Questions
and Answers about the Beyond Campaign
What
is the purpose of the Beyond campaign?
The three main purposes are connected to our overall mission, that
of forming a people that is Gods very own. Through this campaign
we hope to be formed as Gods that we might listen to Him and
hear His leading. Secondly, through listening to God, our hope is
that He will grow us as stewards, sacrificial givers, men and women
with a larger faith in Him. Finally, this campaign will provide for
a basic facility to support our new congregation in Warrenville.
Why the name Beyond for this campaign?
This campaign is about looking beyond ourselves and seeing God, listening
beyond all the earthly messages that strike us and hearing instead
Gods voice. Looking to and listening to God, we believe we will
be able to give beyond what we ever thought possible.
Why
did we engage an outside consultant for this project?
Blanchard leaders, both staff and volunteers, are already working
to lead one church in two locations, work that is stretching our capacity.
Our consultant, from Generis, brings needed expertise and an
extra pair of hands to guide us in an area in which we do not
have expertise. Generis is helping us to create opportunities to hear
what God wants to do through us opportunities we might miss
in our busyness.
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Who
is leading Beyond?
Dale and Kim Showalter, part of Blanchard for 34 years, and Brian
and Cheryl Baird, serving God here for 10 years, are working together
to lead the Steering Committee, comprised of several additional committed
Blanchard members who are leading the various functional teams of
the Beyond campaign.
Is
there support in Scripture for a capital campaign?
Yes, there is. Exodus 34 tells of the Israelites giving so sacrificially
and generously to build the first tabernacle that Moses had to call
the people to stop giving. I Chronicles 29 tells how David prepared
and led the way for his son to build the first temple in Jerusalem
by publicly giving massive amounts of gold and silver. Other leaders
followed Davids lead and then, moved by their leaders, all of
Israel gave sacrificially to build a house of prayer for all nations.
How
much money do we need?
A specific goal has not yet been established because we are still
working with estimates of the costs for some of the work. Our preliminary
estimate, however, for work at the Warrenville site, totals just over
$3.5 million. Blanchard leaders continue to pray about a specific
goal for the Beyond campaign.
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How
will the money be used?
Primarily, the funds will be used to purchase and remodel our Warrenville
property to provide a basic sanctuary and classrooms for our new congregation.
If giving exceeds the cost of this work, we will make some modest
improvements to our Wheaton facility and then fund a special missions
project.
What
if giving doesnt cover the work in Warrenville?
Our goal is to fund the completion of the Warrenville property through
the Beyond campaign. If giving does not reach that level, we will
consider short-term debt in order to complete the property. If we
use debt to complete the work in Warrenville, we will not renovate
the Wheaton property or fund a special missions project at this time.
When
will the remodeling work begin and when will it be finished?
Most likely, we will not begin any of the work until after our campaign,
perhaps January at the earliest. The outdoor site work will have to
wait until spring. It will likely take about six months to complete.
If things go well, we may begin to use the facility next summer.
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How does the Beyond campaign relate to my regular giving?
In this campaign, we are asking God to guide each one of us in making
a commitment to give sacrificially in addition to what we already
give to other ministries at Blanchard. While giving regularly to Gods
current work at Blanchard, we want to give beyond this present work
to support a new work in a new community.
Do
I have to make my Beyond gift right away?
Several options for giving will be offered, ranging from an immediate
gift in one lump sum to pledges that may be fulfilled over three years.
How
can I stay in touch with the progress of the campaign?
Our Web site, www.blanchardalliance.org, will provide regular updates
on the Beyond campaign. Upcoming events, personal testimonials and
giving updates will be posted there. Also, frequent updates during
worship services and by mail are scheduled. Questions may be asked,
anonymously if preferred, via an I have a question card
available to all Blanchard attendees.