Frequently Asked Questions

This is an exciting time at Resurrection Lutheran Church as we embark on the Building on Promises capital appeal for an expanded facility. Take time to read the Frequently Asked Questions and learn more about this important time in the life of our faith community.

We invite and encourage you to reach out if you have any additional questions or just want to talk to someone about the appeal.

Contacts:

How did we get here

  1. What is the Building on Promises appeal all about?

    This is a turning point in the rich history of Resurrection Lutheran Church. Our congregation voted on May 16, 2010, and came to the prayerful conclusion that this is the time to address our facility needs and ensure the future health and vitality of Resurrection.

    While we are raising money for a building, this is about much more than an expanded facility. The appeal is about who we are as a Resurrection people and how we passionately embrace our extraordinary vision and mission that all may know God's love.

    We are called to bring others to Jesus, to make sure our children grow up with the love of Christ and to reach out to each other, our community and world.

    We are inviting you to generously and joyfully share the blessings God has given you by making a three-year financial commitment above and beyond regular giving to ensure a bright future for Resurrection.

    Financial giving will be part of what drives our capacity to increase our worship, music and education space, serve our community and prepare for those who have not yet walked through Resurrection's doors.

    Resurrection has been truly blessed by God in so many ways. Our inspiring pastoral and program staff team keeps us focused on the cross and the good news of the Gospel. They are leading our congregation to new places, strengthening relationships with God and setting a tone where everyone is valued and no one is judged.

    We are imagining the beginning of a new era in Resurrection's history and inviting all into the incredible passion, excitement and energy surrounding our ministries.

  2. What does the theme Building on Promises mean?

    First and foremost, there are God's amazing promises to each of us -- the promise of love and grace, of forgiveness, of eternal life, of abundance, of hope. No matter what, God promises to be with us throughout all of life’s joys and sorrows.

    Then there are the promises we have made as a Resurrection people. They are rooted in God's promises. Resurrection has made a solemn commitment to welcome all people into the body of Christ, to nurture them in faithful discipleship, to equip each one for the work of ministry and to serve others in the name of Christ.

  3. Why do we need an expanded facility?
    Simply put, we are cramped and crowded. Our facility is creating barriers for our many ministries and crying out for expansion and improvement.

    Our options on Sunday mornings for worship, music and for adult and youth education are greatly limited by our building. Even during the week, our building does not lend itself to the small group spaces we need to quietly reflect, think and have personal conversations.

    Here are just a few of the challenges we currently face:

    Worship. In our chief worship service, we are uncomfortably full. On some Sundays if a family of four shows up right before service starts, they may not be able to sit together. To alleviate the space crunch, we started a Saturday evening service but it has not helped to ease our overcrowding on Sundays.

    On Sunday mornings, too many groups are competing for limited space. Our adult discipleship hour is conducted between services in the sanctuary. That means other congregation members are standing in the narthex waiting to get into the sanctuary as discipleship hour is going on. The choir has no place to practice on Sunday mornings other than the sanctuary. Often, meaningful and personal discussions in the adult discipleship hour have to be cut off because worship is starting or the choir needs to warm up.

    Beyond that, our program staff team has imagined new ways to make the worship experience even more meaningful through music, drama, film and new media. They cannot incorporate those elements into worship because of the limitations of the building. A new worship space would give them the ability to create new types of worship experiences.

    Youth education. We have awesome ministries that nurture our young people. But it is a constant struggle to find adequate space, especially on Sunday mornings. Youth leaders are always doing a juggling act to determine where groups should meet for their lessons and activities. Finding spaces for small break-out groups is difficult if not impossible. Either there is no space, or groups have to move from place to place which is disruptive to teaching and learning.

    Small group ministries. Resurrection nurtures and equips adults by connecting them to God and each other in smaller groups. People are encouraged to share their faith and personal journeys. Our building is not welcoming to those types of personal gatherings and discussions.

    Teens. Our high school ministry is simply amazing. Yet our teens have to meet in a trailer, detached from the main building.

    Upcoming costs. The existing building is due for some expensive maintenance. Within the next five years, the air conditioning units will need to be replaced. And you are well aware of our leaky roof.

