January 2024 Update

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Next Steps for the Deep & Wide Capital Campaign: December 2023 – December 2026 Sunday, January 7, 2024 Ross D. Shelton, Pastor As I have had the opportunity to lead three previous capital campaigns, I have come to learn three lessons when a capital campaign begins: 1.) We will not have all the money we need. I have never led a campaign where we provide a few weeks of opportunity to commit and we have all the money needed. This being said, I also know that God has used this to help our church – and the previous churches I pastored – to continue to trust in Him. 2.) There will be gifts that will come in over the next years that we do not know about right now. One of the most amazing experiences in leading capital campaigns is seeing how God provides in unexpected ways. For example, in our last capital campaign for Phase One, a family generously donated their house and 10 acres to our church, which we sold and were provided a generous amount. This was not something that was committed in our commitment phase and was not expected. I look forward to how God is going to do this in this campaign!

3.) The most important aspect of any capital campaign in the church is seeking the Lord in prayer and moving forward in faith. We have sought God throughout the planning process to get to where we are today. We will also need to continue to seek Him in prayer. It has never ceased to amaze me to see how God provides *after* we step out in faith and obedience, as we are now doing.

Thank you to everyone who has already given and those who have pledged. For all of us, will you please make the commitment to pray for the funding and building of our second phase? We are just beginning this journey, and there is a lot ahead of us. Nevertheless, as God has worked in the past, we believe God will work again to provide what we need, when we need it. Therefore, as we now engage in our three-year, Deep & Wide Capital Campaign, we will continue to look to the Lord to provide each step of the way!

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I also realize you may have questions about the next steps, so I have attempted to answer some questions. If you have any further questions about any elements of the campaign, please reach out to me at rshelton@fbc-brenham.org or the church office at 979-836-2807.

As of January 7, 2024, where are we at in terms of giving and pledges?

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Gifts received to Deep & Wide Designated Fund (not pledged): $199,407

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Gifts already received toward pledges: $106,052.73 o Total amount currently in the Deep & Wide Designated Fund: $199,407 + $106,052.73 = $305,459.73

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Pledged: $1,531,273

This is nowhere near what is needed to fund this project. What happens next funding-wise?

First, I have assumed, as we began this campaign, that the Lord will need to provide one or more transformational gifts in order for Phase Two to be funded and built. Over the next three years, I will be praying for God to provide transformational gifts and will be open to opportunities to talk with people about the possibility of giving a transformational gift. In relation to transformation gifts, if you know how universities do a capital campaign, universities often begin their capital campaign with a “silent phase.” This “silent phase” is used to court a few donors who may give a transformational gift. The silent phase may last two years or more.

Once the university has raised 60% - 90% of what is needed, only then do they make the campaign public and reach out to a cross section of their constituency. Because we, as a church, are different in how we might go about this, we are beginning with the public phase because we want as many people as involved on the front-end and throughout the campaign. We also believe that a “small gift” given sacrificially and under the direction of the Lord can glorify God as much as a large gift. This being said, like a university trying to build a school building, I believe we will need some transformational gifts. If you ever want to have a confidential conversation with me about a transformational gift, I am available.

Second, we are in the process of selling our downtown campus. The selling of this campus will be a key part of our funding strategy. It is currently on the market for $2,850,000.

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Third, when we begin construction, our hope is that the construction might inspire additional giving. It is common that when people see a building going up, it can encourage new or increased giving. Our prayer is that this will be part of the story of this campaign as well.

Fourth, we will continue to seek the Lord for how He will provide for us over the next three years in such a way that He receives the glory. What has been most important about this process from the start has been us seeking the Lord and humbling ourselves before Him. Therefore, we need to continue to seek the Lord for what He can provide!

What are the next steps for the Relocation Committee in terms of planning for the Phase Two facility? We are wrapping up the schematic design phase. The second phase is what is called “Design Development.” During this phase, we will contract with the construction manager and the different engineering firms needed. There will also be a lot more planning around the details of the new building. Our associate pastor, Troy Sikes, is doing a great job of the leading the committee composed of Arlen Thielemann, Heather Kirby, Bill Betts, Carolyn Matejowsky, Nancy Fritz, and Kerri Hamilton. Please continue to pray for them as they serve during this next season.

When will we start construction? At a bare minimum, we will need 50% of funding in place before we start construction. Our hope and prayer is that we will have much more than 50% before we start, but this gives us a baseline. This will be a dynamic process, which will involve careful and prudent planning, vision, and prayer. It is important to me that this project – and any future project – does not put the church in an adverse financial position (i.e. where the project becomes the “tail that wags the dog” of the church). Throughout this process, we will work to keep you updated on the progress. I also want you to feel comfortable asking me any questions along the way.

Where can I learn more about Phase Two and the campaign? You can go to https://fbcbrenham.org/about-us/deep-wide-capital-campaign/, pick up information on the special “Deep & Wide Capital Campaign” table in the Commons, or ask the church to mail you or someone you know information about the new facility and campaign. Thank you!