Upcoming Events
None Scheduled
A Good & Spacious Land Campaign
Question and Answer Guide
Why are we participating in this
It is our prayer that the Lord will use this emphasis to provide the necessary resources for us to purchase a
Is it right for us to commit so much to this project when there are so many mission needs around the world?
We believe that securing a Good & Spacious Land will enable our church to continue to grow and thereby create a base that will enable us to enhance our missions effort. Our giving to missions around the world and here in America will continue and possibly even increase as our Good & Spacious Land Campaign unfolds.
Why do we need a stewardship campaign company? Can’t we just raise the money ourselves?
The use of outside consultants is a common practice in virtually all organizations, even churches. Our Church Board felt it made sense to employ an organization with competent professionals who have successfully helped thousands of churches raise billions of dollars over the last three decades. We believe the overall results of our Good & Spacious Land Campaign will be greatly enhanced because RSI is partnering with us.
So who is RSI?
RSI stands for Resource Services Inc. For over thirty years they have helped more than 17,000 churches raise over $7 billion for building projects and capital improvements. Resource Services Inc. (RSI) has distinguished themselves among the numerous companies that offer stewardship campaign counseling through the conviction that a church can successfully raise money for God with integrity. The RSI approach presents stewardship as integral to personal growth and church-wide ministry. RSI’s core belief is that the successful raising of capital funds for churches is always and only the byproduct of a deeper understanding of God’s loving plan. Their message aligns with WCON’s core values, vision and mission - that’s why we chose them. They have committed to walk with us throughout this campaign, assisting volunteers, training leaders and offering professional advice for every facet of this project, from beginning to end.
I have been through this in other churches and I didn’t like it!
We understand that complaint and probably know why you feel that way. Many campaigns seem to have very little of “God” but rather a lot of “man” in them. The knowledge that everything we have, including our money, belongs to God can be comforting until we feel man is trying to take it from us. We chose RSI because they adhere to Biblical stewardship principles; they promote the truth that stewardship is between you and God. Our consultant, Dr. Robert Hopper, is a former Nazarene Pastor who knows and has shepherded Nazarene churches just like ours. He has an incredible track record of success. God is very much in what RSI does and what they will help us do. We believe you will come to appreciate them as we already have.
How does the campaign work? Will we be asked to pledge publicly?
Each family will be asked to make a 3-year pledge commitment during the weekend services of November 11th and 12th, 2006. This commitment is above and beyond your normal giving to the church. While we will make our commitments and pledges a part of our public worship, your pledge will not be announced. You will not be asked to pledge publicly. Only our church’s financial office will be aware of your specific commitment.
When will our pledges be made? How long do these pledges last? When will my pledge commitment begin?
Our commitment weekend is scheduled for November 11th and 12th, 2006. During our worship services that weekend, you will receive a commitment card and be asked to fill it out. Together, as a congregation, we will consecrate and commit our gifts and 3-year pledge commitments at the close of the service. We will begin giving toward that pledge with what we’re calling a “first fruits” offering on the weekend of December 2nd and 3rd. We ask you to bring the largest single gift you can on that day to kick-off our Good & Spacious Land Campaign giving.
When will we find out the results of this campaign?
We have scheduled the weekend of December 2nd and 3rd as our “first fruits” weekend. At that time we will announce the results of our Good & Spacious Land Campaign and also bring our “first fruits” offering.
How do I decide what my pledge commitment should be?
There are two ways to determine your pledge commitment. You can give based on REASON, what can I afford to give? Or you can give based on REVELATION, by asking God what He would have you commit. The first requires no faith while the second will grow your faith and your relationship with God. That’s why we’re asking you to pray this prayer: “Dear God, what do you want to do through me to accomplish your will at Westminster Church?” How do you decide? Whatever He tells you to do, do it!
If I fall behind on my pledge, will pressure be placed on me to keep my commitment current?
No. You are being asked to pray and ask God what He would have you commit to Him. The purpose of the commitment form is to give the church leadership an indication of approximately how much we can expect from the campaign so that we can know how to plan. While we will send you quarterly statements to indicate your progress and to insure our records are correct, no one will come to your door or call you to pressure you. Your commitment and your giving are between you and God.
Can I give assets other than cash?
Yes. A non-cash gift – called a “gift-in-kind” – is often given in capital campaigns such as this. People give out of non-cash assets such as stocks, bonds, property, collectibles, jewelry, or other items. In most cases, if such a holding has appreciated in value, the donor may gain a significant tax savings (avoiding capital gains taxes) by giving such an asset to the church (which pays no tax on the gift). Check with your tax advisor or accountant about giving strategies that may have a tax advantage for you. You may contact Executive Pastor Rob Bollinger at the Church office for information about transferring such assets to the church.