As the building team met this week, some discussion centered on the topic of fundraising. We agreed that we need to get a team of the people formed who can begin the work of planning and preparing for this. However, as we deliberated about what their task would be, we acknowledged that "capital campaign team" doesn't seem to capture fully what they will be asked to do. "Capital campaign" might connote a negative idea to some in our community, perhaps giving the sense that the team is just hungrily searching for money. While an obvious and unashamed part of what this team will do is ask for money, we agreed that it is much more than that.
The people who comprise this fundraising team will be trusted with the job of researching and putting together a strategic plan. There will be administrative tasks. They will ask for money. But most importantly, they will be tasked with communicating well the heart and vision of New Hope. This is the key. We hope and pray that in the fundraising effort, the focus isn't just on dollar signs and getting a fancy facility. Rather, we hope there is a compelling vision with a longing to help better equip our church for the sake of God's kingdom. This is what we want people to give towards.
For weeks, we, the building team, have been seeking to get an accurate grasp of the "DNA" of New Hope. In doing so, we are more excited than ever about the unique personality and calling God has given our church in the Manhattan community. We think a building of our own will be an invaluable tool as we minister in our town. Are you someone who gets excited about communicating that vision? Do you know someone who is naturally enthusiastic and able to draw others to a cause? Who in our church body is a skilled communicator and vision caster? We need those people! Would you please take a minute to consider who you think could be a good fit for the fundraising team, and let us know at jwiebers@gmail.com?
Additionally, would you help us come up with a name for the "capital campaign team" that better encompasses the role of sharing vision and communicating well? If you brainstorm any ideas, please send those on to jwiebers@gmail.com as well.
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And for those following our progress as we work through our church's ministry master plan, you might be interested to know that we are almost done. We talked through momLIFE and women's ministry this week, and will tackle Fusion, Team 127 and campus ministries in the coming week(s).
Please be praying:
- For perseverance and continued momentum for the building team. Pray that they would lean into God and seek rest even as they work diligently.
- For gleaning team sales that should wrap up soon...multiples transactions should be finalized this week!
- That the North building would sell.
- For the formation of the fundraising team.
