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Dollars Raised
as of September 21: 1,071, 235.43
An Update from the Building Fund Committee
On Wednesday, January 17, 2007 the membership of Bethlehem Baptist Church overwhelmingly approved a recommendation from the Building Fund Committee that reads as follows: "The Committee recommends that we engage Cargill Associates to lead us in our Capital Stewardship Campaign. In addition, we are recommending that an allocation of up to $90,000 be made available to fulfill the campaign. (These funds include Cargill's fees of approximately $40,500 and other expenses.)"
This exciting news is another step in the process of implementing Phase 1 of Bethlehem's Master Plan - the proposed construction of a Family Life Center. For many of the members at Bethlehem, a Capital Stewardship Campaign is an unfamiliar process. This has not been the church's primary means of raising money for previous building programs. The Building Fund Committee felt from the beginning of its evaluation process that a capital campaign was the best way Bethlehem Baptist Church could begin the process of paying for a Family Life Center in 2007. The committee also strongly believed that Cargill gave Bethlehem the best opportunity for success.
There are a number of reasons why the Building Fund Committee determined that a Capital Stewardship Campaign would be best. The following describes the thinking of the committee:
1. An opportunity to spiritually enrich the congregation. In every church that committee members visited that used a capital campaign; they all indicated that a capital campaign made a dramatically positive impact on the spirituality of the entire church congregation. All of the companies that were interviewed regarding a capital campaign stressed the importance of the spiritual growth that would take place among the congregation.
2. An opportunity to build cohesion and singleness of purpose among the congregation. The first step of Bethlehem's Capital Stewardship Campaign is the InFocus Workshop. The workshop will be held immediately after the second service on Sunday, February 25, 2007. The workshop is designed specifically to make certain that there is "clarity, focus and ownership" among the entire church body in regards to the construction of the proposed Family Life Center. It is also designed to place the construction of the proposed Family Life Center "within the context of God's call to mission and ministry" at Bethlehem and within the Knightdale community.
3. An opportunity to engage the entire congregation in the project. In everything that the Building Fund Committee looked at, a Capital Stewardship Campaign allowed for greater participation among ALL members. It also gave greater control of the fundraising to the congregation.
4. An opportunity to raise more money. The churches visited believed strongly that by initiating a Capital Stewardship Campaign they generated far more funds than if they had attempted to raise the money without enlisting the help of someone to lead them. In many cases significant donors are found in capital campaigns. Many persons are reluctant to share their ability to donate significant gifts to fellow church members. However, they are very willing to share and contribute when their contribution is made in complete anonymity.
Bethlehem's Capital Stewardship Campaign and the proposed construction of the Family Life Center is the most significant project ever undertaken in 124 years of existence. Your prayers and support are coveted.
What Is A Capital Stewardship Campaign?
The Building Fund Committee is aware that many of Bethlehem's congregation is not exactly certain as to what is involved in a Capital Stewardship Campaign. The following should help clarify most questions:
Cargill Associates will be conducting 3 phases to Bethlehem's Capital Stewardship Campaign:
1. The Capital Stewardship InFocus Workshop (February 25, 2007...immediately after the second service). The workshop is meant to create a sense of unity and singleness of purpose in why a building program needs to be enacted at Bethlehem.
2. The Feasibility Report (end of March) - Cargill will be surveying (with complete anonymity) the congregation on how much above and beyond their "regular" tithes and offerings they would be willing to "commit" to the Building Fund. The membership can be certain that this information is considered private and is not disclosed by Cargill to anyone. This report will give the Building Fund Committee and the church membership a tangible number as how much money can be raised toward the proposed Family Life Center. Cargill has stated that their Feasibility Report is with 90-92% of the actual amount of money Bethlehem ultimately raises for the Building Fund. This information is crucial to future financial decisions that may need to be made.
3. The Commitment Campaign - the congregation will be asked to make a commitment above their "regular" tithes and offerings for a period of three years. This commitment will be dedicated to the Building Fund for the construction of the proposed Family Life Center. Virtually all capital campaigns are three years in duration. Bethlehem's Capital Stewardship Campaign will be no different. The proposed date to have all commitments turned in is Sunday, May 20, 2007. "First Fruits Sunday" which is the first Sunday that the membership will actually begin honoring their commitments is slated currently for Sunday, June 3, 2007. Commitments can be in any amount and can come from anyone who wishes to participate.
Bethlehem's Capital Stewardship Campaign is designed to make funding the proposed Family Life Center a less daunting challenge. The ability to generate a substantial amount of funds in a short period of time (3 years) means that the church will be in a more advantageous financial position to pay for the proposed Family Life Center. Please see a Building Fund Committee member if you have any questions about the Capital Stewardship Campaign.