Imagine Update

The Beginning of Great Things at GFC!
Imagine Campaign Update

Editor's Note:

The following Imagine update is the result of a recent meeting with Imagine Executive Director David Temple and GFC Lead Pastor Tom Oyler at which they responded to various questions about the campaign.

What impact did the Imagine campaign have on your personal lives?

David: It challenged Sue and me to evaluate the role of money in our lives, and the impact that each of us can have on current and future generations. I was also thrilled to be part of a team of hard-working, committed people who were prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that the Imagine campaign was successful.

Tom: The process of walking this journey with people like David, the members of the campaign team, the staff, elders and the body has touched me deeply and has "attached" me to this church more than ever before. Also, the sense of joy and freedom Leslie and I have experienced in making our commitment is surprising and a source of great joy.

Did the Imagine campaign meet your expectations?

David: Yes! The entire campaign to date has exceeded my expectations! So many lives have been challenged and changed through the process, and I am confident that this is the beginning of great things at GFC.

Tom: I think so. Expectations can be tricky, but I think the campaign has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Our current commitment of $6.5 million, which is 2.6 times our annual budget, is very, very good, and I want to thank each person who is part of our Imagine team! Of course, I would love to see every single person at GFC so pumped about this church that they want to be a part of Imagine! I believe that, as time goes on, we will see more and more people doing just that.

Were you pleased with how the vision of Imagine was received by the congregation of GFC?

David: The vision was received positively, and so many people commented on the fact that the campaign was far more than just raising funds for a building. I thank God that so many caught the vision!

Tom: Most definitely! I sensed that the emphasis on the next generation and the family was especially relevant. I also think that the fact that our Imagine "statements" on those banners were not about brick and mortar was particularly important. I hope everyone understands that we are not about buildings; rather, we are about fulfilling our God-given mandate to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Did we raise enough money to proceed with building the building?

David: Yes. God has provided abundantly.

Tom: Yes. In fact, our initial projections were based upon a $5 million campaign. The elders and our financial folks are working now on evaluating financial options that fit our financial values. There is every expectation that the project will move forward as early as this summer. We will keep the body informed of the details.

What do you consider to be some of the most important results of Imagine other than the funds that were raised?

David: The goal of the campaign was 100% involvement. I was extremely encouraged that so many family units have embraced the vision and have committed to being a part of Imagine for the next three years. In terms of participation, 80% of identified GFC families have so far committed to Imagine. In terms of the spiritual journey, I'm convinced that Imagine impacted the hearts of the people and their attitudes toward resources. Another key aspect is this has been a time when people ask themselves, "Is this my church?" I feel that question has challenged them, and many have committed as a result. The dollar amount is just confirmation from God that the path on which the elders set us is the right path. This is evidence of God working in the hearts of the people at GFC.

Tom: I agree with David. Imagine was first and foremost a spiritual journey, and I think that's truly what it was. Our horizons were expanded, and many of us are seeing money and the true meaning of life more clearly. I also think that many have "bought into" GFC like never before. In my 25 years at GFC, this has been the most unifying and affirming experience we have ever had. We will never be the same!

For ongoing Imagine updates, please visit our website at /imagine www.gracejohnsoncity.com/imagine

Grace Fellowship Church