Inspiring Transformation Together

Our ultimate desire is for each person at Adventure to respond to the call of God on their life. So "success" isn't simply tied to a targeted number. We will celebrate reaching about $750,000 in pledges, but our dream is that people simply obey God and learn to give more sacrificially to help our community.

Our church leadership feels that God is leading us to obtain a facility that will be a gift the community. In addition, the current economic climate may provide us the ability to purchase property at a significant discount, allowing us to do more with the resources we have.

A Capital Stewardship Campaign is a church project that seeks pledged donations from members of the congregation to be used in paying for a major construction project; in our case, a new facility.

We should raise between two and three times our annual budget.

The church cannot make its best decisions about how to make the projects happen until we have a real picture of what financial resources are available. Once we know what resources we have to work with, our leaders will adjust the plan to bring to the congregation. There are many options to get to our project goals - phase in buildings, borrow money to complete buildings now, etc.. PROJECTING A DEFINITE PLAN IS SPECULATION UNTIL WE KNOW WHAT RESOURCES WE HAVE TO WORK WITH. The decision before us is WHAT RESOUCES CAN WE PROVIDE OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS? Obviously, as more money is raised, more options and better options are available to us.

No. Participation in the campaign and how much you give will be entirely up to you. Everyone will be given the opportunity to contribute if they wish to do so.

Our need is now. Our need is immediate - in fact, we have already had this need for awhile. Who knows when the "best time" would be? We have to respond on the basis of real needs and real calling. If we do not get started now, then when and how will we ever respond? What would waiting another year or two cost us in lost opportunity? If not now, then when? If not us, then who?

Allow God to speak to your heart through prayer. Read Scripture passages that speak about stewardship and giving, such as 1 Corinthians 16:2, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 3:5-9, 2 Corinthians 8:7, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38, and Psalm 116:12.

It is tempting to make a commitment based on REASON, which means looking at my budget and figuring what I can afford - what's "reasonable". It doesn't take any faith to give by reason. Or, you could give based on REVELATION. Revelation asks, "How much am I willing to trust God?" When you make giving a matter of prayer, your decision becomes an act of worship.

Here are some simple steps to consider during this process:
• Think about ALL that God has done in your life since you've been part of The Crossing, as well as how you've seen Him radically change others. Think about people you know who don't yet know God, and His love for them.
• Talk it over with God, both individually, and if married with your spouse. Pray constantly, "God, I invite you to CHALLENGE me..."
• Discuss what sacrifice could mean for you. Pray, "Lord, what do you want to do through me to accomplish Your will in my church, The Crossing?"
• Decide in faith, and commit to sacrificially give to ITT over-and-above your regular giving.

Your gift to ITT, whatever the amount, should reflect sacrifice and love over and above what you regularly give to Adventure.

You are asked to make a three-year commitment.

Absolutely! All pledges matter, regardless of amount, because as we all participate according to our ability, God multiplies our giving.

Pledge cards will be turned in on Commitment Sunday, October 25, 2009, and pledges will begin to be received shortly thereafter.

Contributions can be made by cash or check. Other forms of contributions can include the transference of title to marketable stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.

The pledges will be handled discreetly, just like all our other financial giving.

The announcement will be made two weeks after Commitment Sunday, on Celebration Sunday, November 8, 2009, in the worship services.

Although our campaign is based on people fulfilling their pledges, there is no legal binding agreement between Adventure and the individual. Just contact the church office and adjust the amount.

No. Participating in the campaign is a personal decision for each of us, and anyone may contribute to God's work in our church.