The heartbeat of Grand Avenue Baptist Church has always been about loving Jesus and loving people. Our vision at Grand is simple: to Belong – we are a church where everyone fits, to Believe – we are a church that wants to intentionally walk people to a belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, to Become – we are a church that wants to see every believer become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
While we recognize that buildings and facilities only serve as a tool to help people Belong, Believe and Become, we have become convinced that the time is now for Grand to exercise stewardship of the wonderful facilities that God has given us and to launch a comprehensive campus-wide transformation campaign.
It has been 27 years since we stepped out on a faith journey like Beyond Measure. In 27 years we have seen a whole generation grow up benefitting from the financial sacrifices of those who came before them. Now it is time for all of us to step out on faith once again, some for the first time. Together we can grow and reap the fruit of God’s best blessings. The time is now to be part of the vision that God has set before us!
Grand Avenue Baptist Church is in the exact location that God wants us to be. Our campus is in the epicenter of the River Valley, perfectly positioning us for regional impact. However, our buildings are aging. It is time to update, add-on and transform them. There are technologies that exist today that were not even thought of when our campus was originally constructed. Some components of our campus have simply served their purpose, exhausted their life-span and need to be replaced. Additionally, there are opportunities to utilize current and future acquired space in new and exciting ways to fulfill the purpose for which we were planted here on Grand Avenue.
Our 1,200 seat Worship Center was completed in 1982. Transformation to that area would include sound, lighting, staging, video systems, electrical and general aesthetics.
Our Adult Education facility was finished in 1985 and since that time it has become extremely desirable to have all our buildings linked together so that the entire campus is accessible in one continuous, indoor path. Renovations to the Education areas would include construction of the indoor pathway, adding an elevator and an entrance atrium to the southeast side of the campus, new flooring in the Adult Education area and the gym, new video technology throughout and new Children’s Ministry themed artwork to enhance their worship time.
In planning for future growth, funds will be utilized for parking enhancements and land acquistions to increase the size of our campus. Transportation would also be enhanced with additional transport vehicles.
An estimated $3.6 million accomplished through a three year campaign of immediate gifts and planned pledge gifts would give us the ability to transform our facilities debt-free and enhance our ministries with new land acquisitions for future growth.
While we are about people not buildings, we acknowledge that dynamic people-centric ministry requires functional and cost-effective facilities. Here is the goal that was met: $2.8 million.
Imagine with me for a moment what our current facilities would look like if they were being built new today. I’m not talking about new just for the sake of new, but I am talking about new for the sake of maximum efficiency and impact for the Gospel of Christ. There are technologies that exist today that were not even thought of when our campus was originally constructed. We have components of our campus that have simply served their purpose and life-span and need to be transformed. And as our campus has expanded the need for tying all ourbuildings together has become a reality.
I am excited to tell you that the leadership of our church, including the pastoral staff and the Board of Overseers, has developed a plan. And we believe that it is God’s plan for God’s people in God’s timing. It is His plan, for us, for NOW.
So, what part do we all have to play? Two words: PRAY and OBEY.
Do not sit on the side line; the time is now for your involvement. The time is now to step out in faith. The time is now to move with God. The time is now to be a part of the vision that God has set before us! Begin today by praying about your part in this campaign to carry our church to a promised land that is Beyond Measure.
Jeff Crawford, Ed.D. – Lead Pastor