Build on the Rock, One Year Later…
I admit a year ago, I was discouraged. Our church had just finished the preparation and commitment stage of Build on the Rock (BOTR) and the results were not what we wanted. We had four goals: Raise up leaders; Offer Offerings; Create Community; and Kneel before God. It was the offering part that was the disappointment. We had set a goal of $4 million dollars and received estimates of giving only $1.9 million – a little short of half-way. In the midst of my discouragement, I knew two things: we couldn’t quit and God still had a plan for this church.
As the leadership of our church tried to dissect what had happened, a consensus emerged that we as a church were not ready to take this step. We wanted to be ready – but wanting to be ready and being ready are two different things. So we decided to move ahead with what we could do and to see what God would do.
One year later, this is what has happened. God has indeed begun to raise up leaders. People are stepping forward to volunteer and take more responsibility for our church. More people have gotten involved in leadership in Bible Community Groups than ever before.
The offering part of BOTR has stayed on track – which is a true testimony to the people of ADBC. To date we have received almost $750,000 – 39% of what was originally pledged. These funds received are enabling us to renovate and add classrooms to the student building (The Studio), construct additional parking, and build a covered drop off (work on these projects should begin in the next couple of weeks). If we continue on pace, we will be able to have in hand over $1.5 million for our new building.
God has knitted our hearts together – so that we are creating community. One “expert” I spoke to told me that the results of BOTR indicated deep division in our church. Not so. I’ve never seen our church more united and committed to being a place of grace.
The biggest win one year into BOTR has to be our increased prayer life as a church. PrayerForce has become a force! Since we began this time of prayer on Mondays at noon, our baptisms have dramatically increased, as have our offerings and volunteers. We know that without God, we cannot achieve our purpose.
The Big Lesson of BOTR? Never let the first set back keep you from the work of God. God is in control, so keep walking by faith. This Sunday, that’s what we are going to celebrate – this church built on the rock of Jesus – so nothing keeps us down!
