Why do we need a permanent facility?
To maximize the vision the Lord has entrusted to us. We have worshipped in temporary facilities for ten years now and have outgrown our current space at Houston Community College. Vital existing ministries, such as our children's and student ministries, face significant challenges posed by our current facility constraints. In addition, our lease agreement with Houston Community College expires in August 2011, which gives sufficient but not overly extensive time to design and construct a permanent facility.
A permanent facility is essential to strengthen every area of ministry of the church, serve as a gathering place on Sunday and during the week, and be a Kingdom extending hub through which we can minister to the nations gathered in Houston.
How will our permanent facility help us reach out to Houston and beyond?
Our facility will serve as a central resourcing center and engine of gospel transformation in the city, for the city. A permanent building will give us a central, visible and consistent location from which we can launch ministries of Word and deed to Houston and beyond.
How will this permanent facility impact future generations?
Our sacrifice today will bless not only our current congregation, but also bless our children and our children's children with a dynamic and accessible place to gather so that they may worship, know and serve the King! What a worthy investment!
How much money needs to be raised in the EXTEND campaign?
During Phase One of this campaign, we need to raise $12 million to complete construction debt free.
How will the money from this campaign be used?
The $12 million will support the first phase of construction. Phase One will include an initial worship space; classrooms for children, students and adults; nurseries and administrative office space. We will also construct a playground for our children and ample parking spaces.
What is the ultimate master plan?
The master plan will add to Phase One a sanctuary, additional classroom space and other facilities to be determined as needed.
How long will the campaign last?
You may EXTEND your gifts over a three year period, which means you can make a pledge today and fulfill it by the end of 2010. For those interested in beginning your gifts to the campaign in this calendar year, you will enjoy the benefit of four tax years.
What can I contribute to the campaign?
You may give gifts of cash as well as appreciated assets such as investment securities.
How does my pledge to the campaign relate to my regular tithe and offerings?
We are asking everyone in the Christ the King family to make a sacrificial gift to the EXTEND campaign that is over and above your regular tithe and offerings.
What is sacrificial giving?
Sacrificial giving is a gift that is motivated by God's grace to you and costs you something. It is not just giving out of our surpluses, but rather it is giving to the point that we have to give up something else. In the coming weeks, we will all have the opportunity to prayerfully consider what we can personally sacrifice in order to give to the campaign. Another way to think of it is that we will all have the opportunities to EXTEND ourselves spiritually and financially in order to EXTEND Christ's Kingdom in Houston and beyond.
Why does my gift matter?
Because God's grace in your life and his promise to EXTEND his Kingdom matters. The EXTEND campaign is first and foremost a spiritual pilgrimage where God will search each of our hearts to see how much we love Him and how much we are willing to give up for Him. Your gift matters to God. We need everyone's gift and everyone's help as we come together as a church in the great privilege we have to worship, know and serve the King and to EXTEND his Kingdom.
What should we do first?
Pray. Pray for the Lord's guidance as you seek to discern how you might sacrificially participate in this campaign. This is fundamentally a spiritual process. Ask the Lord how you can EXTEND yourself in order to EXTEND the Kingdom.