Imagine FAQ's

What is Imagine all about?

We can only begin to imagine what God has in store for GFC! He has positioned us in our region to influence our community for Christ in very significant ways. Imagine is about each one of us honestly engaging with God and allowing Him to use us to accomplish this great work! If that happens, the campaign will be more than any of us can imagine!

Do we really need to build more facilities?

First of all, rest assured that we are not of the "build it and they will come" mindset. The fact is that people have been coming and we ran out of space several years ago in all major areas of ministry that require facilities.

We have two bottlenecks that must be removed. Outside, we have parking and traffic flow problems. Inside, we have people flow problems and gathering space needs.

We also have three glass ceilings that must be broken through.

First, our worship service capacity needs to be increased. We have no space for more people at reasonable times. Our attendance has actually declined over the last year, we cannot take full advantage of opportunities like Christmas and Easter, and our four-service format stretches staff and volunteers. We are also limited in hosting large special events such as concerts and conferences, and ministry partners like the Well.

Secondly, we are out of space for children and youth, and our current configuration limits our ability to effectively communicate and relate well to the next generation.

Finally, we have administrative needs such as office space, work areas and storage.

What will be included in Phase 1 and what will it cost?
Phase 1 must remove the bottlenecks and break the glass ceilings that we have. The major components include a 1,500-seat auditorium, new space for ministry to children, a stand-alone youth facility, offices, expanded parking, improved traffic flow, and new entrances from both Antioch Road and Seminole Drive.

The need will be between $9 and $11 million. Our goal is to raise as much of that amount as possible. After the campaign is over, the elders will consider all options in the context of prayer and wise planning before taking our next step.

When will we begin construction and how long will it take?

This will depend in part on the results of the campaign. Cogun, our construction partner, estimates a completion date in March 2008.

Are we sure it is the time to take this next step?

This has been "in the works" for several years as the need has been obvious for a long time. It seems that God had a work to do in our midst to prepare us for His timing. Tom's personal journey has been a part of that work. Through it all, God has created a new sense of resolve and unity among the elders, staff and body. While some have wondered about Tom's capacity for something like this, he reports great enthusiasm for the project and shares the load with a great team.

In addition, the fruit of our focus on Building a Community to Reach a Community is becoming more evident each year. God is using our church in significant ways -- locally and globally. Jesus said, "To whom much has been given, much will be required." It is time to expand our outreach potential.

Finally, the opportunity to acquire additional land connecting us to Antioch Road has now made our expansion clearly "do-able" at our Greenwood Drive location. We are as sure as we can be that this is the time!

Have we considered planting other churches instead of adding to this one?

Yes, we have considered planting other churches and we are confident that we will do so in the future. We are very strongly encouraged by what is happening at GFC Kingsport. However, church planting is a strategy to reach other communities and does not reduce the demands on our own facilities. As you may recall, the week after 100 people left for Kingsport, their seats were filled by new people!

Will we be able to minister to the people who come to GFC as a result of the new building?

Yes, by God's grace -- and by the development and involvement of those of us who are here now. This is something that should be a matter of prayer. Our new building will not open until the fall of 2007. This allows time to assess the projected needs and develop a plan to meet them. We have already targeted February of '07 as the kickoff for enlisting, establishing and equipping a new wave of volunteers to meet our future needs.

How many services do we plan on having when the new building opens?

Our goal has never been to get everyone into one service. That would be very poor stewardship. In addition, we believe "choice" does benefit most people. We will likely begin with two services on Sunday mornings. This will allow for more time between services, creating "space" for building community. Saturday night is still under discussion as an option for those unable to come on Sundays or for those who prefer a Saturday night experience.

How will the "old" auditorium be used?

The new central gathering space will claim the rear of the current auditorium. The rest of the auditorium (450 seats) will be used on Sundays for "KidStuff," a new approach to family worship that brings parents and kids together to reinforce the lessons the kids are learning and equips parents for follow-up during the week. This space will also be available for a variety of mid-size groups at other times.

How will the current "Equipping Center" be used?

Our current Equipping Center, when vacated by the youth, will be used on Sundays primarily for establishing new believers, equipping current and future leaders, and for prayer support.

The Equipping Center will be used at other times to facilitate on-site Personal Development Ministry (or PDM) opportunities, support and recovery ministries, and various other strategic ministry events.

If we outgrow these new facilities, what then?

Our master plan provides potential for future growth. When needed, our plan allows for a future additional 1,000-seat worship venue that could be used along with the new 1,500-seat auditorium. The plan also allows space for future expansion of children, youth, adult, and office space as needed.

Will any of the campaign money go to other projects besides the building?

We believe the investment we are making in our facilities will result in unimaginable impact for the gospel in the future. However, we have designated up to $100,000 of campaign funds to help start the English Language School in Asia. We believe this is merely a taste of what can be done in the future through an ever-expanding ministry here at GFC, both locally and globally.

What form will our "commitments" take?

We will each be asked to make a three-year financial commitment that is over and above our regular giving to GFC.