NOT WITHOUT YOU
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “NOT WITHOUT YOU”?
You could call it a capital campaign, but you would be missing the real heart behind it. It's more like a three-year spiritual journey - a movement, even - that will enable the PF family to come to a greater knowledge of God's power, presence and provision in our lives. We believe God is not done working through PF Church to reach others for Christ in the Sheboygan area, and around the world. Life change happens here. We are certain God could do more through us than we could ever imagine. But we know we can't do it without prayerfully following God's leading. And we certainly can't do it without you. We need 100% church participation in investing in people who are far from God.
What is our Goal for NOT WITHOUT YOU?
It's all about reaching people for Christ, something that Praise Fellowship has unabashedly done for years. How we plan to reach them is through strategies that we believe have proven to be effective for PF. In the next three years, we hope to: 1) restructure the facility to create a building that is more efficient to meet the needs of many people and to have a better flow with the many people that are coming in the future; 2) To invest in a missional cause of reaching the addicts & alcoholics of Sheboygan area ; 3) Improve our church facilities to minister more effectively to our children.
WHY NOW? ISN’T THIS BAD TIMING?
Throughout all of history, God has chosen to work powerfully in challenging times. The timing for bold dreams is rarely ideal, and this will take faith. But, we do know this: we are already approaching or exceeding capacity at a couple of our services during optimal times. At current growth rates, if we don't do something now, by 2014 - we will find ourselves 396 seats short per weekend. While many organizations are facing cutbacks, PF remains in a growth mode and sees great opportunity to move forward. We also know God will use our commitment to making a continued impact by reaching the addicts & alcoholics of the Sheboygan area. Even as we say this, we realize that the economy has created real hardship for some people. We only ask that everyone commit to going through the process of this spiritual journey, and then simply respond as God directs. We'll trust God for the results, and move forward in the timetable that makes the most sense.
ISN’T THIS CHURCH BIG ENOUGH?
PF is about reaching people who are far from God, and growing them up in their faith. It's never been about size. If a lot of people experience life transformation through our church, our church is going to grow. People keep telling others about how God is changing them through relevant biblical teaching that can be applied to real life. They invite their friends, family and coworkers to experience it for themselves. Growth is a by-product. When we are over-capacity at the prime church-going time, we can't accomplish our mission to reach people for Christ anymore. Given our mission, we'll never "arrive"—not until everyone is reached.
How will this campaign improve the ministries at PF church?
It’s no secret that we need improved facilities to adequately minister to the needs of the people around us. Our hallways are packed and therefore we need better circulation to move through the building – our children’s area needs more security and greater efficiency – lastly we need more classrooms on campus to meet the growing need of ministry and discipleship. The current facilities has been recreated a few times to meet past needs but now we are at a place that we need to restructure to gain the best use of our building for the present needs of growth.
SO WE REALLY NEED ALL THIS NICE STUFF? WHAT ABOUT USING THE MONEY TO SERVE THE POOR?
At PF, we always carefully assess: "What's a tool, and what's a toy?" We don't just add a flat screen TV or more lights or a coffee machine into the environment without thinking through the reason for it and if it is stewarding our resources well. In order to maintain relevance in today's culture in the place where we live, we continually strive to make sure that the experience had by all is excellent. The environment speaks the language that will draw new people to ultimately engage with the message of Christ. We use flat screen TVs, for instance, because they are the current technology for getting the word out within our facilities, and we buy them at greatly-reduced costs.
The poorest among us are those who will spend an eternity far from God. But we also are committed to serving the physically poor as well. We will also be committed to a missional challenge of reaching out to the addicts & alcoholics of our community. Drugs & alcohol play a huge part in the many societal problems we face in our community. Lastly, We will continue to invest heavily each year in helping people with real needs in our community. We can be in a position to do that with huge impact because of large numbers of people who find their way to our church and collectively serve and give generously through PF’s local initiatives of Love Your City.
Why are we having a “NOT WITHOUT YOU” Campaign?
The Lord has been clearly speaking to the leadership on the issue of stewardship – not only stewardship of finances but also of our time and talents. We need to be obedient to this biblical command regarding the godly management of our personal and financial resources. The start of this campaign paves the way for the future. Not only will we be able to raise funds necessary to restructure our facility, but we will also instill a lasting culture of “good stewardship” throughout our congregation. Consistent and widespread “good stewardship” will enable us to freely flow with God’s short term and long term plans for our church. This campaign is the next step toward fulfilling God’s vision for PF church.
SO,WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?
First of all, don't think about dollars right now. We just want you to accept the challenge to engage in the journey this fall. Start by praying for people in your life yet to be reached. Pray for what God would want to do in and through you. Let him speak to your heart and simply respond to his leading. Secondly, take the time to go through the 5-week "Journey Guide" we will provide to help you interact with small group discussions, a daily devotional and prayer, and a commitment guide. Starting the weekend of October 1 & 2, we're asking each individual or household to evaluate their priorities and spending, consider their current and future resources, and determine how much could be given above their normal general giving that would reflect true sacrifice. Commitment weekend is October 22nd & 23rd. Everyone can do something, and become part of something truly amazing. God wants to multiply the efforts of his people beyond their greatest dreams. But, NOT WITHOUT YOU!
Have other questions that aren't addressed here? Contact us.
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