FAQs

• I know the congregation voted in favor of building an Expanded Worship Center, but how did we get to that point?
  Great question. Years of planning preceded the recommendation from the Building Committee and the Church Board. During that time, many options were considered. Discussions with our ministry groups, board, and staff were ongoing. While contemplating building plans, we remained focused on our mission and ministries. Our goal was to facilitate ministry by helping people find healing, restart their fire, and make a difference in the community and world. Only when we concluded that we would not be sacrificing ministry (but, rather, enhancing the proclamation of His name) did we recommend expanding our present facility.
• What is the total expansion cost?
  $6 million will include a uniquely expanded children’s and youth area.
• Is it wise for us to be building an expanded worship center when there are so many other needs in the fellowship?
  Caring for people is the heart of our ministry. We must network, train, and equip caregivers while utilizing accountability systems. While some will focus on building a facility, others will focus on building stronger care networks. This is not a matter of either/or but a need for both. Let’s keep the doors open to touch lives while we keep our hearts open to minister to all people.
• Why is our church involved in a capital campaign?
  This capital campaign allows us to challenge one another to prayerfully consider our individual involvement in the campaign and our personal commitments to the Lord. While finances committed will enable us to build our new facility, our ultimate vision is to become fully devoted disciples in all areas of life.
• Isn’t the capital campaign just a front to get money for the new building?
  While it is our prayer that the Lord will use this emphasis to provide resources for the new facility, the capital campaign is a time to teach that God owns everything—our time, talents, and treasures. We are simply managers. When we understand that, the rest takes care of itself. Our goal is that, through stewardship teaching, each of us will surrender everything to Jesus Christ.
• How much money are we trusting the Lord to supply in this campaign?

  We have set a faith goal of $3 million of increased giving over the next three years. 

• How will the proposed expansion be funded?

  There are four sources available to fund our expansion project. They are:

  • Cash currently in our Building Fund.
  • Immediate cash and non-cash gifts.
  • Regular weekly or monthly gifts given over three years.
  • Borrowed funds.
• Just how much will we need to borrow?
  The amount we borrow will depend upon what God provides through His people. We may need to borrow to complete the project, but that depends on our response to the campaign. The more we raise in our Capital Campaign, the less we need to borrow. There will be a realistic plan to pay back our obligations, and this plan will be presented to the congregation for final approval.
• Will my commitment constitute a permanent investment?
  Definitely. That which we keep for ourselves can be lost, but that which we willingly give away can never be lost. The gifts you give to expand God’s Kingdom here will flourish and bear fruit as God adds His blessing to your faithfulness.
• Is there a certain amount of money I will be expected to commit to our Capital Campaign?
  No. After asking God for guidance in the decision, each person will decide their individual commitment. The goal is not equal gifts but equal sacrifice.
• What is expected of my family when making a financial commitment?
  Every family is being asked to pray about its commitment. No one will be pressured, and no individual commitments will be published. We want everyone to pray about what they believe God would want to do through them. If God owns everything and we are simply managers, then we believe that God will provide everything we need to do His work effectively as we obey Him.
• Can we make one commitment for our entire family?
  Yes, you may. We strongly urge you to involve your children in some way through individual commitment or participation in family giving.
• I already tithe to the General Budget and feel that is all I can do. Am I wrong?
  Only you and the Lord can decide how much you can give. This program has been designed so that everyone can give something, no matter what the size. Our goal is equal sacrifice, not equal gifts. If each one does as God directs, then victory is assured.
• Can I divide my current giving between the General Budget and the Capital Campaign?
  We strongly encourage you to make your commitment “over and above” any other giving to our church. The ministries and missions that we currently support still need to be funded. We ask that you not transfer current giving to the Capital Campaign.
• Will God help me make a commitment that right now seems beyond my means?
  Making a commitment that you know for certain is unrealistic might be detrimental to you and to the church. However, sometimes, things that seem beyond reach are closer than they appear! Priorities may need to be rearranged to participate at a sacrificial level.
• Do I have flexibility in making my financial commitment?

  Yes, there are three general categories under which you can make your commitment:

  1. Immediate gifts from accumulated cash.
  2. Regular weekly or monthly gifts of a specified amount over the next three years.
  3. Non-cash assets such as property, stocks, bonds, etc.
• May I give assets other than cash?
  Yes. There may be tremendous tax advantages to giving assets other than cash. One of the members of our committee will be happy to discuss this with you, or you may choose to consult with your personal tax advisor.
• Can I designate my gift to a specific area or portion of the project?
  Until the campaign is complete, we will not know what revisions (if any) need to be made to the building plans, how much we may need to borrow, or what extras can be added. For those reasons, we ask that you not limit your gift by designating it to an area or purpose that is not part of the present plan.
• When and where will the commitments be made?
  Most commitments will be made on Commitment Sunday, during our church services; however, leaders will have the opportunity to make their commitments earlier.
• How will commitments be received?
  Your financial commitment will be placed in a sealed envelope to maintain its confidentiality.
• Why do I need to make my commitment in writing?
  The total amount of the commitments will be used to forecast future income and to establish a realistic construction budget and a timetable.
• Why is my name requested on the Commitment Card?

  We assume that if you commit in good faith, relying upon God to help you meet it, you will complete it without any further contact from church leaders. However, there are some very practical reasons for having names on commitments:

  1. Confusion: Sometimes, there may be confusion when interpreting a Commitment Card. A name allows the person tabulating the commitments to clarify the issue before reporting the totals to the congregation.
  2. Loan Requirements: If your project funding plan requires bank financing, it’s not unusual for the lender to ask whether the church has signed pledges in hand (unsigned pledges would be less favorable for the lender).
  3. People Forget: Over the course of a three-year timeframe, it is not unusual for a few people to lose or misplace the personal copy of their commitment. Without names, it is impossible to remind anyone, even at their request.
  4. Pledge Validation: The church needs to know that the pledge is valid. Strange as it might seem, there have been known instances where a well-meaning teenager mistakenly completed a large pledge with dire consequences to the church campaign. Without names, you cannot know whether the pledge is valid.
• How will the commitments be reported?
  Your sealed Commitment Card will be received and opened by Prentice Motley. The total dollar amount of all commitments will be reported to the congregation.
• Will I be asked to state my commitment publicly?
  Absolutely not! Your commitment is a private matter between you and God. We will not make these commitments a matter of public knowledge in any way, shape, or form.
• If I should fall behind, will the church take steps to make me pay?
  We will not take any action to collect on a voluntary financial commitment. Our purpose in this Campaign is to provide adequate facilities to continue to progress toward accomplishing our church’s mission. We ask that you pray and seek God’s guidance on what He would have you commit to Him. We have provided Commitment Cards so we can plan wisely.
• When am I supposed to start giving toward my commitment?
  We anticipate giving toward commitments beginning on Celebration Sunday, June 1, 2025. Of course, we recognize that not everyone receives a weekly paycheck. Therefore, you may begin honoring your commitment based on the timing that you designate on your Commitment Card and according to your income schedule.
• Will I have an opportunity to revise my commitment?
  Certainly! Since this is a commitment between you and the Lord, you can revise your commitment. It would be helpful if changes could be communicated in a written manner so church leadership can revise their projections.