    The bottom line is our children's ministries and adult education programs have nowhere to grow, our meeting space is limited, our nursery is crowded and our wonderful choirs can't adequately prepare on a Sunday morning.

    All of these barriers can limit participation. An expanded facility will provide another sign of welcoming hospitality to the community and our current members. A bigger building will provide more meeting and worship space, eliminating conflicts or the forcing of groups into uncomfortable meeting areas.

    We want to make sure our future as a congregation is strengthened, not stymied, by our facilities.

  4. What led to this appeal? How did we reach this crossroads?

    Congregation leaders have been discussing, studying and praying about building needs for several years.

    In October 2008, a congregation Building Design Team started meeting with RATIO Architects to discuss Resurrection's space needs. The Building Design Team has put in countless hours over two years examining, assessing and imagining how to move forward with a building project.

    In December 2009, the congregation voted to explore its readiness for a capital appeal by hiring Kairos & Associates. Pastor Jeff Kjellberg, Kairos consultant and principal owner, met with representatives of nearly 120 Resurrection households to assess if the congregation was willing to give money to support an expanded facility.

  5. What does our mission statement say about increasing our membership and about God's great commission to make sure others know the love of Christ?

    Growth is inherent in our mission statement and defines who we are as a Resurrection people. Our ability to do what our mission calls us to do -- to bring others to Jesus -- is limited because of our building. Studies show that growth is limited when the chief worship service is 75 percent to 80 percent full. We have been at that point for a number of years.

    As church membership has increased, our pastoral leaders have taken steps to make sure we maintain the close, family feeling that makes Resurrection special. They have called forth our best gifts and equipped us to serve and minister to our growing congregation. Keeping that family feeling will continue to be a priority.

    You know what Resurrection has meant to you and your family. You have made friends here. You have learned to know and love God here. You have watched your children grow strong in their faith here. Think of the joy if we come together and make sure others have the same experience to establish a relationship with God and become a part of the Resurrection family.

  6. What did Pastor Jeff Kjellberg learn from his conversations with the congregation?

    The message was loud and clear: Move forward and address our facility needs. He reports that there is overwhelming support for immediate action. Doing nothing is not an option. The only choice is to act, he reported.

    Pastor Kjellberg noted that a vast majority said now is the time to build on our legacy because:

    • We have a great ministry team in place.
    • The need is great and obvious.
    • We have a great ministry and want many others to be blessed by it.
    • Growth is not optional. It is a Biblical mandate!
    • We are ready to support an expanded facility with our financial resources.

    One of the most mentioned comments relating to what should be done was, "If we do something let's make sure we do it right." The inference is that we should not make decisions that might compromise the future of the ministry because of a short-term cost issue.

    Pastor Kjellberg also wrote:

    The single most mentioned affirmation was people’s love and respect for the entire pastoral leadership and staff team. This asset has tremendous impact in allowing a congregation to move forward with its dreams. There is widespread trust and feeling of integrity for the work of Resurrection's lay leadership. There is a real pride in the congregation for Resurrection's effective outreach, both local and globally. People are truly proud to be members of this congregation and want to invite others to experience it. You can’t get a better evangelism program than that!

    There is a good deal of diversity at Resurrection relating to age, interests, perspectives and involvement. This is a great testament to healthy and effective leaders who play a critical role in establishing such a culture of inclusivity.

The building and finances

  1. What do we plan to build?

    The Building Design Team has been working very hard with RATIO Architects to develop a vision that fits the personality of Resurrection and falls within our financial means. The triangle shape of our property poses plenty of unique challenges.

    The Building Design Team is recommending that a new and larger facility be constructed in the same place as our existing building. By building in the same place as our existing facility, we will save a considerable amount of money. There will be less site preparation work, limited utility relocations and fewer changes to the parking lot.

  2. What materials will be used to construct the building? What amenities will be in the new building?

    We don't know yet. Those details will come after we know the results of the Building on Promises capital appeal and can establish a project budget. RATIO Architects has suspended its work until the appeal is over and we know how much we have raised. Once we know how much money we can borrow, more specific design plans will be developed. They will include floor plans, details about how space will be allocated and what materials will be used.

  3. What is RATIO doing now?

    They have completed the work they were charged with at our May 16 Congregation Meeting and have helped us to re-imagine a Master Plan for this project with a $4 million scope.  They will now wait until after the appeal is complete and a project budget is established before moving forward with building design.

