www.willowcreekchurch.org WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 1 3/4/14 12:17 PM
Following god s calling to greater things When I arrived at Willow Creek Church in December 2012, I resolved to spend the first six months simply getting to know our staff, ministry leaders, and members while developing a sense of our position moving forward. It seemed presumptuous to attempt much more, and I m glad that I spent that time just familiarizing myself with our great church family. The second half of the year was spent pursuing an initial wave of the highest priority changes to our staff positions, ministry structure, and offerings. In so doing, we were able to shore up some foundational things together, positioning us for even greater endeavors in the future. We re now ready to undertake the first of those great endeavors: moving Willow Creek Church toward financial freedom. As you might know, Willow Creek Church is in a significant amount of debt. It hampers our present ministry and limits our future potential. For these and other reasons, and along with our other elders, I am strongly committed to shepherding Willow Creek toward financial freedom. This will be a journey of many years, but even the longest journey begins with a single step. Would you please consider taking that step with me? A significant reduction in our debt will offer us the immediate potential to save tens of thousands of dollars per year in interest payments. And for many years to come, we will be able to redirect many more dollars toward ministry, as we preach and practice the gospel in our community, Central Florida, and around the world. This is a hugely strategic, noteworthy undertaking in the life of our church. This brochure is designed to not only explain the GREATER Campaign, but to invite you to join us in it. Let s follow God s calling to greater things together! WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 2 3/4/14 12:17 PM
our history Willow Creek Church was founded in 1983 under the visionary pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Pete Alwinson. As a Christ-centered, communityoriented ministry, Willow Creek first organized in private homes and then in a storefront at the Red Willow Plaza. From those humble beginnings and a faithful core of charter members, God grew Willow Creek Church and blessed her with a new and more permanent location on East Lake Drive. With praise to God, the Willow Creek Church family grew and has been growing ever since - in love for God, one another, and their neighbors. The Ministries at willow creek Willow Creek Church has ministries for individuals and families in every season of life environments in which we are experiencing and expressing the gospel of Jesus Christ together! As part of our new strategic initiative, we are reviewing all facets of our ministry, identifying our strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities moving forward. During this process, we re reviewing and reshaping the philosophies guiding our various ministries. Last year, we hired new staff members like Kent Suits, our Director of Youth Ministries, and Drew Taylor, our Director of Children s Ministries. We also added new positions like Guest Care Coordinator and Pastor of Discipleship. Soon, we ll launch a brand new leadership training series designed to gradually identify and equip our next generation of leadership. All of this is to say that these are exciting times of renewal at Willow Creek Church, and we re thrilled to have you play an even GREATER part in them! WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 3 3/4/14 12:17 PM
A GREATER FUTURE WILL REQUIRE GREATER FAITH AND GREATER SACRIFICE THE PAST FAITHFULNESS OF GOD God has blessed Willow Creek Church with outstanding facilities and grounds. Initially moving us from humble beginnings in member homes to a nearby storefront, God has now strategically located us on prime property along a major roadway in a growing community. THE CURRENT CHALLENGE Willow Creek Church faithfully serves a remaining mortgage debt of approximately $7.4 million. Our challenge and our commitment is to completely remove this debt, positioning Willow Creek for financial freedom. In short, we want to get out of debt, and stay out of debt. THE PROMISE OF GOD S FUTURE GRACE We know that our debt is great. But we also know that our God is GREATER. We have faith that God will remove this debt for good through the radical generosity of his people, freeing even more resources for GREATER ministry in our communities, Central Florida, and, through them, the world. WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 4
The plan Our plan is simple and straightforward. 1 A GREATER Kick-Off Offering On Sunday, April 6th, 2014, we ll be asking our members and friends to make their largest special offering to Christ s ministry at Willow Creek ever. Our hope is to have the largest special offering in the history of Willow Creek Church, with all of it immediately going toward the reduction and eventual elimination of our debt. 2 A GREATER Commitment In addition to our kick-off offering, we ll also be asking our members and friends to make a two-year giving commitment over and above their normal tithes and offerings. Fulfilled over time, this sacrificial commitment will further enable us to reduce and ultimately eliminate our debt. 3 A GREATER Savings With our members and friends offering their largest one-time gift while also making two-year commitments, we will then seek to refinance our remaining debt at an even more competitive rate, reducing our monthly interest payments, and thereby freeing resources each month for expanded ministry. 4 A GREATER Vision In a better financial position, we will be able to pursue our strategic vision with even greater effectiveness. The result will be a stronger Willow Creek Church for our children and our future. WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 5
WHAT WILL BE ASKED OF ME? Willow Creek Church will only succeed in its ministry if we come together as the body of Christ in prayerful and generous ministry. We re asking every individual and family connected with Willow Creek Church to make a generous two-year commitment over and above what they are currently giving. If you ve never given before, this is a great time to start! We are asking for an initial gift at the beginning of the campaign, and then a weekly or monthly gift for the next two years. PLEASE PRAY For our efforts to reach new people with the gospel in our communities, Central Florida, and, through them, the world. For our church leadership and the campaign team to have wisdom. For God s provision Please understand that no one will ever be pressured to give, nor will anyone be told what he/she is expected to give. This commitment is between you and your Father in heaven. Right now, we re simply asking you to pray and ask Him what He would have you give to strengthen our church s future. HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MUCH TO GIVE? The best way to answer this is, Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice. We re not asking for the same amount from everyone. But we are asking everyone to pray about it and give generously. Here s a verse to meditate upon as you pray: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 For discernment on what generous gift your family will make to the GREATER campaign. WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 6
Over and Above GREATER is an over and above campaign, meaning that we are asking members and friends to give over and above their current giving. Our regular offerings are required to maintain our operating budget, funding ongoing and vital ministries. The money given through the GREATER Campaign will only be used for reducing and eventually eliminating debt. Please do not stop giving your regular offering in order to give to the campaign. Equal Sacrifice, Not Equal Gifts We are not asking for the same amount from everyone. But we are asking everyone to pray about their participation in the GREATER Campaign and to give generously, even sacrificially. We trust that God will graciously multiply gifts in a mighty way. Our goal is 100% participation. Please know that every gift, no matter how large or small, is important and necessary to reach our goal. How to Make My Commitment After receiving your personal Commitment Card and praying with us, please: 1. Enclose your special, one-time offering for the April 6th, 2014 kick-off offering. Help Willow Creek Church achieve its largest special offering in history, all toward paying off debt and moving us toward financial freedom! 2. Using the GREATER Commitment Card, write down the amount you commit in faith to give during the next 24 months. 3. Join us for Commitment Weekend on Sunday, April 6th. If you cannot attend, please mail your card to The GREATER Campaign, C/O Willow Creek Church, 4725 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708. Online Giving Take advantage of ONLINE GIVING! Make your contribution automatically and electronically. Go to www.willowcreekchurch.org and click the GIVING tab to sign into your account or to sign up for one. WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 7
UPCOMING EVENTS Town Hall Meetings March 9th & March 26th Our goal is for everyone connected to Willow Creek Church to attend one of the one-hour sessions filled with prayer and vision casting. 4725 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708 Phone - 407 699 8211 Fax - 407 699 6314 www.willowcreekchurch.org APRIL 4-5th 24-Hour Prayer Events Take one-hour out of your day/ night to participate in prayer activities at Willow Creek Church. APRIL 6th Commitment Sunday During this special worship service, we will each be turning in our commitments and giving our kick-off offerings. APRIL 20th Celebration Weekend The total of the commitments will be announced, and it will truly be a day we realize that God is GREATER than any of our challenges or our plans. WCC-2014 Capital Campaign_Borchure.indd 8