This project is not a renovation; it's a retrofit. Those terms mean two very different things. A renovation is simply a "facelift"; the building's purpose and use remains the same. A retrofit involves the adaptive reuse of a structure built for a completely different purpose entirely. We're retrofitting a grocery store in order to turn it into a church, which is far more difficult, time-consuming, and costly than a renovation.

If we built, we would have to move a considerable distance out of the area, and we would not be able to leverage our current assets. The adaptive reuse of the former Albertsons building is a logical and cost-effective next step for us.

We have not borrowed any money at this point. The elders have decided and the church voted to move forward with borrowing if this becomes a necessary step in the process. We will not borrow more than $7 million for this project. It is not our desire or preference to borrow money, but we feel the scriptures do not prohibit borrowing. We believe God is leading us in this direction as a church body and borrowing might be a step in the process.

We put a cap on the debt that we would incur so that it is "reasonable", i.e. debt that would not hinder our ministry. But, beyond that, our hope is that the money used to service the debt would not come from the operating budget; rather, that it would come from the offerings of members. This is why we are raising funds for the project. We will service the debt through the operating budget if we have to, but this is not our preference. Our stated objective through this entire process has been for ministry to expand, not be hindered.

The church does have reserves. At present, we have committed $650,000 in reserves to continue the design phase.

The purpose of funding the Flower Mound Expansion Project is to obtain financial support for this specific and significant project of retrofitting the former Albertsons building located at 2101 F.M. 407. It is an intensive, organized fund raising effort with a specified time period. Funds that are raised for the Flower Mound Expansion Project are restricted to this specific, agreed-upon project.

To raise 100 percent or $10 million in donations of cash, checks, securities and faith promises over a three-year period of time.

Then the church may take on debt to fund the balance. However, Covenant Members will vote to give authority to the church to incur debt for this project.

Because we believe that God will provide for the needs of our church, the church's finance policies prohibit specific types of fundraising projects under the name of The Village Church or on church property. These projects include, but are not limited to, bake sales, auctions, dinners for sale, church sponsored garage sales, etc. However, if members of The Village want to hold a private garage sale, lemonade stand or car wash on private property with the intent to donate the proceeds to the church, then of course that is most welcome. However, the event cannot be promoted or advertised as a church-sponsored event or be affiliated with The Village Church name.

Because we are being very restrictive and specific on our fundraising communication, we will follow the procedure below for the donations received for the Albertsons purchase:

1. If we decide to not proceed with the renovations of the Flower Mound campus, then we will send a letter to each donor and ask them if the funds may be redirected to future expansion efforts of the church (i.e. construction, land or building purchase, etc.). The letter will indicate that these types of transactions will need to be presented to the church for their vote prior to proceeding. The donor may elect to change their restriction or receive the gift back. It is our general policy that we do not return gifts to donors for various reasons. However, in this particular situation, we are being very specific on our fundraising communication. Therefore, we will request a redirect of the donation from the donor. Returning donations can have serious tax implications if the donations are received in one year and returned in another year. Therefore, if the situation requires this letter, then we will plan to send the letter out, receive responses and return donations all in the same tax year.
2. If we collect more than the costs to renovate the building, then we will inquire of the donors if the excess funds may be applied to outstanding renovation needs at the Denton campus.

The vote will take place during normally scheduled worship services at both campuses the weekend of April 12-13, 2008.

Approximately $10 million is needed for the project. All funds raised for the project will be spent to complete the building renovations, install audio, video and lighting, and purchase furniture, fixtures, equipment and related items. The Elders have capped the expenditures at $10 million. However, our intent is to keep the project costs as low as possible.

No. The church's administrative costs, such as office overhead, staff salaries, operating expenses, etc. will not be allocated to the project.

Begin by praying. Please seek the Lord on how He is leading. Only God can tell you how to respond, so make it a spiritual decision. You may want to follow a process similar to this:

• Pray — Begin regularly asking, "God, what is Your will for me as it relates to Your will for The Village Church's future?" Keep asking as you take these next steps.
• Evaluate — Think through how God has blessed you. We spend so much time thinking of what we don't have, so use this as an opportunity for showing gratitude for all you do have. Begin to formulate what you think God wants you to do and what you are willing to do.
• Discuss — Discuss what you're thinking with those affected by your decision.
• Decide — Make a decision that requires stepping out in faith. A decision between you and God made to honor Him in response to how He's blessed you. Whatever you decide, do it as an act of gratitude to God. Give in response to God – not in response to The Village. Then, pray for the courage to step out in faith and trust Him to use your giving to reach far beyond yourself.

If after seeking the Lord you feel led to give to this project, then you may fill out the Commitment Card online.