  4. What happened to the original plan by RATIO Architects from last year?

    RATIO was instructed to maximize the potential of this piece of property and was not given any limits with respect to a budget.

  5. Will the congregation have input into the design phase and have any more votes?

    Yes. After the appeal ends, the congregation will vote on approving a loan and hiring RATIO Architects for the design phase. The Building Design Team will keep the congregation informed about the design process and will ask for feedback along the way.

  6. With the economy, is this the best time to conduct a capital appeal?

    Yes. We are at such a strong place, with dynamic ministries and trusted and respected leadership from both the staff and congregational leaders. Now is the time to move forward and make sure we are faithfully welcoming, nurturing, equipping and serving.

    RATIO Architects is telling us that this is one of the best times to embark on a building project. Bids come in lower because contractors are hungry for work.

    Pastor Kjellberg also said that the economy is not a major obstacle to successful capital campaigns, especially at strong, vibrant churches. In his conversations, he found that congregation members were eager and excited to act.

  7. How much money can we raise?

    The amount of money we can raise is limited only by the generosity of our Resurrection disciples and their commitment to sharing God’s blessings.

    Our hope is to raise $1.5 million toward a $4 million project. This will require a number of gifts in larger dollar amounts and everyone’s commitment to generosity in sharing God’s blessings.

  8. What if we fall short of our hopes? 

    As a congregation, we would need to come together and re-examine how to move forward. The plan is to work as hard as we can to reach our goals.

  9. Will we have to take out a loan?

    Yes. The ELCA Mission Investment Fund (MIF) loans money to congregations for building projects - everything from purchasing land, to building first units for mission congregations, to projects like ours. Our own Mission Endowment Fund is invested with the MIF. After we have the results of the capital appeal, we will go to the MIF to get a preliminary loan figure. This will set the scope for the building project we undertake.

  10. What is our current debt? 

    We are blessed to not have any debt. The last mortgage was paid off in 2002.

  11. How will the Building on Promises appeal affect our regular giving to the operating budget?

    It doesn't! Your pledge to Building on Promises is over and above your giving to support the annual operating budget. At many congregations, including past history at Resurrection, regular giving increases during a capital appeal. The spirit moves people, and they experience the joy of giving even more.

    We depend on annual giving from generous disciples to fulfill our vision and mission. We pray that you will continue to support the annual operating budget with uninterrupted and undiminished giving.

    All money given to the Building on Promises appeal will be applied directly to our capital fund.

About the appeal: An invitation to give

  1. Who is heading up the appeal?

    We are so fortunate to have Brian Hewitt and Daryl Huber leading the appeal team. This summer, Brian and Daryl have been working with a team of RLC disciples to plan the capital appeal. They have also been working closely with the Congregation Council, the church staff and consultant Pastor Jeff Kjellberg from Kairos & Associates. The appeal team has recruited other RLC disciples for additional teams to help build involvement and enthusiasm for this important moment in Resurrection history.

  2. What happens during the appeal?

    The appeal will take place over six weeks, starting with a kick-off dinner on Saturday, October 16, and worship services on Sunday, October 17. By attending worship, reading printed materials, going to the Web site and participating in events, you will learn what the appeal is all about.

    Pastors Dave and Mitch and our worship leaders will be focusing worship celebrations on the appeal theme, Building on Promises. They will be talking about God's promises of unconditional love, of abundance, of resurrection and of hope. In addition, they will be having conversations about the sheer joy of responding and giving to God.

    On November 13 and 14, you will be invited to respond by sharing and passing on the blessings God has entrusted to you. What an honor and privilege it is to serve God and experience the spiritual growth that comes with giving.  You will then receive a response card during the following week

    November 20 and 21 is our Response Worship weekend to which you will bring your Building on Promises pledge cards. That weekend our building will be given over to celebrating the joy we experience when responding to God’s blessings.  We are still in the early stages of planning the festivities for this weekend.

    On November 27 and 28 (Thanksgiving Weekend), we will announce preliminary results and give thanks to God.

