Why are we building this facility?
This facility will allow for continued growth and expanded program offerings. It will serve as a hub for ministry not only to our members but to the community around us. It will also give Ambassador a home of our own, rather than using a rented, temporary location that is not particularly suited for church purposes. (The school has been relatively inconvenient and is increasingly more expensive.)
Are we growing?
Yes. Over the past 5 years we have experience consistent steady growth and have about 150 regular attendees. We expect the Lord to continue to increase that growth. In addition, our town and surrounding areas have grown! Through our recent survey, we learned that 83% of our church members do not plan to leave the area over the next 3 years.
Why do we need a capital campaign?
There are many reasons why the campaign is necessary. We want to ensure that the congregation is supportive of this project before we start. We want to minimize any borrowing the church needs to do, and we want to show any bank we do borrow from that the congregation supports the project. This is also a great exercise in faith and stewardship and an opportunity for us to grow spiritually.
Who is providing leadership to the building plan and the capital campaign?
The work involved in this large of a project has been spread out among many people. Specifically, we have a number of committees working to ensure success.
Executive Committee Members: Don Knox (Chairman); Jill Brown; Link Neal; Huntley Cuthrell; Gary Shearin; Julia Peterson; and Mike Andrews
Building Committee Members: Steve Brown (Chairman); Huntley Cuthrell; Audrey Jones; Buck Hodges; Leanne Knight; Blair Lyttle; and Tony Clark
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Who was involved in the facility development plan?
A tremendous amount of work has been done to bring us to the point we are at today. Hundreds of hours have been spent on research and discussion, dozens of meetings have been held, and many ideas have been considered. As well, the congregation completed a survey to help guide the facility planning process.
When will the building start and how long will it take?
We hope to begin the project in the current year, but our start date will be dependent upon the progress of our capital campaign. Construction begins after the capital campaign is complete, bank financing is arranged, an architect has been hired, construction documents are complete, a general contractor has been retained, and municipal approvals have been received. Some of these activities are already underway.
From the day we notice-to-proceed, it will take about 3 to 4 months to get enough design work completed to break ground in earnest and 8 to 10 months to complete the building.
In the mean time we are trying to anticipate and do anything we can to remove obstacles (such as the pond) and shorten the time between notice-to-proceed and the beginning of construction.
Is there a possibility for church members to put in 'sweat equity'?
Yes. You will hear about sweat equity opportunities as we get closer to construction. If you have a particular skill, please talk to our Building Committee Chair. In addition, after we hire a general contractor, we will be exploring donations of materials and services toward the project.
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How much will the total project cost?
The planned cost for Phase 1 is $1.2 million.
How much money are we trying to raise during this campaign?
Our consultant, and independent research conducted by our Capital Campaign Executive Committee, has found that churches like ours can typically raise between 1.5 and 3 times the annual income of the church. The goal of this campaign is between $300 and $400 thousand, which is well within those guidelines.
What if we don't raise the full amount?
Few churches raise every penny they need right away. But, we believe that if every member of Ambassador seeks God's direction, we can reach our goal and will have a substantial portion of what we need during the three-year commitment period of the campaign. We will also have our current and budgeted facility rental costs available to apply to the mortgage.
What will happen with the money I pledge to the capital campaign?
The money will be accounted for separately from normal church income and all funds will be designated towards the cost of the building construction project.
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Is my contribution above and beyond my weekly or regular offering?
Yes. The church has ongoing expenses, salaries, materials, etc. which are covered by our normal weekly giving. We are asking people to consider a special commitment to the Building with Living Stones campaign over and above their normal weekly giving.
How do I decide how much to give?
The decision regarding how much to give is a personal one between you, your family, and God. The information sheet clearly states the financial needs of our project. Begin with prayer. Ask God for guidance about your decision and allow God to direct you. As part of the Building with Living Stones campaign, we will be communicating with you through a number of ways to help you make an informed Biblical decision.
What if I pledge a certain amount, but then find out that I cannot meet my obligation due to a change of job status, relocation, etc?
We understand that there may be circumstances beyond your control and that you may not be able to fulfill your pledge. Your pledge is to God, and we believe that you and He can work that out together.
Will my pledge amount be confidential?
All pledges will be kept in confidence, with the amounts known only by those necessary to account for campaign gifts and our treasurer. All those who pledge will receive an accounting of their contributions at year-end for tax purposes and record keeping.
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When do we make our financial commitment to the capital fund?
You will have an opportunity to turn in your commitment card during Commitment Sunday, which is scheduled for June 4, 2006
Is it important that I turn in a commitment card?
Yes, because it allows Ambassador to get a reasonable view of what God, working through people like us, will provide in order to pay for our new church home. It aids greatly in wise stewardship and God-honoring planning.
Will I have an opportunity to ask more questions?
Yes. Someone from a group of people within our church called 'connectors' will be contacting you over the next several weeks to discuss the campaign with you, to pray with you, and to answer any questions you may have.
If you don't see an answer to your question here, please contact a member of the capital campaign team or our pastor. We want you to fully understand our intensions, the reasoning behind these intentions and the importance of the campaign. We also want you to fully understand the spiritual aspects of the campaign so that you can fully experience the way our Lord responds to faithful people.
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