A call to prayer and fasting

The Future Facility Team is very excited because we have our first official "lead" on a possible church home.  We feel this is the perfect time for prayer and fasting.  Before we even pick up the phone to begin chasing our first lead, we want God to know the decision is in His hands.  Even though the facility hunt has just begun, we have some BIG options on the table.  Faith-stretching for sure.  So, please pick a day this week, and lift your voice to God through prayer and fasting.

Pray:

-That God would open doors no man can close.

-That God would write our entire facility story in a way that glorifies Him, not us.  

-That God would give us all necessary faith and wisdom to see the process through.

-That God would provide all necessary finances and resources through the generosity of His people.  

-That God would give us the greatest possible tool to make the greatest possible impact for the Gospel, no less.  

Jeremiah 32:27  "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?"

Matthew 19:26   "But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 

Luke 8:25   "[Jesus] said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"

Psalm 65:5  "By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas."

Welcome to the Building Program Blog

On Sunday, December 18th, we took up our first future facility offering. Everyone was challenged to give by faith, as we have no details at this point. The elders wanted to make it clear that we are following God's plan by faith as it unfolds. That is why we took up the offering before we began the search. God's people truly rallied to the vision. Perhaps it was the sauna service that took place in the gym 2 weeks prior, when the heat had been left on all night long. Or maybe it was the parking fiasco 1 week prior, when a wrestling meet took up every parking spot in the lot by 8am. Whatever the reason, God's people were highly motivated to give sacrificially to the new building fund. The total initial building fund offering collected was:

$114,234.79

 This is an astronomical offering for a church our size at the beginning of the process. Half this amount would have been impressive. It is clear that God's people are "all in." God loves cheerful givers, and He loves faith. And so it begins...we have stepped out by faith, trusting God's plan will unfold in the months ahead.

What's next? In January, we will form a Future Facility Team. This team will survey the Palos region for all available buildings and land. They will also study the demographics of the congregation. They will meet with bankers, interview other churches for advice, and will pray fervently for God's widsom. They will present their research to the elders, who will in turn keep the congregation updated and involved in the process. We want to take our time, so things will develop gradually. We have no idea how long the process will take, or where God will lead, but we are off to an amazing start. Check back here regularly for updates.

Meet the new Future Facility Team

Meet our new Future Facility Team!

Scouting out Properties

Recently, our Future Facility Team hit the road to survey some available buildings and properties.  Let us know if you have any sites we should add to our list!  Here are a few types of property we are looking at:


1.  Open Land
Advantages:  We have total control of the design.  We would own the property, adding security.  We could grow larger by adding on in the future.

Disadvantages:  It costs a lot more to build from scratch.  It takes a lot more time to build from scratch.  The process can get far more complicated, demanding much time and attention from key leaders. This could distract us from the ministry.  Zoning can be a problem.  

2.  Existing church buildings

Advantages:  They are built for worship, so the design is often compatible with our needs.  This means little construction is required.  It "feels" like a church inside.  People usually like churches to feel like churches.  They are already zoned as a church.  

Disadvantages:  It is tough to find a church that is big enough.  Often churches don't have land to expand.  Parking can also be a problem.  

3.  Warehouse space

Advantages:  The cost is much cheaper compared to building from scratch.  Owners often will lease for an affordable rate.  Often these buildings are located near major expressways, giving tremendous visibility.  We design the interior space anyway we want.  

Disadvantages:  Location can be off the beaten path.  Zoning can be a problem.  Parking can be a problem.  Might not be a permanent solution.  Resale could be complicated.  

4.  Other available buildings    

Advantages: there are buildings like this available everywhere-grocery stores, department stores, office buildings, etc.  The supply is abundant.  These buildings often have adequate parking and good visibility.  

Disadvantages:  zoning can be an issue.  The interior would have to be greatly altered to become a church.  The owner may want to lease instead of sell it outright.  

So there you have it!  Let us know if you come across any available options for us to consider.  You can add a comment to this blog, or you can email Pastor Ryan at rhall@harvestpalos.org.