Stewardship Campaign FAQs
Below you will find some of the more common questions and concerns about New Heart's land and facilities campaign. Feel free to let us know if you have any more questions.
What is "Taking Flight: A Journey of Faith at New Heart"?
"Taking Flight: A Journey of Faith at New Heart" is an opportunity to enter into a spiritual journey together with the practical goal of raising funds for the purchase of property to someday become a place to build a permanent church home for New Heart.
Why are we buying land?
For nearly ten years New Heart has sought to "bring a new heart of hope to the community". Today, New Heart is the spiritual home for a community of singles, retirees and families. Building a physical home will provide greater visibility in our community, much needed space that will be available to us 24/7 and space which will be designed for the many kinds of ministries, activities and outreaches we have. Before we can build a permanent church home, we need land.
What about the land itself?
Were other properties considered?
Yes. The Land Team looked at several pieces of property ranging in size from 3 to 7 acres and from $400,000 to $850,000. The property we are purchasing was the best for location and suitability for building a church and the price was also one of the lowest dollar/acre.
How was it decided that New Heart should buy this property?
The recommendation of the Land Team was presented to the congregation at a congregational business meeting in March 2004. The congregation voted 53 to 0 in favor of buying this property.
Are there any contingencies on the purchase of this property?
Yes. This property is currently zoned commercial-recreation, which does not allow for the building of a church. A contingency of the sale is the rezoning of the property to public assembly. Our rezoning request is currently before the planning department. The purchase is also contingent upon our ability to obtain financing for the property.
Was any earnest money put down?
Yes. A deposit of $2,500 was made with the offer. We also began making $3,000 monthly deposits into escrow beginning August 1, 2004.
Where will the money come from to purchase the property?
The goal is to raise $169,000 to go toward the down payment due April 1, 2005. We have raised over $100,000 toward this down payment goal. The remainder of the funds for the purchase of this property will come from the pledges of the congregation. This spring we will enter into a Capital Stewardship Campaign with the goal of raising 3-year pledges toward the purchase of property. The congregation's pledges will allow us to borrow the money for the remainder of the purchase price ($400,000).
What is a Capital Stewardship Campaign?
A capital stewardship campaign is a focused time to consider how the ministry impact of our church in our community would be greatly expanded and multiplied through a permanent church home facility in McKinleyville. During this campaign, you will be encouraged to simply ask this question of God, God, what do you want to do through me to accomplish your will for this church? You should only do what God asks you to do.
How does a Capital Stewardship Campaign work?
In a capital stewardship campaign people make 3-year pledges, over and above regular giving, toward the purchase of this property. This 3-year pledge is between you and God. What God asks will be different for each of us. You should only do what God wants you to do.
Can we afford this?
Yes. The standard fund raising formula is: (Annual church income) x (1.5 to 3) = 3 year fund raising total. New Heart's income range is $200,000 - $235,000. Applying the factor, the estimated 3 year fund raising estimate is $350,000 - $700,000. A projected mortgage of $400,000 is within normal fund raising goals.
Can we handle this large of a project?
Yes. New Heart has hired Injoy Stewardship Services. They have a long history of helping churches raise funds and grow spiritually through the process. They bring the specialized experience we need to help us be effective.
