FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Making Room campaign?
Making Room is a response to the stirring of the Holy Spirit to live out our mission statement: Sharing in Hope, Living with Purpose, For the sake of Others. Part of Making Room is a capital campaign launched in March of 2021. The target of the campaign is to raise the additional funding needed to support the vision of transforming Latimer Hall into a multi-purpose mission and ministry facility, enabling us to share the hope found in Christ with the next generation and empower them to discover their God-given purpose in life. Renovations to Latimer include a larger worshipping space and a dedicated space for children, students, and young adults. Expanding into Latimer is part of a larger vision of becoming a campus people don’t just walk through but come to in search of Hope. That hope has a name – Jesus Christ, and we desire to introduce others to Him.
What is the status of the Making Room capital campaign?
We have just passed the 2-year mark of a 3-year campaign. Our original target was to raise $500,000 or more to complete the renovation. That original target has just been achieved: Praise be to God! Some aspects of the project have already been completed. Church leadership has also contracted with a builder to tackle the largest part of the renovations to Latimer Hall in 2023. You can follow the renovation progress by clicking here.
How does our current cost projections compare to our original $500,000 target?
Earlier cost estimates inevitably have shifted with market conditions and additional code requirements. As of “ground-breaking” we recognize that our actual capital campaign need is going to be $775,000. This figure includes a 10% contingency for cost overruns and maintaining a working building and grounds fund for the upkeep and maintenance of our campus.
Are we going to borrow money to pursue this project?
The church Council received the congregation’s support to borrow up to, but no more than, the total pledged in this campaign. In light of the revision to project costs, our current level of pledges falls short of our needs. This means the project may require a pause until further giving is received or pledges are made that match the remaining funding necessary for the completion of the project. At such time, the council can act on the congregation’s support to secure a loan that will be paid down over time with pledges that have been made. Should a loan be secured, the congregation will be made aware of when and what terms are negotiated.
What are you asking me to do?
We are asking everyone to pray for God’s guidance on how they can contribute to the Making Room mission of this church. Recognizing that Making Room is really about reaching others with the Gospel, the first part is to ask God who He is calling me to reach out to. How is He calling me to grow my faith? Join a small group. Invite someone to share in the blessings you receive at our worship or outreach events. An additional consideration is a commitment of time, talents, and, yes, financial gifts to The Way | Woodstock. As for the financial component, if you have already contributed, thank you!! The initial response has been a testimony to the Goodness of God. If that describes you, we are asking that you consider revising your pledge for the final year of the campaign and/or extending the length of your commitment for 2 years. If you are new to the Making Room capital campaign and God is leading you, we ask that you consider blessing us with a 3-year commitment from April 1, 2023, through March 2026.
How do I communicate my intention to pledge?
Pledge cards can be completed online or filled out in person and placed in the offering plate at any time.
How can I give to this Making Room vision/campaign?
You can give any time that God leads you. In the past, some have given a lump sum, and some give in regular increments, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. Please clearly designate your gift with “Making Room” in the memo of a check or online form.
When is the project to be completed?
The renovation is expected to take 8-10 months to complete. If we receive sufficient pledges, the work can be completed by February 2024.
Will commitments be made public?
Absolutely not! Giving is between each person/family at The Way | Woodstock and God. We will celebrate our collective commitment, but no individuals or their commitments will be shared publicly.
Can I redirect my giving to the Making Room campaign from what I normally give to the general fund?
All are encouraged not to do this. The general fund is used to support the mission and programs of The Way that are currently in place and to pay the church staff. We are all being asked to sacrifice and give above and beyond what we may have been giving to the general fund.
Will our mission outreach offerings continue?
Yes, and we have demonstrated that throughout the campaign since it started in 2021. We are committed to mission and to being a giving church. These efforts are funded through general tithes and special offerings we each make to support the ongoing ministries of the church.
What if donations and pledges exceed the stated need?
Praise God if that is the case. All Making Room contributions will go toward further campus development. There are some maintenance items that have been tabled and there will no doubt be future needs.
If I can’t commit now, will I be able to donate at a later time?
Absolutely. Simply fill out a Commitment Card when that time comes.
Can I commit for less than three years?
We are asking that you consider participating over a 3-year period. However, if circumstances do not allow that, simply indicate that on your commitment card.
I am struggling financially and don’t know if I can commit to the campaign–what can I do?
We are a community that exists to help others, including each other. We have resources to help you work on your personal finances, etc. We are considering a financial course centered on Biblical principles beginning this fall as well. We would ask that you participate in the campaign at whatever level is sacrificial for you. Remember, it’s not about equal giving, but equal sacrifice.
Will new families be asked to help fund the project?
Yes. New individuals/ families will be contacted by the Follow-Up Team and given the opportunity to make a commitment to the Making Room vision.
What if my circumstances change after I have made a pledge?
You may either increase or decrease your commitment at any time God leads.
Who can I talk to about the campaign or ask any questions I may have?
You are encouraged to speak to our Capital Stewardship Experience (CSE) director, Steve Bowser, Pastors Ann or Andy, or any of the CSE team leaders who include Brent Soderstrom, Allen McMullen, and Tricia Grindel. You can email them or call the church office and ask to have one of them call you.
CSE Director Steve Bowser: [email protected]
Pastor Andy Rogers: [email protected]
Pastor Ann Garvin: [email protected]
