Thoughts and Prayers about The Next Step (our Future, Present Building, and property):

  1. Our church ministry ought to be about building people not just about classrooms, family centers, metal buildings, brick, and mortar. People are forever, buildings are temporary. The Apostle Paul moved by the Holy Spirit wrote, “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
  2. Our church missions giving and ministry to missions has increased regularly, while our church physical buildings have increased and improved. The local church should be strong to continue helping missions. Strong local church equals continued mission support.
  3. Our Annual Next Step Sunday is to help with the vision of the church in realizing the future buildings:
  4. Some members and friends of the church will give a cash offering on Next Step Sunday.
  5. Some members and friends of the church will make a promise to God to give each month for twelve months.
  6. Some members and friends of the church will need some time to get to their money so there is a place on the “giving pledge card” to designate how much you will give within the next three months for the Next Step.
  7. Our church method to communicate the passion of Christ for all, “God loves us” is essential. People need the Lord and what happens inside the walls of this church, future buildings of the church is life changing. The old saying goes: “people are down on what they are not up on”.
  8. Our church would like to raise 50% of the total cost of the Family Life Center as we work together. Building is expensive even with volunteer professionals donating their services. Our church needs to have a contingency fund in place. 100% is ideal, 75% is better keeping out of debt in these uncertain times is prudent and necessary. Breaking the next building into two phases may be needed, building education rooms and then a gymnasium/multipurpose room. Every dollar spent on interest to a bank for a mortgage is a dollar not spent on a spiritual need of a child, a missionary a needy adult. Pastor R. B. Oullette has stated, “It would not be unwise to have 5 to 10 percent more money available than you believe the building will cost.”
  9. Our church will build function over extravagant, the buildings ought to be usable, accessible, and attractive. Our church will build carefully, making sure we do not run ahead of the Lord in having something that is not affordable with a big mortgage, utilities, insurance, and upkeep. Our church will build with the congregation kept informed, with church members/deacons/builders/pastors promoting God’s plan, timing and development. Pastor Jim Townsley has stated, “the construction of the church is ongoing and will never be finished until the return of Christ.”
  10. Our church will prayerfully prepare for change because when the building process begins there will be adjustments to schedules, costs, and work teams needed. Prime Minister David Lloyd George said, “Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *