Frequently Asked Questions (faq's)

Q. Why are we having a 40 day campaign, rather than just announcing the need for funds?
A. Two reasons. First, it takes this much time to communicate the vision, purpose, and goals clearly to a congregation this size. Second, we believe this opportunity has come not just for raising funds, but for growing God’s people. We need the time to focus on the spiritual issues God is presenting to us each. God wants our hearts, not just our wallets.

Q. What kind of reactions do you expect from people?
A. We knew from the beginning there would be three different reactions. First are those who are already committed to giving. They don’t need this campaign as they already understand the reasons God has presented us this challenge, and they give sacrificially whenever they are asked to do so. Second, there are those who are not going to give no matter what we do. Some will come up with all kinds of objections, excuses, and criticisms about the campaign, but the real issue is they simply don’t want to give. We’re not doing the campaign for this group either. And we won’t let the objections of a few rob the rest of the church of the joy of giving. Third, there are many who will want to give when they catch the vision of what God would do through us and how giving will help them grow spiritually. These people are the purpose for this campaign.

Q. Why would we conclude the campaign with a congregational celebration and lunch at the very time there are such evident financial needs?
A. What might seem to some as poor stewardship is actually obedience in faith. The Bible clearly sets out the pattern that in times of need, God’s people celebrate his faithfulness in worship and in feasting. God instructed the slaves in Egypt to feast before their departure from Egypt (Exodus 12). King David and the Israelites feast at the same time they are taking a sacrificial offering for the building of the temple (2nd Chronicles 29). Nehemiah and Ezra lead the people in a feast even before Jerusalem is resettled (Nehemiah 8). If our campaign were just about money, perhaps this would be unwise. But because our campaign is chiefly about growing in faithfulness, we have planned a unified service of worship for the whole congregation on May 18th (10:30 a.m.), to be followed by a celebration lunch. In this way we express our gratitude for all that God has done in the past and our trust in his provision alone for our future.

Q. I am a widow on a very limited income, but want to be a part of what God is doing at our church. How can I give?
A. God bless you for your faith-filled desire! I am reminded of the widow Jesus commends in Mark 12:41-44. This is why one of our themes is “Equal sacrifice, not equal gifts.” Pray about what a true sacrifice will mean to you, and let God instruct you as to what he would do through you. As you do so, I encourage you to read the story of another widow who desired to give faithfully to God even the little she had. A miracle happened. And God is still doing miracles today in the lives of those who trust him.

Q. My wife and I understand what the Bible says about giving, and understand the what, when, and where of the campaign. But what is the how? How will the property be used?
A. We believe God will show us how to use this for his glory, in his time. What we do know now is that the Church exists for two reasons: 1) to make disciples and 2) to reveal God’s Kingdom. Like many churches, CCPC focuses much of its resources on making disciples– teaching, worshiping, fellowshipping, serving. Many of the ideas for the property, beyond our small needs for more worship and parking space, revolve around living out the Kingdom of God visibly to our community. I am praying for the opportunity to show the power of God’s reign as Jesus did, among the little, the least, the fallen, and the forgotten (perhaps children, the poor, seniors in need of care and housing) – all in an integrated and affirming community. What we are committed to is pursuing the Lord’s leading through what will be an open, honest, patient, and discerning process.

In His name,

                    Pastor Malcolm