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.
In October of 2013, Brandon and Heidi announced their call to begin planting a church in East Temple that reaches across socio-economic and cultural barriers. Brandon and Heidi met in the summer of 1997 working with the Impact Houston congregation, a formative congregation with a similar mission.
Heidi graduated from Harding University (’96) with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Ed K-12. She taught at Sugar Grove Christian, Small Steps Nurturing Center, and is currently teaching kindergarten at Chisholm Trail Elementary.
Brandon and Heidi have three children, Emma, Mason and Esther.
Doree Collins serves as Children’s and Education Pastor for Impact Temple church. As the Children’s and Education Pastor, Doree is working to establish a children’s ministry that empowers parents to connect church to home. Doree leads a once a week scripture anchored, prayer circle for parents to pray for their children and families. She also is developing a reading program that is focused on building literacy through bible-based story books. She is committed to supporting parents with tools and discipleship understanding that will equip them in teaching their children how to grow in understanding about the gospel.
Doree also serves as Executive director of the Un-Included Club, a local non-profit organization that is committed to teaching young people how to be un-included from negativity. Collins is a Temple, Texas resident and has over 10 years of experience in education. She obtained her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, her undergraduate degree from Tarleton State University and is certified in Special and EC-4 education. She has worked as an administrator for a program specifically designed for underserved children. In addition, Collins taught for seven years and led as an educator mentor for two of those years.
Doree is married to Travis Collins, and they have four beautiful children – son Trayven; oldest daughter Dayla; youngest son, Theron; and their youngest daughter, Doris. Doree is motivated to continue her work by her love for learning more about the Kingdom of God. One of her anchor scriptures is, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7
Roy and Tiffany Rhodes serve at Impact as Church Planting Residents. They are discerning God’s calling for them to plant a new church and are receiving training while working with and learning from Impact. Roy and Tiffany met in high school and were married while students at Oklahoma Christian University.
Roy studied English at Oklahoma Christian University (’09) and later received an M.Div from Abilene Christian University (’15). He has worked in a variety of American church contexts and in Chemnitz, Germany. Most recently, he served for four years as the Community Minister of West University Church of Christ. Tiffany received a BFA from Oklahoma Christian University (’09), and she founded and directs Artist Tree Studios, an after-school art program for elementary students.
Roy and Tiffany have two children: Micah and Miriam.
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!
