1. Relocation has been “low key” for the past few years. Why the delay and why does the leadership think that now is the time to move ahead?
The lack of visible activity for the past few years does not mean that there has been a lack of progress or a change of desire or need to relocate. We have undergone several analyses concerning what kind of facilities we need and various building options that are within the price range of what we might be able to raise in a subsequent fund-raising campaign. We have also used this time to examine and make adjustments in our ministries and staffing. Most recently the elders and pastors have clarified the motivation and vision we have for the future ministry of our church and the role a new location and facility would play in seeing that vision come to fruition. The intervening period since the last campaign and now has been a useful time of spiritual reflection and growth for RBC.
We think the timing is right to move forward now with relocation. The present facility constraints have not lessened since the recognition several years ago of the need to expand. We have a fresh perspective of the ministry we think God is calling us to fulfill and we desire to see that ministry become a reality. We are better equipped in terms of staff and volunteers to move forward, and we are firm in our belief that God would have us relocate into a larger facility. It is likely that relocation will only get harder as time goes on due to increasing construction costs.
Another important consideration is that we see the near-term end of our current leasing arrangements. The facilities we lease for offices and the GAP may not be available much longer. Alternatives are considerably more expensive and could possibly be at locations even more inconvenient. Our present dependence on leased properties at locations distant from the main church is constraining on ministry and could pose significant future difficulties.
1. Relocation has been “low key” for the past few years. Why the delay and why does the leadership think that now is the time to move ahead?
2. Other than increased size and fewer worship services, what significant changes will occur in the scope and kind of ministries our church will do in the new, relocated facility?
3. Why relocate and grow larger rather than multiply and plant other churches?
4. Doesn’t the move to Dulles go against God’s raising up of this church to be a witness and ministry to the Reston area?
5. What will become of the current church property? Will some element of ministry of Reston Bible Church remain on the property?
6. How will the next effort to raise awareness and funds be different from the last time? What lessons were learned and what mistakes will be avoided?
7. What will be the approach in challenging the congregation regarding giving?
8. What will be our posture towards debt and what about the position that debt is bad, unscriptural, or “just not for RBC”?
9. What about Mike retiring?
10. What will be the sequence of what the congregation will see and hear over the next few months?
11. How can I help?
12. How can I get more information and provide my input?