Growth Ministry Team
The Growth Ministry Team's mission is to guide Prince of Peace through the process of providing space for the ever-growing needs of the Prince of Peace community.
Just more than one year ago, the congregation commissioned the Growth Ministry Team to study the expansion of Prince of Peace facilities. There can be no doubt that, since the last time we’ve addressed the congregation, we have seen the hand of God at work. Initially, we set our goal to raise $750,000 and had hopes for raising a million dollars. We are proud to announce that, with only
160 giving units, we have received pledges in excess of $630,000! We are truly blessed! The breakdown of the disbursement includes: $30,000 will be donated to LutherRidge and LutherRanch; $100,000 will be used for interest carry, uncollected pledges and architectural fees; and $500,000 will be spent on our new building. Please keep in mind that the homes surrounding our property cost more than $500,000.
The GMT has worked a tremendous amount of hours interviewing, making phone calls, attending meetings in collaboration with the ELCA, Lutheran Services, Thrivent Financial, various lenders, Lutheran Mission Builders, professional architects and general contractors that work exclusively with churches. We have narrowed the search to four architectural firms which will lead us through the entire building process, from creation of preliminary drawings, to oversight of contractors and subcontractors – and every phase in between. In order to meet our needs with the gifts that we have received, we are currently researching alternative building materials.
On Monday August 11th, the GMT recommended that Charlie Saunders, AIA, be selected as the architect for our new building, and the Council approved. Charlie also is a general contractor. By using his combined services, we could save 10% to 15%. In the future, a vote from the congregation will be required to move ahead. We will have working plans, renderings, specifications and a full budget at that time. The GMT would like to leave you with a few items to consider:
_ We have $500,000 to spend—not $1,000,000. This means we all need to lower our expectations on the size and quality of the new building. (Surrounding homes cost more!)
_ We will have to use alternative building materials and achieve economies to scale by consolidating the architectural firm and general contractor.
The GMT has worked very hard and invested hundreds of hours to protect your gifts. We are asking you to PRAY about the upcoming decisions to be made. Additionally, please PRAY for our church leadership, church council, GMT and Pastor Tom as we continue to do God’s work.
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. —Psalm 127:1
Please feel free to contact any member of the Growth Ministry Team with questions. Team Members:
*Council liaison
