Wondering where we’ll get the money to build? Let me lay out the steps
for the building process of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Based on the financial and attendance information we provided, our Mission Director,
Pastor John Schleicher, recently met with representatives of the ELCA Division
for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission. Together they have approved
our readiness to build. Their approval enables us to obtain a construction loan
from the ELCA Mission Investment Fund. The MIF mortgage rate for church building
construction is currently a seven year term with a fixed rate of 3% interest
(not the five year term rates quoted by Pastor Schleicher at his meeting here
in February).
Next, the congregation must formally approve a capital campaign fund drive to
build a building for the church. The capital campaign generates upfront contributions
and pledges for the building fund. In a home mortgage, this is the equivalent
of a down payment. Once approved, Church Council forms a capital campaign task
force, which meets with the ELCA Regional Building Consultant and Pastor Schleicher,
to review the capital campaign process and fund raisers.
The capital campaign task force then selects a fund raiser and begins the capital
campaign. Based on the results of the completed capital campaign, the MIF determines
the amount available for Good Shepherd’s construction loan. A building
committee is then formed, and for the first time meets with the ELCA Regional
Architect. In consultation with the building committee, the ELCA architect develops
preliminary drawings of the new building. The money we contribute determines
what we can afford to build, by establishing what we can afford to spend, which
in turn determines the size of the building, its total square feet.
Using those preliminary drawings, the building committee then selects a local
architect, who develops detail drawings and solicits bids from construction
companies. Then the building committee selects a construction company, which
in turn applies for permits and initiates building construction.
As you can see, this process calls us to contribute out of faithfulness to mission
and ministry, not by trying to build the next big thing or a grand daydream
we cannot afford. We won’t even begin to consider building design until
you have committed your money to this project.
The risk in any building project is that it drives a church inward, focusing
only on its own needs, beginning a decline in growth and health. We need to
proceed with a capital campaign in a deliberately prayerful manner, moving us
outward in ministry, implanting in the very foundation of the building the mind
set that it is not just for us, but for the care of the world.
We will get the money to build from you. What we build will depend on how much
you are willing to sacrifice. Pray on that, my friends. The world needs what
we offer.
Pastor Jim
Speak to the people of Israel, that they may take for me
an offering,
from everyone whose heart makes them willing...
And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.
Exodus 25:2, 8
From the Shepherd's Song Newsletter -- March 2007
Copyright 2006 by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
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E-mail your comments and questions to Pastor Jim in care of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at gslc@sirus.com.