ATLAS History |
in the making
Proudly serving Greene County since 2006
Over 15 years ago, as a small men’s group sat around a table at waffle house, it would have been impossible to imagine the path that would ultimately lead to ATLAS as it stands in Greene County. So often, the journey leads us far from where we initially set out to go, yet somehow, we look up and find we are exactly where we are supposed to be…with clear purpose and direction for the future. This is the story of ATLAS.
In the year 2000, the first ATLAS was founded in Iowa by Jerry Kieft with a heart to help people 'Live Without Limitations' and find joy in the journey of discovering their unique potential in Christ. (More can be found about the nation wide ATLAS group below.) In Greene County Georgia, the for-mentioned group of men became the first heart beat in the life of our ATLAS chapter. Hatched from this group meeting to talk about fatherhood and personal maturity, the Greensboro ATLAS was conceptualized through late nights on the back porch of the founding members— two men, dreamers, who knew Christ offered more for their home community. From these dreams, and the deep love and commitment the founders had for people, the board was officially founded in 2005. Over the course of the next decade, ATLAS sought to confront some of the challenging social and economic circumstances that existed here in Greene County that were keeping families from thriving as God intended-- all while maintaining the root desire to be a beacon for Christ to people who needed help. In the early years, most ATLAS efforts revolved around aiding individuals in crisis through counseling and financial assistance.
Over time, the vision that took shape was “to see a community living as God intended—to its full potential”, but this vision would not be realistic without reinventing ATLAS altogether. Realizing the importance of getting out in front of the needs in order to make a generational impact, ATLAS leadership made a shift from reactive efforts toward a distinctively proactive approach. Now several years into this new program model, ATLAS serves a unique calling in this community.
The new ATLAS approach has become a mission to impact individuals and families from birth to adulthood investing in and equipping them at every stage for whatever their next step is. With 5 major initiatives, programming is tailored to be present and active in every period of development.
ATLAS Through the Years — A Timeline of our History in Greene County.
WHAT IS ATLAS?
ATLAS is an acrostic which stands for Attaining Truth, Love and Self Control. The name arose from the thought of an ATLAS road map. On the road of life we all, at some point, fall into a pothole. Many of us work hard at getting back on the road but need help, so we extend a hand up hoping someone will grab ahold. Most of us have an infrastructure of relationships that extend that helping hand. But many don't. ATLAS was started to extend a hand of faith and love to those needing it.
The first ATLAS organization started in 2000 in Iowa and is now in 10 communities nationwide. Each local organization adapts its services to best serve the unique needs of its community. ATLAS programs all stand firm on our “non-negotiables”: we are Christ-centered, prayer-based, spirit-led, mentor-based, non-denominational, locally governed and supported.
CORE VALUES
The following principles comprise the very heart of ATLAS. Our desire is for this movement to be entirely directed by God and we feel that adherence to the following core principles will help us to achieve this goal and stay the course that He has laid out for us.
Christ Centered↓
Without Christ, nothing ATLAS does is of any worth. A Christ-centered organization goes beyond serving the community. It recognizes the charge God has given us. We have been called by God to follow Christ’s example of reaching out and sacrificing for the community out of a pure love for the hurting.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15: 4-5
Prayer Based↓
ATLAS Is a Prayer-based Ministry. ATLAS seeks to join God in what He is already doing in a community. As such, we need to be in constant prayer and communion with God concerning direction for the team, contacts, and the Board.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with all thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Spirit-Led↓
We feel strongly that the impact of ATLAS relies solely on the Holy Spirit providing the needed wisdom and counsel to transform lives. God tells us in His Word that it is neither might nor human power, but by His Spirit that great things will be done(Zechariah 4:6).
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord had anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and release from darkness the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all those who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4
Relationship Focused↓
ATLAS is focused on developing and nurturing long-term relationships with individuals and families throughout our community that are based on trust and mutual respect. We will consistently reflect the love of Christ in all our relationships.
Locally Governed and Supported↓
ATLAS is run by a local board and depends on local donors for financial support. A local board and financial support not only help ATLAS depend on God for direction and resources, but also assures a strong connection to the community and clear accountability to operate ATLAS with diligence and excellence.
“The entire law is summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.” Galatians 5:14
Non-Denominational↓
Christ’s body refers to the entire body of believers, not just one particular denomination. It is crucial for our effectiveness to work hard at connecting with the churches in our community and collaborating closely with them. We do not seek unity for its own sake; rather, we become unified when we work together to serve our community with the love and message of Christ.
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:5-7
“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to the others.” Romans 12:5