How much more capacity will we have with the renovation?
With the addition of the auditorium and the expansion of the Next Gen and parking lot, we will have the capacity to grow to 10,000 in weekly attendance. This increased capacity will allow us to tell more stories like Kellie’s, John’s and Talia’s for years to come.
How much debt does the church currently have, and how much more is it willing to take on?
We currently have $8,000,000 in outstanding debt. To begin and complete the construction before the end of the Greater Things campaign, we will likely take on additional debt.
Many factors will impact the final debt balance, such as an individual’s ability to fulfill their commitments and final construction costs. Our elders have committed to being debt-free in 10 years, and we are in a very strong financial position to do this.
What will be done with the money I give?
Your contributions will be used to fulfill the initiatives, facility expansion, and church planting as outlined in this guidebook.
Why is church planting a part of the Greater Things Project?
Rivers Crossing has never been about building its own kingdom. Still to this day, church planting is the best way to reach lost people. We have seen well over 13,000 come to know Christ through our church planting efforts.
What are all the different ways that I can give?
In addition to cash, checks, and credit cards, you can fulfill your Greater Things commitment with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other liquid assets. Securities are excellent ways to give, particularly if they have appreciated. Contact Jeff Sharp at jsharp@riverscrossing.com for more information on making a stock or crypto donation.
Can I set up recurring giving to the Greater Things Project?
Yes, once you make a commitment, you’ll be able to set up a recurring gift that will go towards fulfilling your Greater Things commitment.
Will Rivers Crossing allow me to designate my gift?
We hope that most people will give “unrestricted” gifts to the Greater Things Project, allowing us the greatest degree of flexibility in working out the more detailed plans for the components of the project. Suppose you feel strongly led to give a “designated” gift to the campaign that restricts its use to a subset of the work we plan to do. In that case, we ask that you discuss your wishes with one of the elders so that we can fully understand your desires, and hopefully accommodate them while preserving flexibility for the church throughout the execution of our plans.
What if I need to change my commitment?
That’s not a problem. We realize that your circumstances may change, and God could ask you to alter your commitment. If you need to increase or decrease your commitment during the three years, just let us know.
What does “above and beyond” mean?
Above and beyond means that your financial commitment to the Greater Things Project is in addition to whatever you are currently giving. It’s an additional commitment to sacrifice more as we seek to do more. Biblically, there is a difference between our ‘tithes’ (giving our first 10% to the work of God through the church) and ‘offerings’ (special gifts given in faith for specific works or special needs). Here are some great verses on tithing and sacrificial giving: Genesis 14:20; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:6-15; Malachi 3:1-18; Proverbs 3:9-10, 11:24; Mark 12:41-44; and Nehemiah 10:38. Our giving values at Rivers Crossing are: Joyfully, Sacrificially, & Generously. We believe these values should be the giving attitude of anyone who follows Jesus.
Is it okay to have a Disability Ministry on the second floor?
After consulting with experts in the field and other churches, we have determined that a second floor Disability Ministry space is not a barrier or safety concern. There will be an elevator for easy access and we will employ all the same emergency protocols that other churches, schools and hospitals have with similar floor plans.