We want to say this clearly at the outset:

• No decisions have been finalized
  
  

• No timeline has been set
  
  

• No changes are happening right now

What we are in is a season of prayerful discernment, not execution.

We shared early because we believe transparency builds trust—and because we want our church family to be invited into prayer, not presented with conclusions after the fact.

For some time, the leadership of The Axis Church has been prayerfully considering the future of our physical location.

Germantown has changed significantly in the years since The Axis Church was planted. Some of the people we once lived among and ministered to have been pushed farther out. At the same time, many new neighbors have moved in—some of whom are now faithful partners of The Axis Church, whom we deeply love and are grateful for. Wherever we gather in the future—if God leads us there—our commitment to shepherding our people remains the same.

A few years ago, leadership began more intentionally exploring whether God might be leading The Axis Church toward a future relocation. Madison was one of several areas we considered, alongside other possibilities. At that time, every option required purchasing a property and absorbing significant remodeling costs, and we did not sense peace moving forward.

We share this because it matters: the idea of Madison did not originate from opportunity or convenience. It was already part of a broader, prayerful discernment about where God might be leading The Axis Church next.

This conversation did not begin because Axis sought out Madison First Baptist, nor because Madison approached us directly.

The Nashville Baptist Association invited us into facilitated conversations with Madison First Baptist, a congregation with a long and faithful gospel presence in their community. Those conversations have been guided carefully and prayerfully from the beginning.

Madison First Baptist is not a struggling church in need of rescue. They are a faithful congregation asking a courageous question:

What might faithfulness look like in our next season?

That question deserves honor.

Shepherded Incorporation is the name we are using to describe a possible pathway, not a predetermined outcome.

It is not a merger.

It is not a partnership.

It is not a blending of two church identities.

If pursued, Shepherded Incorporation would mean that Madison First Baptist’s people and ministries would come under the leadership, doctrine, and mission of The Axis Church—with clear structure and intentional pastoral care.

• Shepherded because people matter more than speed, and change must be approached with patience, humility, and care.
  
  

• Incorporation because clarity is also a kindness. Clear leadership and direction help avoid prolonged uncertainty.

At its heart, this is about receiving people—not acquiring assets, and discerning long-term gospel fruitfulness rather than short-term solutions.

Madison First Baptist is governed congregationally, which means their congregation will prayerfully discern whether to move forward through a congregational vote.

If Madison votes yes, that vote would initiate a process—not an immediate move. Over time, and only with continued clarity and peace, that process could include:

• Selling our current Germantown property
  
  

• Investing thoughtfully in the Madison campus
  
  

• Preparing that campus to become a long-term home for The Axis Church
  
  

• Eventually relocating our primary gathering location

If Madison votes no, we will honor that decision fully and continue forward faithfully where we are.

Either way, The Axis Church will be okay. We are not operating out of fear, urgency, or pressure.

This conversation does include wise stewardship of buildings and finances, and we want to be honest about that.

We have been prayerfully exploring future space for The Axis Church for some time and have not pursued other options because of the high cost of purchasing and remodeling a facility. This possible pathway may represent God’s provision of a building that could be prepared as a long-term home—allowing resources to be directed toward ministry rather than acquisition.

Even so, stewardship is a consideration, not the driver. We will move forward only where we sense Jesus Christ clearly leading.

As we move forward, we want to be clear about what is coming next and why. We share this to provide clarity—not urgency—and to help our church family stay oriented as discernment continues.

Sunday Afternoon, February 15

Our Lead Pastor, Jeremy Rose, and our Executive Director, Daniel Ray, will be with Madison First Baptist Church during their town hall gathering. During that time, they will walk through Axis Basics, which provides an overview of our doctrine, leadership, mission, and partnership commitments.

This is an important step for Madison First Baptist, as understanding who The Axis Church is—and how we are led—is a prerequisite for anyone discerning whether they could become an Axis Ministry Partner.

Sunday Morning, March 1 — Madison First Baptist Congregational Vote

Madison First Baptist operates under a congregational form of church governance. On the morning of March 1, their congregation will vote on whether to move forward with the Shepherded Incorporation process. 

Sunday Evening, March 1 — Axis Partner Potluck

That same evening, at  our Partner Potluck, The Axis leadership will share the outcome of Madison First Baptist’s vote and explain what that outcome means for The Axis Church.

If Madison votes yes, we will outline the proposed next steps and a clear plan.

If Madison votes no, we will share how we will continue forward faithfully where we are.

Ongoing Communication

Regardless of the outcome, we are committed to communicating clearly, calmly, and transparently. Our aim is to move at the pace of wisdom, not urgency, trusting Jesus Christ to lead His Church faithfully.

Is this a merger?

No. This is not a merger, partnership, or blending of church identities. Shepherded Incorporation refers to a possible pathway where Madison First Baptist’s people and ministries would come under the leadership, doctrine, and mission of The Axis Church—with clarity and intentional pastoral care.

Has anything been decided already?

No. Madison First Baptist will discern whether to move forward through a congregational vote. If they vote yes, that would begin a careful process of planning and prayer. If they vote no, we will honor that fully. No decisions have been finalized.

Why does Madison vote, but Axis does not at this stage?

Madison First Baptist is governed congregationally, meaning their congregation discerns God’s will through a vote. The Axis Church is elder-led, meaning our elders carry responsibility for spiritual oversight and discernment, supported by our Governance Team. These are simply different, faithful governance structures.

Will Axis change its doctrine, leadership, or mission?

No. Our doctrine, leadership structure, and mission remain unchanged. Jesus Christ remains the Head of the Church.

What should I be doing right now?

Praying.

Praying for Madison First Baptist as they discern together.

Praying for wisdom for our elders and Governance Team.

Praying for unity, patience, and trust as we seek the Lord’s leading.

What is the best way for me to ask a question?

We want to hear from you, and we want to do that in a way that is thoughtful and helpful for everyone. The best way to ask a question is to submit it through this form. This allows us to receive questions in one place, discern common themes, and respond clearly and pastorally in future communication.