Beyond Belief Campaign
Over 60 years ago, 18 people sat in a living room in Ralston and founded Wildewood Christian Church. Their vision and dedication to bringing the message of Jesus to the surrounding community has grown into a church of over 330 families.
The purpose is still the same, reaching those who are far from God with the Gospel story, then discipling them to deepen their faith walk that, in turn, they may pass the message along to others in their neighborhoods and the surrounding community.
While the message never changes, the challenges of contemporary culture dictate the urgency and means of how we share the message of Jesus with our community. Our goal is to be a multi-generational church that supports families in their faith walk.
In the past, Wildewood has taken bold steps to construct space that supports the mission of the church. In 1990, the existing building was dedicated. In subsequent years, two additions were added to accommodate the needs of the growing congregation.
Once again, we are at a point of change. The question is “How can we more effectively serve our congregation and community?”
The “Why” of Beyond Belief
Wildewood Church is growing! Over the past three years, we have developed a plan to help welcome more people into our church family. How do we accommodate this growth? How best can we use what God has given us to meet the needs of our congregation?
During this time we conducted a facility audit, which is a document that outlines how our facility is used and where deficits exist between our mission and our available space. The outcome of this audit revealed a deficit of classroom space and underutilization of the gym space. It challenged us to re-think how we handle the children’s check-in process and dedicated space for children and students. It also revealed a safety issue; the lack of any smoke or fire alarm system in the building. We believe that now is the time to correct these growth and safety issues for our church.
After three years of study, prayer and discussion, we believe that the Beyond Belief Campaign is the solution to take us to where we can better meet the needs of our congregation, enhance safety issues in the church, and continue to better reach the surrounding community.
Your Beyond Belief Financial Commitment
To fund the building renovation, we are launching a 3-year campaign called Beyond Belief. Our goal for the campaign is $1.4 million. When the congregation voted to proceed with the project, we had 90% approval. This overwhelming agreement in direction is amazing and a testament of unity in purpose. We trust God is leading us in this direction.
We believe that everyone has something to contribute to the goal and it will certainly take everyone to meet this goal. Yes, it is beyond belief! However, God promises us in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
We are asking everyone to prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give. This amount must be above and beyond what you already give and will require all of us at Wildewood to make a sacrificial commitment. Not everyone can give the same amount, but all of us can make the same sacrifice to complete the campaign. What is God asking of you? You can know by praying and asking God to direct your decision.
Below is a chart of how your 3-year investment can impact the future of our mission to make disciples and reach our community.
F.A.Q.
What is the Beyond Belief campaign?
Through meeting together for discussions and prayer, we believe God is calling us to utilize to the fullest what He has given us to continue our mission of making disciples through evangelism and nurture. We believe this goal is best achieved by renovating existing space in the building to better meet our needs rather than constructing a new addition or relocating to a different facility.
What are the plans for the renovation?
1. Create 3 classrooms in part of the existing gym space.
2. Create a new kitchen in part of the existing gym space.
3. Renovating the existing kitchen into a family restroom and storage.
4. Expanding the women’s rest room to 5 stalls.
5. Convert the education wing (south end of the building) into dedicated space for Children/Youth activities.
6. Enhanced security check-in for children.
7. Church-wide smoke/Fire Alarm System.
How long will the Beyond Belief campaign last and what is the project cost?
The campaign will be 3 years (36 months) in length. Financial commitments may be made to last for 36 months or some people may prefer to give an amount up-front. The total cost of the campaign will not exceed $1.49 million.
What are ways people may contribute toward the “Beyond Belief” campaign?
On Sunday, May 5, we will offer the opportunity to make commitments to the campaign. These commitments can include and initial ‘lead gift’ that is an upfront contribution to help jump-start the campaign. You may contribute through the normal means of giving, online, through the church app, or by check or cash. Please designate “Building Fund” in the check memo or online giving category.
What are “Gifts In Kind?”
We have also set up procedures for receiving non-cash and investment donations. Referred to as “Gifts in Kind”, these are items of value which may include property or assets. For example, stocks, bonds or other investments that can be quickly liquidated but often provide tax benefits for the donor.
For more details or questions on these type of donations, please contact Robin Ziegenfuss at robinz@wccomaha.com.
What is the timeline for construction?
Construction would begin as soon as donations and/or financing for the project have been secured. The length of construction is estimated to be 4-5 months. Some parts of the building will be unavailable during the construction process. Ideally, we would begin construction as soon as August 2024. However, contractor availability and appropriate financing will determine the actual start date.
How to Get Started With Your Gift
It’s easy to start and we are trying to make it was convenient as possible. First, you can go to button below to fill out a digital commitment card. Why are we asking you to do this? We need to have some way of counting the cost of the project before we commit to construction. Raising $1.4 million is a big ask! Physical commitment cards will be available in church starting on April 14th. There is a collection box in the lobby where these cards may be placed on May 5 and May 12.
There are two places on the card for your commitment. First is a place for a 36-month commitment. This would be an amount you set aside every month in addition to your normal giving. Second is an up-front or lead gift. This is a gift you would schedule for our Firstfruit’s Sunday, which is May 19. Having these Firstfruit’s gifts, helps us get a head start on the initial construction costs. If you prefer to give the entire amount up front rather than over 36 months, please use the “One-time Lead Gift” box on the card.
Finally, to help us keep track of Beyond Belief Gifts, we would ask you to notate on the check the amount that goes to the Building Fund. Likewise, use the Building Fund category on the APP for Beyond Belief gifts, and General Fund for your normal giving.
Our purpose is to give God the glory for all that happens in the campaign and our continued mission to make disciples through nurture and discipleship.
Beyond Belief Prayer Guide
We have created a prayer guide for the days leading up to our commitment Sundays. This guide is a 21-day series of devotions. Please feel free to join with us on any of the days. Your prayer are truly coveted. The guide may be downloaded HERE.