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The Vision Behind The Crossroads Campaign
Our Church has experienced a short yet exceedingly rich history. God's hand has been upon us as our ministry has grown. The power of Scripture, the bond of fellowship, and service to others has changed lives. For all this progress, we desire Christ receive the glory. After all, this is His church.
The story of Westtown is more than just growth in numbers. Although we are grateful for our steady growth these past few years, we acknowledge we must remain thoughtful and diligent around promoting the right kind of growth. The Scripture calls us to walk in three directions. We strive to develop into passionate worshippers (upward), equipped believers (inward), and committed missionaries (outward). These are the commitments that have informed our past decisions, current structure, and are now prompting usinto planning for the next step, a permanent place. Part of Westtown's original vision is to become a crossroads for the community, a place where these words in Jeremiah 6:16 become a reality.
"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it. and you will find rest for your soul."
We want the broken, critical, and curious to be attracted to Christ's work in us. Engaging our community in friendship and pointing them to the good way, the person of Jesus, is our desire. We believe that a permanent campus for our church will aid us in becoming The Crossroads.
The goal of The Crossroads campaign is to evoke, in Westtown, a spirit of generosity, and ultimately raise funds to acquire land and construct a building. Achieving this goal will enable us to continue equipping disciples and reaching the lost. Over the next month, we as a Church, and you as a follower of Christ, will stand at a crossroads and be asked to give generously. Each of us must decide how to trust God with our giving. If we all stand together and by faith give sacrificially, then a permanent location will become a reality. God is sufficient. He promises to fill all our needs according to his riches in Glory.
The Reasons Behind A Permanent Place
God became man and lived with man through His Son, Jesus. He was fully present and lived in His culture.
In order to effectively be The Crossroads, looking Up, In and Out, we believe a permanent space would be invaluable. In our Northwest Tampa culture, a permanent place would give us an attractive location to invite and engage the community. Through kids' facilities, playgrounds, youth rooms, and our own distinct worship area, we will be more effective in our efforts to reach out to our neighbors. At the same time, we believe our own campus would provide a needed refuge for worship and discipleship. A full-time facility would provide opportunities for enhanced education, a place for fellowship, and space for small groups.
There are many indications that a permanent facility is God's will for Westtown Church.
Here are just a few of those reasons:
Permanent Location
For over 3 years, Westtown has been a portable church; we set up and tear down each week. While our servant spirit remains strong, fatigue is being felt with the growth of our church. The opportunity to have our own sanctuary would enhance our creative, audio, visual and overall worship experience, allowing ministries to function more effectively.
God's Provision
Over the past 5 years, God has consistently provided for Westtown. We believe that His blessing of steady growth is an indicator of His promptings.
Economic Conditions
Economic conditions have driven land values and construction costs to attractive lows, making land acquisition and building construction a real possibility. In contrast, the cost to rent Mary Bryant has increased dramatically over the past 3 years. In addition, we also pay to rent office/ meeting space which is not much less than the proposed mortgage payment on our own permanent facility.
Reaching The Lost
Presently, over 190,000 people live within our targeted location and only 25% of households are involved with matters of faith. Westtown is committed in becoming a crossroads to this broken but redeemable community.
The Words of Jesus Echo in Our Ears
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
"We also know that the church is the means by which God is made known ...
"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known."
Ephesians 3:10
What Is The Crossroads Campaign?
We hope this section will help answer some questions you may have in regards to The Crossroads campaign.
What is The Crossroads?
ANSWER: The Crossroads is the name and theme of our capital campaign and is based on Jeremiah 6:16:
"Stand at the crossroads and look: ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."
Part of Westtown's original vision is to become a crossroads for the community, a place where these words in Jeremiah become a reality. We believe that a permanent facility is critical to becoming a crossroads in Northwest Tampa. We want to be a physical and spiritual refuge for all who are broken, seeking and lost, leading them to a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Crossroads is defined by action. We want to be a church that reaches out and makes an impact on lives. We believe that The Crossroads will create an environment of cheerful giving at Westtown that will last beyond the construction of a facility. We look forward to supporting more missions and engaging our church family in mission opportunities as we become a mature church with a permanent facility.
Why are we having a capital campaign?
ANSWER: While we are very grateful for Mary Bryant's support over the past three years, we firmly believe we've reached a critical point in Westtown's growth as a church body. We feel God is directing Westtown to acquire land and construct a permanent church home in order to continue on in our ministry to Northwest Tampa. A full-time facility will provide opportunities for enhanced education, fellowship, worship and space for small groups. Through kids' facilities, playgrounds, youth rooms and our own distinct worship area, we will be more effective in our efforts to reach out to our neighbors, as well as deepen the worship and fellowship experience for our existing congregation.
