Frequently Asked Questions About Building Up-Reaching Out
Why do we need to build new facilities?
We have grown to a point of such crowding that to continue to reach people in our community we must gain more space for ministry.
How will the building project help us to reach un-churched households in our community?
The next phase of the project will immediately increase space for worship, allow for recreational outreach, and provide more adequate space for preschoolers and children.
How much money are we needing for this particular campaign? (total goal) or …What is the overall cost of the expansion?
The anticipated project will cost almost seven million dollars, the exact amount isn’t finalized yet as the building is about 50% designed. We have a goal to raise four million dollars with the Building UP Reaching Out campaign.
How much money have we raised so far?
We have raised approximately 1.5 million dollars so far in the Building Up Reaching Out campaign.
How will the new facilities be funded?
We will be asking each household to make a new 2-year commitment to give toward the future of our ministry. We will be taking on additional debt to bridge the gap between what is given versus the funds required for construction.
Are we becoming too large a church?
Growth is not optional: it is commanded from God. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19-20) In Acts 2:41 we find that …”about 3,000 were added that day.” God’s greatest love is for people, and He intensely desires that they find a living relationship with Him. The Church is His plan to accomplish that awesome task.
As we grow will we become impersonal?
First of all, size alone does not automatically dictate that a church becomes impersonal. Some small to medium churches are known to be cold and unfriendly. The key to a sense of personal connectedness within the church body is first a matter of the attitude demonstrated by each individual. Second, it is how well we develop our small group activities and ministry efforts. You cannot know everyone, but you will connect with someone. A healthy church will grow in individual maturity and in numbers.
What is our policy concerning debt?
There is a warning in Proverbs 22:7—“The borrower is the slave of the lender.” While this is not a prohibition against borrowing it does mean that we need to plan carefully to operate within our means.
What is the existing capacity of our worship facility?
It currently seats approximately 400. This, unfortunately, leaves us unable to open our doors to many in the community who wish to join us; for example, on Easter Sunday we had 3,600 attendees and over 3,000 at our Christmas Eve services, leaving us unable to have others join us in worship.
What is the square footage of the new auditorium?—are we calling it an auditorium?
The proposed addition is almost 21,000 gross square feet. This addition will serve as our new worship auditorium and fellowship space.
Will we see sketches/ideas of the new facility?
Click here.
Is there an updated artist rendering of the most updated plans?
The updated artist renderings are being displayed on the new BURO promotional brochure and the daily devotional & study guide.
What do the updated plans include in terms of building needs---such as, how many more classrooms? parking spaces? entry changes? roads/entrances? highway access updates? whatever is most important that contributors who have had some experience on our campus may ask…
The proposed auditorium addition will be a flat floor, flexible use space accommodating 960 seats. The flat floor will provide ministry options for various activities and fellowship events. We will create a new entry foyer along with an expanded café and fellowship area. A new Welcome Center will be located in the addition along with a new, expanded bookstore—plus plenty of new bathrooms!
We hope to add about 300 additional parking spaces to the west side of the building. An improved east entry drive will make it easier for traffic to maneuver around the building and parking areas. A right turn lane along 124th Street is planned to allow easier egress after service times are over.
What is our average weekend attendance now and what are we expecting our growth numbers to be in a few years?
Our average weekend attendance for 2009 has been around 1,900 over our six weekend services and the Brighton Campus. The new worship space addition will more than double our current worship seating capacity.
Are we continuing the previous BURO campaign from 3 to 5 years?
Yes. We are extending the campaign in order to reach new people who have come to Vineyard in the last 3 years. Church attrition on average is 10% annually; Vineyard is growing about 15% each year. This would imply that close to ½ of the people currently attending Vineyard weren’t present during our 2006 campaign. We, therefore, will be asking for a renewal/extension of prior pledges or for submission of new pledges.
What is the timing for raising money?
We are extending the Building Up Reaching Out campaign to 2011 to raise the funds to support these ministry inspired projects. Obviously, the sooner the money comes in, the sooner we can get started.
Ownership equates to input. What input opportunities will there be available for new people?
It’s good to think about future ministries and missions that might come out of growth. Share input/suggestions for missions at Vision Gatherings and with pastors.
Considering today’s economy and unemployment rates, is now the right time to build and expand?
We are trusting God in this process and we have witnessed the things He has done in the past campaigns. Costs have come down and competition is up, so this might be the perfect time for God to make an impact in those lives that need it most. Our purpose is to help those in our community suffering from the hardships of today’s economy. Expanding our ministry will enable us to do this.
Does the project have a new name or is it the same as before?
We are continuing to use the “Building Up Reaching Out” campaign title.
How soon after funds are raised can the building begin---and then what would be the estimated length of time for completing the building?
We are working with the architects at this time to refine the design of the building to match the funding that God will provide for this project. Because there are many variables that are in play, most of which are beyond our control, it is challenging to anticipate a construction start date. Once the construction starts, our contractors have told us to anticipate 18 to 20 months to complete the building.
