Click here to read the October edition of Expressions, including the pastor’s letter and a detailed description of our exciting plans for the fall campaign.
Check this section of the website often for new postings and updates.
What are we building?
- A New Event Center to expand worship opportunities through additional venues
- The Atrium for making connections, deepening relationships, sharing a cup of coffee or gathering ministry information
- Renovation of a new acquired property to expand opportunities through Promises Community Ministries
When promises and the job corps move to the new property, what will become of their current building?
The Job Corps building will be demolished to make way for the Event Center. Several options exist for the Promises building including office space, a Bible study/worship venue, and/or or much needed storage.
Why are we building?
To be more effective at reaching emerging Generations with the Gospel and helping them become fully devoted followers of Christ--connected to other Believers, serving others in Jesus' Name, and growing in their faith.
How will we pay for the construction?
Through gifts given through the Extending His Kingdom capital campaign. During construction, we will seek interim financing.
Will I be pressured to make a commitment?
No! Participation in the campaign and the decision of how much to give are left entirely to you. Everyone will be given the opportunity to give. No one will be forced to participate.
How may i prepare to participate?
Seek the Lord through His word and prayer. Participate in the 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting which will began September 12. Read passages like these: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12; Proverbs 3:5-9; Psalm 116:12-14.
How long will i have to give my committed amount?
The design of the capital campaign is for gifts to be given over a three year period. You may give your commitment all at once, if you prefer.
If I can't give a large amount, does my gift really matter?
Absolutely! All gifts matter. As we all participate according to our ability, the Lord will bless our gifts and multiply our giving.
What forms of contributions will be accepted?
Contributions can be made by cash, check, or online. Other forms of contributions can include stocks, bonds, real estate, or other material possessions of value.
Do I have to be a church member to participate?
No. Anyone is welcome to participate. It's a personal decision for members and guests alike.
Can you explain the three tiered goal we are hoping to achieve?
We have a three tiered goal of 4 million, 4.5 million and 5 million dollars.
I. Basic Construction related needs are estimated at $4 million to cover the following projects:
- Promises/Job Corps Relocation
- The Atrium
- The Event Center
- The Preschool Drive Up
By reaching this goal, we are able to complete construction and furnish the Event Center with the most basic audio-visual equipment.
II. Enhancements that can be included by raising a total of 4.5 million dollars include:
- Completion of the Audio/Visual Package for the Event Center. (e.g. computers, software, equipment, etc. not installed during construction.)
- Full furnishings for Atrium, Event Center, and Promises
By reaching this goal, we are able to fully furnish and outfit our new facilities and pay cash to do so. Paying cash for these necessities before applying funds to existing debt (at 3.25 % interest) saves money and prepares us to be move-in ready.
III. Current Debt Elimination can also be accomplished by raising a total of $5 million.
By reaching this goal, we will pay off our existing indebtedness after all building related expenses are covered.
What if construction costs end up being more than projected?
Exact figures will not be available until actual blueprints are drawn and construction bids are accepted. Upon completion of the Capital Campaign, the Building Committee will meet with the Trustees to establish priorities and budgets for each of the proposed projects. The Building Committee will then monitor the architects to maintain the budgets as final construction bid documents are prepared. No project can be accurately priced at this juncture, but through the process, the Building Committee will keep tight controls to do everything possible to keep cost contained within the allotted budgets.
Why now? Is this the best time to build, given the economy?
Our Building Committee Co-Chairs, Bruce Basden and Rocky Bransom, are in the business of development/construction and from their perspective , now is a very good time to build and finance a project. Their reasoning is the recession and continuing troubled economy work to our advantage in that construction bids are very competitive and financing rates are at historic lows.
When do we set things into motion toward construction?
No project will proceed without a vote by the membership of the church to proceed. It is anticipated that upon completion of the pledge campaign, the Trustees will meet with the Building Committee and formulate a recommendation to the Church. Until the Capital Campaign is completed and those results are considered, it would be very difficult to plan for the numerous possible scenarios.
How are we doing on our existing debt
In the past five years, we’ve reduced principal on our debt by $ 926,866.00 which includes $508,756.00 of debt service built into our budget and $418,290.00 of extra gifts given toward debt elimination. Assuming we ONLY service the debt through budgeted payments over the three years of the campaign, at the end of this time, our existing debt will be $333,589.00. Monthly principle payments vary as the loan progresses, but on average, we pay $12,000.00 in principle on our note each month from the church budget. Our congregation has many different perspectives on what is an appropriate level of debt and how quickly it should be paid off. Becoming debt free as quickly as possible is ideal, and until that time comes, we must be fiscally responsible in our decisions. While this facility expansion plan does create the possibility of additional debt, our church’s history demonstrates a consistent ability to pay off debt well before the full term of the note.
How will our new governance structure change things with this project?
The Trustees will act on matters of decision making as authorized in the new constitution as questions or recommendations come forth from the Building Committee. In instances where the new constitution specifies doing so, appropriate matters will be brought to the entire church for approval. In all instances, it will be important to keep you, the church body, updated on the progress of the project.
In what order will the projects be completed?
The engineering for the Buford Street Preschool Drop Off is underway and the traffic plan has been approved by the City of Burleson. When the construction drawings are completed, the project will be presented to the Trustees for their approval and a final vote from the membership to proceed.
Since the Church has been given a new location for Promises, that project mainly involves renovation. We expect to begin the new renovation fairly quickly. The Promises Ministry Team and the Building Committee are currently developing a 10 year plan for that project and with its completion will be able to present the Trustees with a recommendation for the site. It will then be up to the membership now to proceed.
The new construction on the current site will follow and be most economically built if awarded under one contract. With the capital campaign complete and a total budget agreed upon by the Building Committee and the Trustees, construction documents will be completed and presented to the Church along with a financing plan.
Will the campaign help provide more handicapped parking?
No changes are planned for the existing worship parking lots that would affect HC parking. We will make a note to study the situation. The concern has not been brought up until now.
Will the student ministry get their space back with the Event Center being built?
Yes. The 9:31 service now occupies the Merge Room (Student Ministry worship and meeting area). With the completion of the Event Center, the 9:31 service will be relocated to the Event Center, and the Student Ministry will regain full access to their facilities on Sunday mornings.
