Giving and Property Pledging
Our INFO SHEET communicates what we covered in the Congregational meeting as we discussed the opportunity at 100 Olde Towne Road. Above is a sketch from architect Amanda Loper, which is part of our due diligence in putting together a potential budget for renovation, in order for us to know more concretely just how big our budget and loan need to be.
We heavily discussed the concerns about flooding. The PST has concluded that the flood risk is real, but that on this particular property the risk really is a manageable one with good precautions taken, strong scenario-based policies in place, and appropriate insurance secured.
We talked about the various hurdles we still face in our due diligence process which could completely halt moving forward with this property, including the approval of the City of Vestavia Hills zoning commission of our already-secured parking agreements.
We were asked questions about church size and projected growth, to which we don’t have many solid answers, but only desires and good guesses (the Lord is largely in control of that!). We identified 100 Olde Towne Road as largely conducive to our best projection and goals for who we might be over the next 5+ years.
We discussed some of the financial concerns of our present situation, and that most other options of where we could go would be rental spaces which would not only cost significantly more on a monthly basis, but also require some kind of capital campaign to raise the renovation costs.
We talked about how our present situation at CHUM, along with our current offices, is showing signs of increasingly limiting our ministry (i.e. we are making many ministry decisions we wouldn’t ideally make because of the limits of space).
We discussed how 100 Olde Towne Road offers us an opportunity, with enough of a down payment raised and the right financing, to sustain a monthly budget fairly proximal to our current one and potentially secure some stability for C+.
We talked about how the property could meet a surprising number of needs for C+.
So yes, we are in need of God’s provision for a place for C+. And if God is directing us to 100 Olde Towne Road, we will need to raise a significant amount of money through a pledge campaign over the next month. We are asking everyone who considers C+ their church home to consider making some kind of pledge, however big or small, the details of which are below.
Congregational Meeting Summary
The Pledge Process
Because we need to know whether we will raise the requisite amount of money to be able to secure the loan and meet the closing deadline (July 22), we are entering into a two-stage pledge process.
STAGE 1 (Deadline: July 6): MAKE A PLEDGE (but don’t yet give the money)
From now until Monday, July 6, we’re looking for individuals to indicate to us the amount of money they would be willing to contribute toward the 100 Olde Towne Road project.
As a socio-economically diverse church, we recognize that ability to give will be quite varied, but no gift is too small. (Even small gifts indicate to leadership that there is a sense of desire to see this process through, so it is helpful for us to see what percentage of our church is on board with this.)
Those experienced in fundraising tell us it can be helpful to break down large numbers into smaller giving goals.
We need to raise around $900,000
We have received initial pledges of around $600,000
So our pledge campaign goal is to raise around $300,000 with as many in our congregation contributing to this as possible.
Here’s a breakdown of how that could be achieved:
5 pledges of $20,000 (or 4 pledges of $25,000)
20 pledges of $5,000
40 pledges of $2,500
Because it’s possible that we won’t reach our goal, we are asking people to pledge, but not yet give, that amount. If pledges don’t reach our goal, we would not move forward with the project.
HOW DO I MAKE A PLEDGE? FILL OUT THIS SHORT FORM, and we will be in touch at the time of the deadline.
STAGE 2: (Deadline: July 17): GIVE THE MONEY
Because of our closing date, and our need to come to conclusions with potential lenders, we would need all pledged money received between Monday July 6 through Friday, July 17.
What are the best ways to give when it comes time?
Checks are the best, rather than giving online (which comes with a fee).
Stock donations also work (we work with National Christian Foundation, who immediately liquidates all stock donations and usually is able to transfer the funds to our bank within 24-48 hours)
When it comes time to give, how will it happen?
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Between Stage 1 and Stage 2, our plan is to provide weekly updates on Sundays in our announcements and over email about the progress of our pledge campaign. I have no interest in thermometers or motivation by guilt. The plan is simple, transparent reporting on the process and progress.