Basement FAQ
Why hire a fund-raising consultant?
Why hire an architect? We have hired a fundraising consultant to give us his expertise and direction for this project. Just like we lack the capability on our own to do the work of the architect, we hire a firm to help us raise the funds. There is also the matter of accountability. Generis helps us run on a timetable that will help us be good stewards for this project.
When will the project be done?
If we run according to plan, we will be in the basement 6-8 months from the time we begin construction.
How will we know the campaign has been successful?
While our goal is to raise $3.9 million over three years, our campaign will be successful if two things occur: 1) Everyone within our community prays and seriously asks their Heavenly Father how He would have them respond, and 2) it helps to make us a more generous people.
YIKES $3.9 million is a lot of money. Where did that figure come from?
We will not know the final construction costs until December or January. Preliminary estimates suggest the project will cost $3.0 – $3.5 million. We are designating an additional 10% of the total project cost ($300,000 – $350,000) to be set aside to fund local and global church plants. In the event we collect more in pledges than we need to fund these two objectives, the church intends to curtail its existing debt.
How much did it cost to purchase and renovate the existing building?
WEPC purchased the Best Products building in September, 1998 for $1.9 million. The building was renovated in 2000 for approximately $3.1 million (including hard and soft costs), for a total project cost of approximately $5.0 million.
How much did we provide in equity for the last project?
WEPC provided $710,000 towards the purchase price, another $1.1 million prior to renovation, and an additional $1.6 million from the Acts2 capital campaign. We were left with a mortgage in 2002 of $1.6 million. It is incredible to see God’s provision for his church! The $3.4 million in equity we provided allowed us to limit our debt burden and to target 25% of our annual church operating budget to missions. Our current mortgage balance is about $1.0 million.
Who is the architect on this project?
WEPC hired Huff Morris as our architect. This firm handled the architectural services for the renovation of the building in 2000.
Tell me more about the 10% of the pledges going towards local and global church planting?
We look forward to the ways an expanded facility will help us accomplish our vision and mission as a church. It is also exciting to take this as an opportunity to provide seed money for multiplying churches with a similar missional focus. From the money raised through this campaign, we will set aside 10% of construction costs to fund other new Richmond and international church plants.
Will my pledge remain confidential?
The recordation of pledges will be handled under the same confidential process as normal operating tithes and offerings. Only the financial staff of the church will be involved with recording and tallying pledge cards. The number of pledges and size of pledges will need to be distributed to others, but without names associated with individual gifts.
What process was used to determine how the basement would be utilized?
For the past year, ministry leaders were surveyed and asked to dream about their ministries. If money and space were no object, what could you see God doing through your ministry? This is what led to the present design that we have. Incredibly, we really can only plan…God will do much more than we have envisioned. He did that 8 years ago. None of us could have predicted the number of ministries that happen in this space today.
I have a question that wasn’t answered here. How can I get the answer?
The best way is to submit a question via email. We will get back to you as soon as possible.