How much will the new facility cost?
ANSWER: Ultimately, our construction budget and time-line is largely dependant upon what Westtown is able to raise through The Crossroads.
We are estimating $500,000 - $800,000 for land acquisition and development and $1,500,000 - $2,000,000 in construction costs. Whatever we do not raise during the capital campaign would need to be financed by a local financial institution.
Based on conversations with local financial institutions, we believe we can secure a $1,000,000 construction loan. We also have $100,000 in a bank account, reserved specifically for the purchase of land. Thus, we need to raise $900,000 through The Crossroads.
What kind of commitment will I be asked to make?
ANSWER: The Crossroads is a 3-year spiritual and financial commitment. We want families and individuals to be committed to prayer, not only for the direction and future of our church, but also for their own spiritual growth. There are many ways to fulfill this pledge. For some it might be a monthly gift added to their existing contributions. For others it might be a one-time gift based on an assessment of their financial position and desire to participate in The Crossroads. Lastly, others may find a non-cash donation makes the most sense. Each of us will be invited to participate in a bible study that will assist our individual consideration of how we might pledge.
Ultimately, we ask that you give sacrificially, but only if it can be done with a cheerful spirit. The Crossroads is about sharing in the joy and excitement of building the future of this church. It is not about guilt or pressure. We know that if we all stand together, and by faith, give sacrificially and joyfully, then a permanent location will become a reality. God is sufficient. He will meet Westtown's needs.
If I am low on resources, how else can I support The Crossroads campaign?
ANSWER: Regardless of your financial standing, you are critically important to the success of The Crossroads. We can do all things though Him who gives us strength and nothing we do will succeed without Him. You will have the opportunity to offer your time and talents to this outreach effort. We also ask that you share Westtown's mission with your friends and neighbors. Remember, outreach cannot be effective with money alone.
Why are we having a capital campaign in the midst of a recession?
ANSWER: You may be wondering why we're trying to raise money at the tail end of what economist's are dubbing as 'The Great Recession.' We believe this is the PERFECT time for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the community needs us now more than ever. The past few years have left both believers and non-believers anxious and shaken. Studies have proven that people are generally more receptive to the Gospel during times of trial. Moreover, land and construction costs are much more realistic today. We have the opportunity today to purchase a centrally located parcel of land that will strategically position our church for years to come.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Psalm 127:1
Our Plan To Meet The Needs
Importance of widespread participation:
Some of you may be saying, "Westtown is not that big of a church, so how can we afford to build a building?" The task of raising this sum of money seems monumental when standing alone, but when the financial responsibility is divided among the congregation it becomes much more bearable. This building project cannot become a reality unless we have widespread participation. In order to successfully reach our goal, every person in our congregation must participate in some way, be it financially, through prayer, or through service. The benefits of widespread participation in The Crossroads will be many. Of course, there is the obvious goal of building a permanent church, but more importantly Westtown will experience spiritual growth by relying on God to provide the unattainable. Our faith will be strengthened by God's work in and around us during The Crossroads.
Type and Scope of commitments:
The Crossroads is a three year commitment of giving above and beyond your "comfort zone." Each family should prayerfully consider the amount of their commitment, and then complete a commitment card and turn that card into the Church Office.
How to determine the amount of your commitment:
The leadership of Westtown recognizes that determining an appropriate commitment is not an easy process. If it were easy, then chances are that we're not giving to our fullest. We have prepared a separate brochure, included in The Crossroads package exploring how to prayerfully consider your commitment.
Ways to give in addition to cash:
Many people own stocks that are worth significantly more than the original purchase price. This is good news! However, the bad news is that if these stocks are sold, a significant portion of the gain would be lost to taxation. Gifts of appreciated assets —typically investment securities or real estate —can be very advantageous to both the donor and to the church. By transferring ownership of the asset to the church, the donor avoids capital gains taxes on the sale of the asset. In addition, the donor receives an income tax charitable deduction for the full market value of the asset. That, in effect, makes these gifts less costly to make.
Though it is important to invest your giving to further the mission of the ministry God has laid on your heart, it is also important to consider the tax implications of making a gift to the church. We have a team equipped to answer your questions about non-cash gifts and provide guidance for you to help you maximize your tax benefit and the value of your gift. Before making a commitment of this type, please contact the church office. We would also recommend you consult your CPA, tax attorney or other financial advisor.
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Contact info
12649 Race Track Rd.
Tampa, FL 33626
Phone: (813) 855-2747
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