New questions will be added to the top of this list. If you don't see your question listed, submit it here. »
So, we had our Celebration Events on May 3 and 4, 2008. How much was pledged toward the Love.Loud. initiative?
Check out Our Progress to see how we're doing.
I missed worship the weekend of April 25, 2008, so I didn't hear the amount pledged by MSC leadership. How'd they do?
We've received 70 commitment cards from staff and volunteer leaders, totaling $900,118.60. They've given us a great start toward our $3.3 million "Louder" goal!
I haven't received a commitment/pledge card yet. Did I miss a mailing?
Nope. We'll be distributing, completing, and collecting them during the Celebration Events on May 3 and 4, 2008. If it would be helpful, you can have a look at one here.
What does Morning Star's current financial picture look like? (Updated summer 2008)
Fiscally, the first quarter was a little bit of a challenge for Morning Star. Tithes and offerings were budgeted at $400,000 per quarter in 2008. Actual collections totaled $326,778.46. The shortfall, $73,221.54, was mitigated by expenses that were postponed or won’t occur until second quarter. And, just like your budget at home, we really can’t spend more than we collect. As attendance continues to grow (first quarter average, excluding Easter weekend, was 1445), we are hopeful that the generous hearts at MSC will exceed the second quarter budget to make up the shortfall from first quarter and enable us to complete the ministry plans we’ve budgeted.
Now let’s talk about the really big ticket item—our mortgage payment. While we knew that first quarter would be difficult since the Imagine Campaign was complete, many stepped up to the plate and continued to support our mortgage management. With a monthly note payment of $38,315.47, our capital contributions needed to total $114,946.41 to break even. Actual contributions to our capital fund for the first quarter totaled $55,798.31. So, just how did we pay our monthly mortgage? We had set aside a reserve to help get us through these first five months of 2008 until our Love.Loud. initiative was launched. We really did not know what the contributions would be without commitments in place, but God did: Your contributions to the Capital Fund, together with the reserve available at year-end, allowed us to meet our monthly mortgage obligation.
Is Love.Loud. the only capital initiative we'll have over the next three years? Or will we start new ones every year?
Although we'll still ask our church family to offer pledges every year for regular giving (operating expenses), we anticipate that Love.Loud. will be the only "over-and-above" capital initiative for the next three years.
I'm confused about the schedule for our Celebration Events on May 3 and 4, 2008. What's happening again?
We're having two worship services that weekend, and you get to take your pick: Saturday at 4:30 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am. (Right: There's no 9:15 am service and no 11:00 am service. Just 10:00 am.) Both services include music, message, and the Jesus Painter. Saturday night's service includes baptisms and Sunday morning's service includes confirmation. Following the worship services, we're having a huge ol' BBQ. Safari Steve will be there during the party part so our kids have something way fun cool to do, too!
Would it benefit the church to receive a lump sum of money as a gift versus stretching out the commitment over three years?
Yes, particularly in terms of reducing interest incurred. You’ll see that the commitment card includes options to give weekly, monthly, and annually . . . but it also includes “one-time” and “other” so people can offer their contribution in a way that is most meaningful for their particular situation.
Does my Love.Loud. pledge replace my Imagine campaign pledge?
The Imagine Campaign ended on November 30, 2007. At that time, we asked people to consider extending their Imagine giving for six months to help MSC “bridge the gap” between the end of that campaign and the start of our new initiative. (That’s why our Covenant Card for 2008 included an opportunity to indicate giving toward Imagine.) When the giving phase of Love.Loud. begins on May 17, 2008, Imagine will officially expire. So, short answer: Yes, Love.Loud. replaces Imagine.
What is the purpose of the Love.Loud. capital initiative?
Love.Loud. will allow us to meet our current mortgage obligation and, given a significant enough pledge total, build additional space for children and youth without incurring additional debt. We’ll then be able to repurpose our modular units for prayer and outreach ministries. Remember, though: It’s not really about money and buildings. It’s about reaching out to our community and introducing more people to Christ. It’s about developing a contagious culture of love and compassion and mercy. Can you imagine what that would look like?
If we build, how big will the new children and youth area be?
Honestly? It depends on the financial commitment our church family makes. We are serious about not incurring additional debt, and we anticipate construction costs will be approximately $175 per square foot. And, again, we’ll reserve a significant portion of funds pledged for current mortgage service.
Given the state of our economy, is it reasonable to do a building project right now?
Maybe not, but we’re not terribly concerned with “reasonable.” Please don’t misunderstand: We want to be good stewards and we’re approaching this project with a significant amount of prayer and study. We just know that God does things every day that the world would call “unreasonable” . . . so as long as we’re directed by Him, we’re not worried. Careful, to be sure—but not worried.
What’s the projected construction timeline?
If we’re able to build, we anticipate that our children and youth will be in their new space by spring of 2009.
I already give to the general budget. Can I just split my offering?
It’s important that our church family continues to give faithfully to our operating and ministry budget—in fact, that’s the priority. Commitments to Love.Loud. are “above and beyond” regular giving, so if you feel like you have to choose, then please continue (or increase) your regular giving. Our goal is not to pressure you or guilt you into contributing to Love.Loud. We can only encourage you to seek God’s direction for how He wants you to participate.
When will I be asked to make my commitment?
On the weekend of May 3, 2008, during our Love.Loud. event, everyone will have an opportunity to offer a commitment card. Morning Star Church leadership will be asked to make commitments prior to this service.
How long is the pledge period, and when does it begin?
The pledge period is 156 weeks (three years) and begins May 18, 2008.
If my circumstances change, can I change my commitment?
Of course. At any time, you may increase or decrease your commitment as God inspires or as circumstances require.
What's with the periods in the logo?
After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter responds, a little indignantly, “Of course I love you!” And then three times, Jesus instructs Peter to take care of His people. In the original Greek text, Jesus uses the word agape for love. Agape is a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing kind of love that suggests purpose as well as affection. But, Peter replies with the word phileo, which implies a friendship, not a deep commitment. Big difference there. To simply “love” isn’t the answer Christ is looking for; He’s looking for something much deeper than that. He’s asking us—commanding us—to show the kind of love that’s sacrificial and risk-taking and out-there and . . . loud.
It’s the kind of love that’s more like a revolution than an emotion.