What are the ministry plans before us? As our campaign title “More…for His Glory!” suggests, it is not that we are headed in a new direction or that we are beginning a new ministry, we simply want to reach more people for His glory. We have reached a point where our existing Children’s Center must be expanded in order for that to happen. Likewise, a new worship center must be built that is capable of holding more people. We are indeed blessed of God to be in a growth mode but at this juncture we need to bring our facilities into alignment with existing levels of growth in order to be able to accommodate more people on our existing campus.
Why now? As many leadership experts have said, one of the key elements of sustaining growth is learning how to “exploit the law of momentum.” We have been in a consistent growth mode for 10 years and our physical plant is simply on the verge of being maxed-out. When the current sanctuary reached capacity at our 11:00 am worship service in February of 2001, we simply added a second morning worship service at 8:30 am in order to exploit the growth momentum. In 2004, our 11:00 am worship service once again reached capacity and we simply added a third worship service at 9:45 am and a second Sunday School at 11:00 am in order to exploit the growth momentum. Now, once again in 2008. our 11:00 am service reached capacity and our pastor and leaders shifted some Sunday School classes in an attempt to equalize attendance between the 9:45 am and 11:00 am worship services. We thank the Lord that this has resulted in a temporary solution. While we also thank God for the growth that He has given us, we believe that now is the time to build in order to “exploit the law of momentum.” We simply need larger facilities now!
In what order will our ministry goals be accomplished? Your leadership team recommends that our first goal should be to retire our existing building debt. We have constructed two new buildings, two parking lots, added two acres of land and purchased the Smith House and moved it to the back of the property to serve as a temporary church office space. As of July 21, 2008. the remaining balance on these projects was $218,251.11. Once this debt is eliminated (hopefully very early in our capital campaign), the next goal will be to add a 3,360 square foot addition to our existing Children’s Center. This will add six classrooms, one office and one storage room. We will do this project ourselves, just as we did the original Children’s Center and we will pay for it in cash, building each phase as quickly as the money comes in. The estimated cost is approximately $200,000.00. The next phase will be to construct a new 15,000 square foot worship center and office complex on the site of the existing church office (approximately $2,000,000.00). Construction could begin on this project once a down payment of approximately $500,000.00 is in the bank. Upon occupancy of the new worship center, the existing sanctuary could be converted for immediate use using freestanding partitions (permanent partitions will ultimately be put in place).
How will commitments be made? Commitments will be made weekly, monthly, or annually over a three year period. Commitment cards will be signed at the Celebration Event on Sunday, November 2, 2008. The campaign leadership team will also be explaining how our former members and our of friends and family of our existing members may also be included in helping this vision to become a reality.
Will I have a chance to review the building plans and ask questions prior to making my commitment to the More…for His Glory campaign? Yes, many members of the leadership team are also serving on “The Master’s Planning Team (MPT).” The MPT is working with an Architect to develop a long-range master plan for CBC. In addition to having the Master Plan and potentially an artistic rendering placed prominently in our church lobby, we also hope to post the plan on our church website (www.centerviewbaptistchurch.com). One of the best opportunities to ask questions and to review plans will be available by attending one of the personal communication team meetings in a small group setting during the month of October (be on the lookout for details).
What is expected of me? To be much in prayer about “More…for His Glory!” and to take every opportunity that we offer to stay informed about this venture of faith. Ultimately, it is expected of you to be involved and to make a prayerful commitment to personally follow the will of God for your life in this matter.