Questions
Why this journey? Why now?
• Land may NEVER be less expensive.
• We may NEVER have such a STRATEGIC location available to us (18 minute drive to 70% of target population).
• We can make better use of financial resources:
• We are currently spending about $100,000 in rent a year.
• Rent is an expense-not an investment!
• Our current facilities are inadequate to STRATEGICALLY reach those who are disconnected from God.
• Some people see a church that meets in a school as an "upstart" or unstable, and could be gone tomorrow.
• We can NOT mark significant moments where will we marry sons and daughters, or bury those we love.
• The school auditorium can feel like a "cave", unwelcoming and uninviting.
• We are limited in our creative impact. Our staging and lighting capabilities are limited, and acoustical limitations challenge our sound capabilities.
• We have limited space and growth for:
• Relational connection before and after services
• Relational connection is a vital part of our church mission.
• Children's area
• Parents feel our temporary spaces are sub par.
• Inadequate space limits our impact.
• Student ministry
• We're limited in creating the best environment for our students
• Adult Next Steps
• There is no space to help adults take their next steps in their own personal journey with Jesus.
• We have NO space for staff to work. All staff work from home.
• Lack of office space hinders efficiency and synergy which diminishes our impact
• Office rent is expensive and would be a redundant cost.
• We have NOTHING to offer the community as a physical resource.
• Youth Center
• Ball Fields
• Chapel
• Resource Center
• The weekly set-up and tear-down required for a mobile church is taxing to both our volunteers and equipment.
• Weekly set-up and tear-down limits what we can do on Sundays and during the week.
• A permanent location will
• Relieve the stress and drain of incredible weekly demands on our volunteers.
• Eliminate the wear and tear on resources that are stored in trailers and moved weekly.
• Communicate our commitment to the community we are trying to reach.
• Free up countless volunteer hours to serve outside the walls of the church!
"For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." Luke 19:10
What is the cost and how much do we have?
• Land may NEVER be less expensive.Our ESTIMATE for this journey is $1,080,000 based on research and consultation.
• Land may NEVER be less expensive.We have approximately $90,000 left from the OneLife campaign.
What is the timeline?
This journey will be spaced over a three-year period, allowing people to financially give more effectively, yet stops short of being too long. Below is an estimated timeline of events (based of course on monies available):
• 2010
• Signed contract in 30-60 days
• Due diligence process to purchase property in 5-9 months
• Staff position increase in Fall of 2010
• Own property by end of 2010
• 2011
• Finish due diligence phase
• Master planning process
• Site planning
• Governmental applications and permits
• 2012
• Governmental applications and permits
• Architectural drawings
• Construction designs
• Pay off property
What is a master plan?
The term "master plan" has two definitions:
1) A master plan is a 'plan' that looks at a land acquisition physically and practically from the end view and works back to ensure both: a) best strategic use of property in view of the mission, and b) to wisely steward the financial resources with a long-term view. This leads to the property being developed in phases.
2) A master plan is a "process" in which the appropriate people, mission, cost, and practical needs are factors considered and aligned when designing the usage.
How will decisions be made?
Decisions are made through:
• The SouthPoint structure. The SouthPoint structure can be described as elder-directed, staff-led, and volunteer-empowered. This means most decisions are made in light of a team of people. The elders make final decisions on direction, budgets, and staffing issues. The elders have delegated the authority to run the day to day operations of ministry to the staff. The staff empowers individual followers of Jesus to use their God given talents and abilities in such a manner that WE as a TEAM "bring up there, down here" (The Kingdom of God).
• Professional resources. Professional resources are used in appropriate areas where the SouthPoint team does not possess the expertise needed in proportion to risk.
• Governmental requirements and standards. All decisions are made in line with governmental requirements and standards.
How does this journey look financially?
• Our goal is to be debt-free and have the property paid off at the end of the three-year journey.
• For a portion of the journey, the property will be mortgaged on a 5-7yr balloon note that is amortized over 25yrs at approx. 8% interest with an estimated monthly payment of $2,732.
• The mortgage payment is part of the financial goal we are trying to reach.
How will this happen?
• We will follow the Biblical model of asking people to sacrificially give financial resources to accomplish our next steps. (See Biblical references below.)
• This will be a spiritual process in which we ask people to take specific steps.
• We will ask people to pray.
• We will ask people to listen.
• We will ask people to respond based on how they feel God is leading them.
• The practical process in this journey has two primary pieces.
• Number one is having people make a three-year pledge that is on top of their regular giving.
• The second is a one-time gift that is a deposit or percentage of the three-year pledge that is given at the end of the public presentation.
• Throughout this process you will hear the following words often:
• "Giving is a proportional issue not an amount issue. Giving equally is not what counts but equal sacrifice."
• Lastly, this is not a money issue, it's a response issue. SouthPoint will not strong arm people or make them feel guilty if they are unable or don't feel led to financially participate.
What is my part?
Pastor Matt is personally going to ask several things of you:
• Please pray.
• Let your response be a spiritual issue.
• Share and lead others who may not know the information you do.
• Remember this journey isn't about a building or property.
• This journey is ultimately about people!
• This journey is ultimately about Connecting the Disconnected!
Biblical References
• In terms of affecting people and ministries, what will this journey accomplish for God, for others, for you?
• Matthew 28:19
• Luke 17: 20-21
• 1 Kings 5:5
• What does your heart prompt you to do? Describe it.
• Exodus 25:1-2
• Exodus 35:4-29
• 1 Corinthians 13:3
• 2 Corinthians 9:7
• What is your Prayer Plan to discern God's will?
• Luke 11:9-10
• John 17
• Matthew 6:5-13
• What does "sacrifice" mean to you? Define it.
• 2 Samuel 24:24
• Romans 12:1-2
• Luke 21:1-4
• What can you do to give sacrificially? Start a list.
• 1 Chronicles 29:1-10
• Acts 2:44-47
• Acts 4:32-37
