On December 3 the noon Rotary Club of Lawrenceville toured 12 Stone Church, the fastest growing church in the United States in 2010.  Norwood Davis, their Chief Financial Officer, led the group through the facilities at the main campus on Buford Road.  The beautiful, rustic-looking facility is tucked back in a wooded area over a wild ravine.  The main level is dedicated to adult meeting areas and the upper level to kindergarten through fifth-grade aged children.  Some of the facts shared with the group were the following:

• The church was founded in 1987 and this facility was opened in 2008.
• Their goal is to reach the unchurched of the Gwinnett County area (a population of over 400,000).
• They have three other campuses which are served from this main campus.
• Their motto is to “Inspire, Share and Give.”
• They will have ten weekly services which will serve 13,000 people. They have 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, and 6:00 services.
• On Christmas week-end they expect 20,000-21,000 people.
• They have the best of technology (video, audio, acoustical equipment, and screens). The group toured the video and recording centers that control the input for services.
• The church is staffed by 105-8 people, 67 of them full-time.
• They give away 10% of the money they take in to local charities or groups.
• Focus is on using videos in teaching young people.  They make their own films and musical CDs.
• The John Maxwell Leadership Center is dedicated to educating pastors and emphasizes internship experience.