Jesus described his kingdom using a story of a great banquet. In the story there were two groups of people invited to the banquet. The first group had opportunities and options. Their calendars were full of business and social opportunities. This group declined the banquet invitation. The second group was located in the streets and alleys, along the roads and country lanes. They were poor, crippled, blind and lame. They accepted the invitation.
Impact Temple is a church plant aligning with God’s heart and the reality of his kingdom as seen in this story. We want those who are wealthy in the eyes of the world to prioritize the banquet and live simple lives that are not too busy for the kingdom. We want the banquet invitation extended to the poor, crippled, blind and lame. We want to remove barriers to the kingdom by planting a church that is accessible and reflects the diverse people God has placed in the East Temple community.
Roy and Tiffany Rhodes came to Impact in August 2019, pursuing God’s calling to serve a church that was reaching across socio-economic lines and seeking to overcome cultural barriers.
Roy accepted the call to serve as Pastor when Brandon and Heidi Baker, who planted Impact starting in 2013, stepped down from pastoral work in order to pursue new initiates in care for the homeless and marginalized.
Tiffany is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University (’09), where she studied art, and now teaches elementary students through Artist Tree Studio, which she founded in 2017. Roy also graduated from OC (’09) and completed a Master of Divinity degree from Abilene Christian University (’15).
Roy and Tiffany have served in church ministry for over ten years, including oversees in Chemnitz, Germany. In addition to being a pastor, Roy serves as the Coordinator for Residency Programs with Mission Alive, a church planting organization that seeks to equip leaders for innovative ministry in marginalized communities.
Roy and Tiffany have two children: Micah and Miriam.
Jacob and Danielle joined the Impact family in February 2015. During their time at Impact, they have served in a variety of ways in discipleship, children and worship ministries. They are excited to be leading the youth ministry and hope to equip the next generation with a strong, biblical foundation to build their adult lives on. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
Jacob works for Baylor Scott and White as an IT analyst. Danielle is a homeschooling mom to their six children: Enoch, Titus, Jacinth, Apphia, Atarah and Jair. Lovers of church plants, their family has served in multiple ministries and congregations together for the past fifteen years. Their passion is to see Jesus glorified, but they also get excited about music, writing, other cultures, great books, hiking trips and board games.
Impact Temple is a non-denominational church plant in the East Temple community. Our focus is on God’s expanding Kingdom in marginal places.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) We believe the life of a disciple will be marked by great sacrifices in comfort, wealth, power and fame to embrace a simple mission.
Love anticipates, plans and creates space for others to occupy. in our relationship Jesus demonstrated hospitality leaving heaven entering the homes of the marginalized, boats of fishermen, and gathering places for the sick. Hospitality sacrifices our comfort to create physical and relational space for others.
We believe our inner circle of friends and our church as a whole should reflect God’s diverse family. Jesus modeled relational diversity in the disciples he chose and the places he went. At Impact Temple we believe that when Jesus is lifted up a diverse church will be drawn together.
Jesus took the very nature of a servant and he said that the greatest among you will be the servant of all (Mt 23:11). We are intent on serving and sharing our lives with those who are most vulnerable. Our goal is to serve our neighbors in the Temple community in two ways:
Bringing or serving a meal is a great way of showing God’s love for each other. At Impact, we believe that the strongest relationships and community are built through fellowship. Join us for Sunday Church, and then afterward, let’s eat together and get to know each other!
