I recently completed a 2-week tour through our church relationally by personally visiting every Fellowship Group (small group). The purpose of my visits were so that I could share perspective and encouragement regarding our Transformission Finish Line Campaign. Here are a four reflections on these visits as well as a recap of what I shared in each group.
4 Reflections:
- There are some amazing people and groups at our church. I love this community.
- Everyone really believes the building we are buying is very strategic for the mission of our church and everyone has appreciated seeing the growth since we moved into the building.
- Our people really do trust their leadership, but they also do feel very valued and cared for when we are transparent and direct about the church’s needs and what they need to do about it.
- Fewer people than I would have predicted have actually read “The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn. (see me for a free copy). This simple book based on Matthew 6 has greatly impacted the intentionality within Kristin and I’s life and led to some big changes and much increased peace and joy.
Recap of 4 Talking Points for Fellowship Group Visits:
(1) Two Phases (Transformission vs. Finish Line)
- We are not having 2 phases b/c we came up shorter than expected in phase one.
- 2 phases were the original plan (both are about discipleship and stewardship)
- Phase 1 (Transformission) was about vision, and current members committing
- Phase 2 (Finish Line) was about a clear end goal/finish line, and on-ramping new members and attenders with our campaign.
(2) Two Needs (24 Month Pledge Need vs. Cash Need Before July)
Pledge Need ($75,000 more in pledges needed for next 24 months)
- Our original overall goal was and still is $405,000 (down-payment + campaign overhead + small renovations).
- Our strategy was to have a 3-year campaign where we raise pledges to the amount of our goal ($405k).
- We are almost there… current pledges are at about $330K.
Cash Need (Need $214,000 extra cash before July, 2017)
- Contrary to our original information from the bank and our original strategy, we were informed that we needed to have the entire down-payment in July 2017. This means we need $214,000 extra cash before July, 2017.
- We can get this cash by July in several ways:
- Advance Pledges (we’re asking for this)
- One-Time Cash Gifts (we’re asking for this)
- A low-interest Bridge Loan (we have this in place, but hope to avoid it as much as possible because of the interest)
- See table below to understand how this could work (Note- extra $30,000 added into bridge loan to account for emergency fund and operating expenses)
|
Get up to 405 Pledges Only
|
405k Pledges + 75K Advance
|
405k + 150K Advance
|
|
FR Cash 115K
244K 36M Bridge Loan
Bridge Loan Costs 32,940 (915/m)
|
FR Cash 115K
Adv Pledges 75K
169K 36M Bridge Loan
Bridge Loan Costs 22,815 (633/m)
|
FR Cash 115K
Adv Pledges 150K
94K 36M Bridge Loan
Bridge Loan Costs 12,690 (352/m)
|
(3) Two Outcomes (Buy vs. Not Buy)
Let’s be careful that we not “over-spiritualize” the purchase of a church facility as Christians are often prone to do. Just like when buying a home or a car, this is a legal contract that we, as a church, knowingly entered into. The point here is that we have a good deal and contract on a truly special property. While there is an incredible amount of “good will” in this transaction, the seller has every right to hold us to the contract and they must be good stewards of their property according to their own financial needs. If we as Fellowship Raleigh do not do what is necessary to purchase this building in July, then we will lose our earnest money of $45k but we do not lose everything. God will still be 100% behind Fellowship Raleigh wherever He leads us next!! Amen! Also, if we do not close in July, one cannot fault the seller if they choose to find another buyer. This is a hot location and finding another buyer would be no problem at all. If we do buy the building then we are putting down roots at 410 Lord Berkley for long-term ministry in downtown Raleigh.
(4) Two Action Steps (Cash on Commitment Sunday and Regular Giving)
#1 is that we need as much cash as possible either given or committed on April 9 (Advance Pledges, One Time Gifts, Special Gifts, etc.)
#2 is that we need you to be faithful with your regular giving and pre-existing pledge to this campaign.
- We need to avoid forgetting and procrastinating. In this season where the bank is looking at our “financials” we need everyone to be diligent and give what they intend to give. Discover PushPay and online giving to our church to help you.
- I would commend tithing. I believe that Jesus has completely fulfilled the Old Testament law and Christians are not required to tithe. Praise Jesus! However, I believe tithing is a helpful habit and spiritual discipline in a Christian’s life. If 10% makes you feel like a legalist then do a different percentage… as long as your giving is generous, consistent, thoughtful, and sacrificial.
- I would commend giving to God through your local church first (first fruits) then to other personal needs, bills, and ministries.
Pastor Matt Schoolfield 
Leave a comment