FAQs

Read our FAQs on:

• Costs and Funding Plan
• Design
• Vision

Costs and Funding Plan Questions

Considering how Jesus has blessed the people of Hope Church with Jobs and Occupations, with beautiful homes, and great cars; and how much the people of Hope want to minister to those around us – is there any reason not to fully fund the InsideOut Vision?

• This is a spiritual issue of priorities and sacrifice.  We see the Spirit working mightily in the hearts of God’s people at Hope.  Leading God’s people to trust Him and be used by Him is a great privilege.  We are praying for 100% participation and to be unified as a body.  We are praying that our Faith will become Action.

What is the estimated cost of the project?

• $8.55M  Feedback showed a strong desire to include the Mezzanine in the Commons as part of the project (and not have it be optional).  We also heard the desire to include the Outdoor Area for Youth and Special Needs into the project.  And we made some improvements to the Gathering design based on recommendations from an Acoustical Firm that we engaged. 
• The cost includes $520,000 contingency for Hope. 

If this amount is not raised through pledges, or if pledges are not fulfilled, would the difference be made up through borrowing?

• Depends on the size of the gap – which is an indication of the hearts and direction of our people.
• Just like when you bought your house, you could have continued to save for years until you have the total cost of the house. Or you could consider a mortgage of a size that you can handle to get into the house.  Clearly most people feel the second option is often a good choice.  We would keep those options on the table until we see what God’s people provide.

Is there a certain amount we would need to raise before we could break ground?

• Yes, we will need to have One-Third of the project cost in hand before we break ground.  About $2.85M will be needed by February 2022 when, Lord Willing, we would like to break ground.

Are any parts of the project optional at this time?  That is, can a part of the project be deferred until later, and still complete the main areas, or does it all need to be done at one time?

• We have spent months/years looking at this.  We believe the best choice is the single project that we are presenting.

Will the church's funding of our present Missions Account diminish in favor of the building fund?

• InsideOut Fund is separate from the General fund which provides 10% to Missions.   As Hope people learn to give and support more, the general fund should increase which will increase our Missions funds.
• In our experience we have seen facility improvements increase attendance by 20%, normally 25%, and as much as 50%.  We are not “banking” on funding from growing attendance, but we should not be surprised that it would finally allow us to expand our budgets and ability to minister to others.  Our prayer is that our people would be reaching out to visitors, welcoming, and engaging them.  That neighbors would be invited to visit, that friends at work would be encouraged to come.  Our prayer is that our body will use this as a wonderful opportunity to reach out to those around us and engage them in faith and discipleship.

Have we considered the costs to operate the new space?

• A study was done with our maintenance people that considered the fixed and variable maintenance and run-rate costs of the new gathering space.   The projection is $42,000 or 1.8% of our budget.  This does not consider other costs that will decrease.  The renovation of so much of the building will replace many aging and high maintenance items with new – that will reduce some areas of ongoing expense.  For instance, the HVAC in the current gathering is worn out.  Costs to maintain it will cease because the project will install all new equipment.  We have had technicians examine electrical, plumbing, HVAC, as well as survey and drill our site. So, we have a good handle on costs and have done a lot of work to eliminate “surprises” and reduce costly risks. 

Why is Pledging Important? Why not just give throughout the project?

• Your Pledge is a critical part of the InsideOut project. Based on the amount that is Pledged the Elders will make decisions about the scope of the project – can we afford every part of the project, or will some features have to be cut. Your pledges are also required for us to obtain the Construction Loan to do the project. Because money will come in over a three year period, but the construction bills will be due sooner, we'll need a Construction (aka Bridge) Loan. Without the pledges we will not be able to secure the financing for the project. The Elders are proposing what we believe is the best solution – raise sufficient pledges to fund the project and collect those funds over three years.

Vision Questions

For years it seems like the church has not really invested in adult communities like it did years ago. Will Inside Out somehow impact that?  It’s sad to see adult community engagement decreasing.

• Yes, it is a critical part of InsideOut to improve our adult communities.  Today it’s challenging to get adults to find a classroom in the education wing basement and risk joining a community.  InsideOut will put 5 beautiful adult classrooms in the Commons area.  Imagine the Pastor saying - “check out our adult communities as you leave the sanctuary today - right outside the Gathering!”  Adult community rooms will be in the center of our facility - in attractive and easily accessed space.  This reflects our mission to draw people into community where deeper relationships and connections are forged.  This reflects the priority we give to community. 
• Creating space which highlights and inspires deeper engagement is a central design goal. By anchoring these rooms next to the Gathering, the importance of community life will be apparent and encourage involvement.
• Seeing the community rooms in use/in action by visitor will inspire and attract people to join & get involved. 
• The building is a limiting factor in our communities’ ease of meeting, but more importantly, the lack of youth facilities makes it hard to draw younger families whose adults would then participate in communities.