To My BranchCreek Church Family,

In more than three decades of ministry, I can count on one hand the critical decisions we have made as a church that were pivotal. One was deciding to be a church for the unreached; a second was to put people before programs; a third was insisting on every-member ministry; a fourth was the purchase of our church campus; a fifth—the decision to expand for the sake of “those not here yet.”

I’m now starting to count on my second hand (before I get so old I forget how to do that!). After much prayer and discussion by many different leadership teams, we believe that it is time to re-examine the mission that defines us and redouble our efforts to . . .

It’s been said that growing churches our age can start to become lazy and satisfied. We’ve come to accept as commonplace tens of thousands visiting our campus for yearly special events, thousands in attendance at our weekend services, hundreds of decisions for Christ each year and dozens of teams heading to the far reaches of the globe to deliver humanitarian aid or training for third-world pastors. Many churches would consider these events unprecedented miracles—but to us they seem “normal.” Yet there is a fire stirring in many of us that the Spirit of God intends that our best days are still ahead of us. To those much is given, much is required.

The Congregational Life Survey taken last November alerted us to the fact that a relatively small percentage of the many attenders that come to BranchCreek are devoting significant time, talent and treasure to our efforts. Through the anonymous responses received, we realized even those doing much are capable of much more. There are so many opportunities God would have us capture as we all do our part.

The materials we have provided in this packet reflect our thoughts on how to resource existing and additional ministry through a three-year campaign focusing not on building new facilities (we have been blessed with one of the finest with plenty of room for expansion), but building new lives through investments in initiatives and partnerships – locally, regionally and internationally. We hope to reach our $3-million-goal in over-and-above gifts received in cash and commitments over the next six weeks.

Soon you will be hearing more about the possibilities and how to participate. The opportunities are exciting and require our greatest sacrifice. (After all, the World Can’t Wait!) Join us now by praying about how you might participate.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

With love,

Pastor Craig