The greatest investment of our lives, outside of our own family, is in the local church. If we are going to be a church that loves the ‘Burg, we need to be open to how our heavenly Father loves the ‘Burg. Our God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. He doesn’t do it by waving a wand; instead, He does it by working in and through us. God does something big when everyone does something. Whether you give big or give little, give well beyond obvious, beyond easy, beyond self-promotion. Jesus is far more interested in our hearts than our amount.
WHY NOW?
We are grateful to the principal and his team at Rocky Run Elementary School. However, status quo is really not an option. Imagine 2 years from now: we are still setting up and taking down with limited space available to us due to the pandemic, kids playing in a very small shared space, constantly repairing our aging equipment, battling the heat, or lack of it, in the auditorium, and renting a space that is only viable for 3 hours on a Sunday. We believe that building our own facility will provide us a sense of permanence and greater excellence for each guest that walks through our doors. This creates a staging ground for current and future impact in the greater Fredericksburg area.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL SIZE OF A SOUTH RIDGE CAMPUS?
We believe campuses with seating for up to 200 adults in the auditorium is appropriate for our ministry approach. We feel it is wiser to create various locations rather than one massive one. Being mortgage poor will negatively impact our mission and vision. A space this size also allows for expansion.
WHAT WILL THE FACILITY LOOK LIKE?
Our plan is to build approximately an 11,400 SF (square foot) facility with an auditorium for 200 seats that we can brighten for safe entry, seats for our guests, and multiple services. The auditorium would allow for mission-critical events and space for our summer camp. The facility will include Waumba Land, UpStreet, and Transit environments, along with an indoor play area. Along with a foyer, kitchen and restrooms, we’ll utilize a shared office space for Starting Point and group meetings.
WHERE IS THE LAND?
2012 International Parkway Fredericksburg VA 22406 is a 2.5 acre parcel of developed commercial property on International Parkway that was approved for us to build a place or worship on September 22, 2021.
WHAT WILL THE FACILITY LOOK LIKE?
The recommended scenario would be one that involves utilizing the construction loan to permanent loan method, which means, we purchase the land and roll it into the construction loan. Upon construction completion that loan turns into a mortgage. There are two divided costs to combine: land purchasing and cost of building.
• Land. Purchased in May 2020 for $220k.
• Building. The total cost to build, which includes— the building, site development, and design services— is $2.6MM. The biggest variable is site development, which is approximately $350k per acre.
• Total. The total cost is approximately $2.85MM and the appraisal came in at $2.9MM.
WHAT CAN MY FAMILY AND I DO?
Over the next 12 months, the mission requires an extra financial investment of up to $150k to offset the 70% material inflation. We believe our vision is strong and our mission is ideal. The Elder Team, Finance Team, and Staff Team are “all-in” as they plan to give over and above their regular giving. We are asking you to consider elevating your giving over the next 12 months. This is not about our church needing your money; instead, this is about your heart. Imagine what story you could tell by taking a step and trusting God with the resources He’s given to you.
HOW MUCH SHOULD WE/I GIVE?
Here are a few questions to help you evaluate your financial faith commitment:
• Does this amount really require me to trust God? 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
• Does this amount show that I value my hope of eternal reward more than material things on earth? 1 Timothy 6:19
• Does this amount represent a genuine sacrifice? 2 Samuel 24:24
• Does this amount express the level of thanksgiving I have for how Christ and His church has blessed my life and my family? Psalm 54:6
I'VE NEVER STEPPED OUT IN FAITH LIKE THIS BEFORE.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE?
Prayer starts it all. Nothing prepares our heart to respond to God like seeking His heart through prayer. The longer you pray, “God show me how to give,” the more ways God will show you.
All giving in the Bible was proportional because God has given us different amounts of resources. God is interested in our hearts, not our amounts.
It is about seeking a commitment decision that is pleasing to God.
God will grant us a peace that “passes all understanding” through the knowledge that we have made a prayerful and proportional commitment that is pleasing to Him.
If you’ll sincerely go through these Four P’s, you’ll be able to arrive at a specific amount to give. The amount will almost always be larger than the first number that popped into your mind since it will be a step of faith.
