Q: Why are we having this Great Expectations Campaign? Why not just announce that we need funds to build?
A: Because it takes this much time and effort to fully communicate the need... the purpose... the goals ... and the vision to everyone in a church our size. With over 500 attenders of Faith Living Church, it requires an enormous amount of communication to ensure that everyone knows exactly what is going on.
Q: Are we paying any fund-raising consultant for this campaign?
A: NO! Pastor Ron felt that we should follow the biblical instructions God gave for raising the money to build the Temple in 1 Chronicles 29.
Q: How will the money we raise be used?
A: The building fund is kept separate from the general ministry funds. All Great Expectations gifts will be used to pay the expenses of building facilities. It is important to remember that our Great Expectations gifts are to be in addition to our regular giving for the on-going operation of the church. Otherwise our day-to-day ministries would suffer.
Q: What if we raise more than our goals?
A: The project will be completely Master Planned into approximately five phases. Our initial project is to complete Phase One. If God provides more resources, we will be able to promptly move into Phase Two and beyond.
Q: How soon will we be able to move into our new facility?
A: This is very difficult to accurately predict due to zoning regulations and such. However, because of its practical and economical design, it can be built very quickly. We hope to be able to move into our new facility in 2008!
Q: “I've attended Faith Living Church for many years and have appreciated the fact that our church does not do constant “fundraising." Instead, you've just clearly taught us what the Bible says about giving. What is the difference between a “fundraising” campaign and a “giving” campaign like Great Expectations?
A: A BIG difference! The purpose of a “giving” campaign is to challenge each of us to give out of our OWN resources. In a “fundraising” campaign, you collect money from someone else by selling them a product or service. A giving campaign always results in personal spiritual growth -- a fundraising campaign just raises money. The Great Expectations campaign was designed to (1) Stretch your faith, (2) Build your hope in God's promises, (3) Deepen your love for Christ and his Church, and (4) Teach you Christ-like generosity. By learning to sacrifice personally for the cause of Christ you will grow toward spiritual maturity.
Q: “I am a single parent with several kids and almost no income. But I want to be a part of building our church. How can I give?"
A: First, let me commend you for your heart's desire to give. It reminds me of the poor widow Jesus honored for her faith in giving in Mark 12:41-44.
Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.
From this moving example of sacrifice, Jesus taught three important truths:
o Your attitude is more important than your amount in giving.
o It is always possible to give something IF we really trust God.
o God measures our faith by comparing what we've given with
what we have left over after we've given.
This is why our theme is “equal sacrifice, not equal gifts” As you pray about what a genuine “sacrifice “ will mean to you, I urge you to read the Bible story of the miracle that happened when another single parent gave away what little she had (1 Kings 17:8-16). God took care of her the rest of her life. And God is still doing miracles today in the lives of those who dare to trust him!
There are many ways to give - if one is willing to give. Pray about giving what you can in cash on Nov. 25 & 26, and then make a faith commitment to give an additional amount over the next 36 months. Then watch God fulfill his promise to meet your needs (Phil. 4:19).
Q: How much does the church currently have in savings?
A: around $200k.
Q: Why doesn't the church have more available for this?
A: We have, over the years, purchased the blue house and have made significant improvements to our existing facilities (i.e., refurbished the sanctuary, built Café Under Construction, etc.) The church also gives significant amounts to other ministries (i.e., Africa, Mexico, etc.).
Q: How many tithers does FLC have?
A: We have no way of knowing what is a tithe for someone. We have about 600-700 weekly attenders and a majority of them give regularly.
Q: Is FLC going to take a portion of the current tithe to pay for this?
A: No. We want to keep the tithe separate for the operating expenses of the church. So, we encourage all giving to be above and beyond one’s tithe.
Q: Are we going to go into debt?
A: FLC has never had a mortgage and we don't expect to ever have one, except perhaps for a short term "bridge loan" that would be paid off with our Capital Campaign proceeds.
Q:Are we going to do a fundraiser?
A: No. If someone wants to do something creative to raise funds for this project, great, but we encourage them to not put the FLC name on it.
Q: Does FLC produce financial reports?
A: Yes, and the Board of Advisors review them on a regular basis. (Two members of the BOA are CPAs).
Q: Will the funds be separate from the operating expenses?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I only give on or before November 24?
A: No, we have set that date so we can have a celebration of what God has provided, but we will accept contributions at any time.
Q: How many staff does FLC have?
A: Nine full-time and nine part-time!
Q: What is our current facility valued at?
A: We estimate that we currently may have about $1m in real estate owned.
Q: What will we do with our current facility?
A: We have been working with the Director of Economic Development in Southington and he has indicated that there may be an interest for a dinner theater, etc., but this is really up in the air.
Q: Do we have a piece of land picked out yet?
A: We are currently looking at a few different pieces.
Q: Where is the property?
A: We are currently looking at several pieces in the West Street vicinity in Southington.
Q: How many acres are we looking to purchase?
A: More than 20. The current pieces are around 40+ each.
Q: Why do we need so much land?
A: We want to plan for the future. We believe that God has called us to be a church of thousands, and the rule of thumb is that you can fit 100 people per acre. We don’t want to have to move again in 10 years.
Q: How large will the building be?
A: Our goal is to have our Phase One building be around 30,000-40,000 square feet.
Q: Who will build the church?
A: Building God’s Way.
Q: Have we considered additional overhead expenses of having a larger facility?
A: Yes, we have considered overhead expenses, and we also expect that as soon as we open our new doors we will see a significant influx of people -- with that will have to come increased ministerial staff shortly thereafter as well.
Q: Who owns the church?
A: Faith Living Church is incorporated and therefore is owned by no one.
Q: Is the church a 501(c)(3) organization?
A: Yes, it is a 501(c)(3) Non Stock Corporation governed by a Board of Trustees.
Q: When do we expect to get to move in?
A: We hope to move in, in 2008
Q: If the church buys land, is it tax-free?
A: Yes
Q: I am a (fill in the blank) and I would like to donate my construction skill to this project. Can you use me?
A: Sure! However, we will not be handling that directly. Building God’s Way will interview all contractors and hold them to the same standards whether they are donating their labor or being paid for it.