  3. What should I give?

    Everyone has to make their own decision, but here are some guidelines for your consideration:

    • First, we ask you to pray about the life of this faith community and the presence of God that is felt when we are gathered together.
    • Reflect on the abundance of your blessings from our generous God and give out of joy and gratitude.
    • Ask God for direction and guidance. Pray and meditate and be open to the spirit.
    • Attend worship celebrations during the six weeks of the capital appeal.
    • Be informed by reading all the literature. Go the website, promises.rlcindy.org.
    • Ask questions.
    • Give until it feels great and it takes your breath away. It will be an investment that will touch and change your life.
  4. How do I make a pledge?

    November 20 and 21 is the Response Worship Weekend for the Building on Promises appeal. During the preceding week, you will receive a pledge card and information on how to respond.Bring the card to the Response Worship. During worship, we will celebrate the joy of responding to God.
    If you are not able to attend worship, please mail or drop off your pledge by November 21, 2010.

  5. May gifts other than cash be made?

     If you have questions about giving stocks, appreciated assets or insurance, please contact Brian Hewitt at (317) 881-3388, bhewitt@alerdingcastor.com,  or Jeff Kjellberg at (800) 851-3019, jeff@kairosandassociates.com.

  6. When does the giving period start?

    It starts on Nov. 22, 2010, and the commitment is for three years.

  7. Do I give weekly, monthly or yearly?

    Not all people will want to give in the same way. Some will give one large, up front gift while others will want to give a designated amount each week or month. Those options are outlined in the information with the pledge card. View a sample pledge card.

  8. Can I give a bigger amount before the end of 2010 and stagger the rest over the next three years?

    Yes. For example, you may want to give a larger amount before the end of the year and beginning January 1, 2011 give weekly or monthly.

  9. Where do I send my gift?

    You can give it along with your regular church offering. The offering envelopes for 2011 will include a way for you to indicate how much you are giving to the General Fund and how much to the Building on Promises capital appeal.

  10. Will I get a giving report of what I have given to Building on Promises? Will the church send me anything confirming my gift?

    Yes to both.

  11. How can I make Building on Promises a success?

    By praying for the mission and ministry we share at Resurrection and making a heartfelt and generous response.

  12. What if I want to know more?

    Make sure you attend worship. During the six weeks of the appeal, our worship leaders and Pastors Dave and Mitch will focus worship on the appeal theme, Building on Promises.

After the appeal

  1. What happens after the appeal is done?

    First, we will celebrate and give thanks to God for the overwhelming generosity – flowing both from God and us – that allows us to achieve our dreams.

    We will go to the ELCA Mission Investment Fund to get a preliminary loan figure. A congregation meeting will be called to approve the final project scope, including the loan amount, and enter into a contract for the design phase with RATIO Architects.

    An expanded Building Design Team will work with RATIO Architects during the schematic design and construction documents phases. After that, we will seek bids for the project and select a contractor. The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA must give final loan approval. Once that is completed, construction can begin.

  2. What happens in three years?

    Our hope is to incur as little long term debt as possible to make this vision happen. The most likely outcome in three years will be to do at least one more three year appeal to begin eliminating any long term debt. The decision to embark on another three year appeal will not be made without congregational approval.

Etc.

  1. Where will we worship during construction?

    That depends upon the final plan.  It will likely be possible for us to continue worshiping in our current sanctuary while a new one is built and then move into the new sanctuary while the project is completed.  It will be impossible for our ministry to not be impacted during construction, but we will seek to minimize the impact on our central activity of worship.

  2. How else can the ELCA Mission Investment Fund help us?

    The Mission Investment Fund provides free to us the services of a building consultant and two staff architects. Their sole focus is helping build ELCA churches and they will "look over our shoulder" throughout the project to help make sure we are asking the right questions and considering all that needs to be considered. They will also review the work of our architects and construction proposals with their trained eyes to help us ensure the success of our project.

  3. What is status of the agreement with the City of Indianapolis for parking?

    Thanks to the tireless efforts of Brian Hewitt, Resurrection and the city have a shared-use agreement. The Perry Township School District still owns the land and Metro Parks has a long-term lease, but we have a shared-parking agreement. Resurrection may make improvements to the Perry Park parking lot if we choose to do so. If the agreement were to be rescinded, there is a provision that Resurrection would be reimbursed for the cost of improvements, minus depreciation.