How long do meetings last?

Typically, one hour.

Who will I be meeting with?

A team of two individuals (staff and/or volunteers) who have been trained to lead a campaign meeting.

What actually happens in a meeting?

First, we start by discussing your “Hope Church story” – why and how you came here and why you stay. We also ask if there are any burdens you are carrying that we can share with our prayer team.

Second, we explain more details of what we’re trying to accomplish through the campaign and why. We also answer any questions you might have about the campaign or the church in general.

Lastly, we discuss next steps and how you might determine what, if any, financial commitment you will make to the campaign. We’ll also set a time to follow up to learn whether or not you are making a commitment and to receive a pledge card (if that’s your choice).

What will NOT happen at any point is asking for a pledge or a contribution on the spot. We want to give people space and time to hear from God. This is His work, not ours, so we don’t need to guilt or manipulate anyone.

What happens after the meeting?

We’ll follow up with you at the time you specify. There won’t be a need to meet again, only to receive the pledge card (if that is your choice). If you do make a pledge, we’ll give the card to our finance team, and they’ll send a verification email along with instructions on how to make your contributions.

Who will know my pledge amount?

Other than you and the Lord, only our campaign consultant and our finance manager. Our pastors and other staff are updated on the total amount pledged on a weekly basis, not as individual pledges are received.

Where does the meeting take place?

Anywhere conducive to an hour-long conversation. Some people prefer to meet in their home, but most prefer the church office. The advantage of meeting at the office is that free childcare is provided most weekday evenings (and Sunday mornings before and after services).

What should I do if my spouse does not attend Hope Church with me?

First and foremost, do nothing demanding or secretive that would cause conflict in your marriage. Do not arrange a meeting unless your spouse is willing to join you or is comfortable with you meeting on your own. If you have to sit this one out to maintain harmony in your relationship, that is the right call to make.

I’m not sure I like this strategy. Can I just give to the campaign and skip the whole meeting thing? 

Of course. You’re a grown-up and no one can force you to do anything you don’t want to do. 😊 However, our pastors strongly believe this is the process God wants us to follow as a church because it’s as much about building community as it is raising money. Before you “opt out,” please pray about it.  

I’m not able to give more than I’m giving right now. Won’t meeting just be a waste of everyone’s time? 

No, absolutely not, for two reasons: 

First, regardless of what you pledge or give, you are a part of this church family, and we want you to experience the fellowship that everyone else will experience! Plus, we want you to know what our plans are because you’re part of the family. 

Second, just because you can’t commit to give right now doesn’t mean it won’t be possible in the future. Building Hope is a three-year campaign, and if things change for you and God provides in a way that allows you to give, you’ll know the what, why, and how and you’ll be able to join in! 

Can I just shift my regular donations to the campaign? 

You can, but we hope you won’t because the campaign is designed to help us accomplish things we can’t afford in our operating budget, and we still need to pay our bills and our staff throughout this process. That’s why we have asked people to consider giving “over and above” what they’re currently giving. 

How could you announce the campaign in January yet already have $4.3M pledged? 

We started an "advance phase" in the fall of 2024, where our campaign consultant identified over 90 individuals and couples for us to meet with. This group pledged $4.3M. 

The campaign brochure shows that it will take about $21M to pay off debt and do all the facility modifications and expansions we need. Why, then, is our campaign goal $10M? 

Typically, the total goal is set to be twice the amount pledged in the advance phase, which would be $8.6M for us. However, considering the mission and culture of Hope Church, our consultant believes that $10M is a more fitting goal. 

If we can’t do everything on the list, how will we decide which projects to do? 

We've hired Strata, a local architecture and design firm, to help us prioritize. We'll consider the funds available after setting aside $2.2M to retire debt (likely $7.8M) and which projects offer the highest leverage. 

Will we pay off debt before beginning construction? 

No. While eliminating debt is our top financial priority, there is also a pressing need to expand our capacity to do ministry. Therefore, we'll pay off debt as quickly as possible while simultaneously moving forward with construction projects. Our commitment is to be debt-free by the end of 2027. 

When will construction begin? 

As soon as possible! 

Who will be doing the work? 

That's still to be determined in consultation with Strata. 

Can volunteers do some of the work? 

Yes, volunteers can help within the scope defined by the construction firm we hire. 

Where will my pledge funds go?

100% of all funds pledged and donated will be directed entirely to the "Building Hope" campaign. There are no fees, overhead, or administrative cost deducted.