The “Breaking Ground …” Building Plan is a thirty-six month capital stewardship campaign and spiritual journey. As a stewardship campaign, our church members and friends are encouraged to prayerfully consider making a 36-month commitment to give sacrificially for the construction of our new church buildings. These commitments by the congregation are above and beyond their current regular tithes and offerings. In this spiritual journey, it is our hope and desire that all of our members and friends will grow further in their walk with our Lord Jesus. Below are some anticipated questions that you may have pertaining to the campaign along with our responses to each.

Q: Is this primarily a fund-raising program?
A: No, this is a Capital Stewardship Campaign, and although it certainly has a major financial impact to the church’s future building, it is a spiritual journey as well. This campaign challenges our members and friends to come face-to-face with their stewardship and sacrificial giving responsibilities. Therefore, a principal purpose of this campaign is to witness spiritual growth among members and friends of Wall Highway Baptist.

Q: How much are we trying to raise as a church?
A: Through the efforts of the 36 month Capital Stewardship Campaign and spiritual journey, we are planning to raise $2.5 Million which will be applied towards paying off the current debt and the future building plans as approved by the church. 

Q: What is the purpose of the commitment cards?
A: The purpose of the commitment cards is to document your commitment to the Breaking Ground Building Plan. This will entail a large financial endeavor and as a church we need to have an accurate estimate of cash flow for the immediate future. Therefore, completed commitment cards will enable our stewardship team and other leaders to make wise decisions.

Q: What is the time period of the commitments and when do they begin and end?
A: The time period of the commitment is a 36-month period beginning April 1, 2007 and ending in April 2010.

Q: Will my commitment amount be made public?
A: Absolutely not! As with all church receipts, commitments will be kept confidential.

Q: How can I know how much to commit?
A: The key ingredients of any worthy pledge or commitment are prayer, sacrifice and faith. These three guideposts will lead you to the right decision for your family. Remember: at the end of the day, it’s between you and Him!

Q: May I give a gift in memory of someone?
A: Yes. Simply note it on the commitment card.

Q: What happens if I cannot fulfill my commitment in the future?
A: Certainly, none of us can know what the future will hold. We ask that you pray and let God lead you to a sacrificial commitment. If your circumstances change, you can revise your commitment accordingly. This is not a binding contract but an opportunity for faith and giving.

Q: How will I designate my commitment each week for the Breaking Ground Building Plan?
A: There is a designation for your campaign giving on each offering envelope. You can indicate what part of your weekly offering is going towards your commitment and what part is for your regular offering (current tithe for ministries and operations). This will allow you to write one check if desired.

Q: How should I give my commitments over the next 36 months?
A: This is your decision. Many will probably give weekly or monthly and a few may give quarterly or less frequently. Some in memory of someone or just a one time gift.

Q: Can I give something other than cash?
A: Yes. There can be tax benefits to giving property, stocks, mutual funds, bonds or other appreciated assets. You may want to consult with your attorney or CPA for the appropriate tax treatment for these types of gifts.

Q: Can each member of the family make a separate commitment?
A: Yes! Even young children can learn the values of commitment, generosity, faith, and sacrifice by signing their own pledge card. Alternatively, they can offer a one-time gift.

Q: Is it OK to make a commitment to give an amount that I don’t have right now?
A: Yes! That is called FAITH! It pleases God (Heb 11:6). We should remind you that any commitments that you make should include serious prayer before hand.

Q: What will the commitments be used for?
A: It is our intent to use the pledges primarily to pay off the existing loan we have, and then for construction related expenses during the first three years in our new facilities. Our desire is to pay off our loans early or in a manageable manner.

Q: How much will the buildings cost?
A: During 2006 our Long Range Planning Committee partnered with Chapman and Sisson Architects to develop a master plan to address the future facility needs of our church. The master plan was developed and approved by the church and can be viewed in the Sanctuary foyer and on the Wall Highway Baptist Church web site. The master plan is a concept drawing only and does not contain sufficient detail to estimate final cost. However, based on the concept drawing without detailed requirements and a final design the Architect provided very preliminary cost figures for two buildings only. These preliminary cost figures do not include other factors such as Architect and contractor fees, design cost, site work, paved parking, furnishings, possible renovations to existing facilities, and sound equipment. The Building Committee is currently working to define the most urgent church facility need and its requirements in order to determined phases of potential construction and an estimated cost. It's not possible to know actual estimated cost of the facilities until a final design is completed and approved by the church.

Q: I'm not a member or I'm just a Sunday School member, can I contribute?
A: Most assuredly! On February 25th Sunday School members who are not church members will be afforded the opportunity to fill out a commitment card. On March 11th after the Morning Service, our faithful visitors who have yet to become a Sunday School or Church member, will be afforded the same opportunity. This is the future we are talking about - it affects us all and we can all have a part in it - member or not!

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