Our Story
Why Not Charleston (WNC) is a non-profit organization based in Charleston, South Carolina that was founded in 2010. The vision is to inspire a movement that renews each community and our Nation through the opportunity that is the Gospel Rich Lifestyle.
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The Gospel Rich Lifestyle is living an integrated life according to Christ. An abundant and fruitful life is the promise of the Gospel Rich Lifestyle, as God intended.
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The Gospel Rich Lifestyle (GRL) begins with seeing the world through the lens of Christ. It is pursued through our dedicated imitation of Jesus who embodied the Scripture. Why Not Charleston aims to provide opportunities to practice and apply Gospel Rich living through its programs, initiatives, and activities.
The Yellow Cross Explained:
The Yellow
The color yellow, in the natural or according to the world, is related to emotions such as joy, cheerfulness, hope, and promise. It literally is the color of the rising sun that undoubtedly occurs every morning. The Sun is the ultimate symbol of a promise kept that we have another chance each day to be better, to begin again, to reach higher, to be new - like the day is new.
Biblically, the color yellow is similar in meaning - it represents light. In John 8:12 Jesus states: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but
will have the light of life. Yellow reflects a higher level of light yet absorbs a lower level of heat. Heat is the struggle but light is the promise. Therefore, through yellow Christ followers can be reminded that by the Promise of Jesus we experience the path of least resistance, “the light of life”.
The Cross
The Cross is a symbol that reminds us we have a Savior. This reminder further deepens an acknowledgement that Christians are united by the Cross if by nothing else. For it is at the foot of the Cross that every Christian finds like-minded agreement; unity.
Denominations separate us as Christ followers - by traditions, beliefs, priorities, permissions, etc... However, the one truth that all Christians are unified by is that Christ died for us - for our sins - so that, by the gift of free will, we can choose Him, live by His word, His wisdom, His example and can repent and be renewed by His love and sacrifice.
Being of like mind with Jesus is the where the promises lie. Philippians 2:2 tells us, “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
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“The Light of Life” is the way to achieving the Gospel Rich Lifestyle.
Welcome Our New:
Executive Director Of Gospel Engagement
John Harris, a man whose heart finds its greatest joy in being a devoted husband to his beautiful bride, Tequannah Harris, and a proud father to four precious souls – Kaiya, Yannah, Justus, and Novi-Jude. His journey led him to Charleston six years ago, guided by what he wholeheartedly believes to be a divine calling that beckoned him from Augusta, GA.
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Within the vibrant tapestry of Charleston, SC, John discovered a profound and resonating purpose – to 'bridge the gaps' and weave together the fabric of unity, understanding, and compassion. He embraces this mission wholeheartedly, serving as the Executive Director of Gospel Engagement at the esteemed organization, Why Not Charleston.
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John's passion lies in strategically mobilizing the community's unique gifts and talents, aspiring to cultivate a gospel-rich lifestyle that emanates genuine compassion, authenticity, and a profound sense of purpose.
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In his role as the Executive Director of Gospel Engagement, John stands steadfastly committed to fostering an environment where empathy thrives and hearts resonate in harmonious unison. Together, they seek to inspire change and forge deep connections among individuals, families, and diverse communities, catalyzing a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the city's borders.
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Our Initiatives
Monday Training
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Mondays for meaningful gatherings with men. On the 2nd and 4th Mondays, we welcome both the fellows (boys 8th grade and up) and men for enriching sessions. Additionally, experience exciting weekend retreat trips with the boys, and enjoy sporting events and more, happening once a quarter. Come be a part of these inspiring moments with us!
Teacher Love Project
Teacher Love Project, where we spread love and support to teachers. This year, we are thrilled to continue serving and loving the teachers at Simmons Pinckney, the same school we partnered with last year. Additionally, we are excited to expand our outreach and add one more school to our mission. Join us as we make a positive impact on the lives of educators and the communities they serve!
Promise Informed Leadership Academy
Our comprehensive program offers engaging sessions from Monday to Tuesday and Thursday, starting at 8:30 am until 2:45 pm at the YB location. On Wednesdays, our specialized training takes place at the state-of-the-art Wings Basketball Academy facility from 9 am to 12 pm. Discover a transformative learning experience that prepares you for leadership excellence. Embrace the promise of a brighter future with us!
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The GRL Project
The GRL Project has a special mission to help people imagine and create enhanced lifestyle experiences within their home environment. How the space of home nurtures and provides is the focus of this unique learning opportunity.
Explore promise-informed ideals and practices that you can apply in your home, inside and outside, to realize God's clear expectation that home is to be a peaceful habitation, a safe space, and a quiet resting place.
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“My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in safe spaces, and in quiet resting places.”
~ Isaiah 32:18
G-Team
The mission of G-Team is to empower students to impact their personal and school experience through applying the ideals of the Gospel: LOVE - JOY - PATIENCE - KINDNESS SELF-CONTROL. School culture and the student experience is most often determined for students not by them. Ironically, students are the least considered variable regarding school culture. Research shows only 30% of high school students rank their experience as satisfactory. G-Team brings students into the school culture conversation and helps them become part of the solution which they can apply to improving their personal and school experiences.
Firestarters
Firestarters is an experience that begins with saying yes to God and the journey that follows is filled by exploring His Word, practicing His Way, and experiencing His Wonderment. Firestarters is a lifestyle leadership development opportunity for women. The Firestarter experience can be structured in a variety of ways from groups that gather monthly to pop-up workshops & online courses. This inter-denominational offering is for women by women - learning and growing as God intended. Firestarters begin a personal journey to discover how they are perfectly made by God and find their yes to the pursuit of living the Gospel Rich Lifestyle which is living an abundant life according to Christ and His Promises.
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Homes of Hope
HOMES OF HOPE is a community care project with a focus to enhance the home experience for children living with special needs and their families. The project is designed and aligned with national support initiatives that document the critical need for support and care regarding families living within these special circumstances. The vision is to see children with special needs and their families having a nurturing home experience conducive to ensuring positive outcomes. The mission is to provide, establish, and offer services that address making sure essential needs are present that support the vision. From product care packages to housing services to at-home lifestyle learning opportunities, HOMES OF HOPE is committed to helping others experience the life-giving favor of God's promise for all that home can be a place of hope, care, rest, peace, and love.
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"It's not about how a home looks; it's about how a home loves." ~Home Shine​
