overwhelming majority of our encounters
revealed that Old Town is an area of skepticism and lostness. While there is some resistance to a growing church
culture, what seems to be commonplace is the yearning for community that arises out of the absence of family and
close-friends. This longing can begin to be satisfied by a church plant that is intentional about creating fellowship
and community throughout Old Town that ultimately will find its unity in Christ and the gospel.
There are many areas/activities
in Old Town that provide
opportunities for meeting new
people. Some of these areas
and activities are:
- Torpedo Factory Art Gallery
- Pick-up basketball
- Coffee shops
(such as Killer E.S.P.)
- Recreation Centers
- King Street Farmer’s Market
- Old Town Waterfront
- Restraunts
- Shops
- Fitness facilities
- Parks
- Local churches
6

8. Budget Breakdown
Proposal, $456,000
Initial fundraising recommendation/goal: $410,000
7
Staff Salaries (one full-time, three part-time)
Benefits
Housing
Ministry
Development
Administration
Capital Expenses
Facilities
Launch Fund
Communication/Marketing
Total
$174,000
$15,000
$45,000
$62,000
$5,000
$16,000
$14,000
$80,000
$30,000
$15,000
$456,000
Staff Salaries
38%
Benefits
3%
Housing
10%
Ministry
14%
Development
1%
Administration
3%
Capital
Expenses
3%
Facilities
18%
Launch
Fund
7%
Communication/
Marketing
3%

9. Potential Partners
8
Downtown Baptist Church
212 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phillip V. Faig, Senior Pastor
www.downtownbaptist.org
Local Southern Baptist Church located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, just off of King Street. This church has been in the area
for over 60 yrs. Today it has a relatively small congregation with a new head pastor focused on revitalization of the church.
within Old Town
Ebenezer Baptist Church
909 Queen St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Senior Pastor: Rev. Albert P. Jackson
Local National Baptist church located a block from King Street. This church has historical roots in the area with lifelong members.
It is has newly-formed associations with the SBC and has an active ministry focused mainly on the areas of government housing
in Alexandria.
Carpenter’s Shelter
www.carpentersshelter.org
Carpenter’s Shelter (United Way) supports the homeless in achieving sustainable independence through shelter, guidance,
education, and advocacy.
Charles Houston Recreation Center
901 Wythe St, Alexandria, VA 22314
outside Old Town
Captiol Hill Baptist Church
www.capitolhillbaptist.org
- CHBC has a rich history in the DC Metro. They have sent out elders, pastors and members to plant and revitalize churches across
this area.
- Two of their sister churches are in Alexandria:
Del Ray Baptist Church
2405 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22301
www.delraybaptist.org
Franconia Baptist Church
5912 Franconia Road
Alexandria, VA 22310
www.franconiabaptist.org
Redeemer City Church
www.reedemerdc.org
A gospel-centered, multi-ethnic church plant, in the Brookalnd area of Washington D.C.
Anacostia River Church
www.anacostiariverchurch.org
A young church plant in the Anocastia area of D.C. in partenship with Capitol Hill Baptist Church, started by their members and
elders.
Restoration Church DC
www.restorationchurchdc.com
A vibrant church plant from Capitol Hill Baptist, located near the Tenleytown are of Washington D.C.

10. old town
alexandria
prospectus
For more information, contact:
Carter Jackson
carterejackson@gmail.com