Giving Update
WE DESIRE TO MULTIPLY HERE, NEAR, and FAR!
FAQs
Q. What is MULTIPLY?
A: MULTIPLY is a two-year initiative aimed at carrying out our entire mission to Declare Jesus and Develop Jesus Followers here, near, and far. When you give to Redeemer Church, every dollar you give goes to carrying out that mission, not just a building. Multiply is different from a capital campaign. Capital campaigns are characterized by one-time designated gifts to a building project. This is important because if plans change on expansion, it does not change our commitment to all of our other ministries. The building is a tool to reach more people but not the vision in and of itself.
Q. Why are we going for such a bold goal?
A: Redeemer Church is at capacity and out of space. We believe the time is now to expand. We don’t want anyone to come to our church and feel there is no room for them. We also need more space for family ministries, counseling, and equipping classrooms. There are 350,000 people in Winnebago and Boone counties that need the Gospel of Jesus. We believe we need to do whatever it takes to Declare Jesus and Develop Jesus Followers around our city. MULTIPLY will position us to continue and increase what we are already doing and expand our capacity to reach more of those 350,000 people!
Q. Does Redeemer Church still have an ongoing commitment to planting churches?
A: The Redeemer Church leaders are seeking to faithfully steward the people God entrusts to our care, and we are also committed to continuing our vision to MULTIPLY courageous Jesus followers and healthy churches in our region and around the world. Instead of an either/or approach to growing our capacity or church planting, we believe a both/and approach is healthiest. This is exemplified in the experiences of other churches known as church-planting churches. A healthy and growing home church is the best catalyst for planting healthy churches. We like to say that MULTIPLY is not instead of church planting, it’s BECAUSE we want to MULTIPLY our church planting.
Q. Will there still be a Phase 2 in the future?
A: This is probably the best news with phase 1+. The short answer is no. Because we get to do the the offices and kids' spaces now, we do not need to do an ask for phase 2 in the future. As part of our regular budget and regular maintenance, smaller remodel projects will continue to happen over time.
Q. Are we financially healthy as a church?
A: Yes. Compared to prominent church standards and practices and data collected in other non-profit sectors, we hold a strong financial position. As we move into this project we are committed to keeping the position in the future.
Q. Will Redeemer Church have to incur debt in order to expand our facilities?
A: Based on our research and current contribution data, we do believe we will have to borrow some funds to start our expansion. There are many variables that will play into how much we will need to borrow such as giving, interest and building costs when we break ground, and site-work costs based on our special use permit requirements. The elders are committed to watching our financials very carefully and taking on the least amount of debt as possible. Please continue to pray for our elders as they discern the balance of moving forward in faith and wisdom.
Q. MULTIPLY has already begun. Can I still jump in and give?
A: Absolutely! Though commitments ere above and beyond our goal, we still have to take out a partial loan to complete the project. The more funds that come in, the less loan we will have to take out. Your gifts and donations are needed.
Q. If I want to give towards MULTIPLY, do I need to designate my giving to a certain fund?
A: To give to MULTIPLY, you do not need to designate your gift. All of the funds raised during MULTIPLY will be used to fund our ministry and outreach budget first, and we will use the rest towards our expansion needs.
Q. When does MULTIPLY officially run? What are the dates?
MULTIPLY giving begins November of 2024 and finishes December of 2026. We are projected to be moving into the new building in February of 2027. However all specific MULTIPLY giving commitments run through the end of 2026.
Q: Can I donate real estate, stocks/bonds, and other stored assets?
A: Yes. You can include stored assets in your MULTIPLY giving commitment and plan. Most of the wealth owned by Christians is in the form of assets, NOT cash, yet most of the giving to churches is in the form of cash, NOT assets. For some, there can be great advantages to giving from assets instead of cash. If you have specific questions about gifts from stored resources, please email Perry Gagliano, Executive Pastor.
Q. Why do churches talk about money, finances, and giving?
A: We believe it is important to talk about money, finances, and giving because Jesus tells us where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. We have a desire to be a people who are committed to living lives that glorify our Lord. We also believe joyful generosity keeps us from greed and ungodliness in the way we handle our possessions. We believe the local church is God’s “Plan A” for reaching the world with the good news of Jesus, and every Christian should have a plan to support their local church in that endeavor. We talk about money, finances, and giving because we care about hearts and acknowledge that everything we have has been given to us freely by Him.