IMAGINE A MISSION.  What is our need?

Providence Baptist Church feels called by God to touch the lives of our neighbors in Charlotte and around the world.  We do this by showing God’s love through creative, Christ-centered ministries that bring wholeness to body, mind and spirit, for all persons of all ages, in all phases of life.

One way to fulfill this mission is to renovate our church facilities and build a new facility to better meet the needs of the changing community.  Because we are only limited by our imaginations in what God can do with willing hearts, the Budget/Capital Campaign committee chose “More Than We Could IMAGINE” as our theme.

As we move into the future, we imagine Providence as a safe place with room to worship, learn, and play under direction of a staff dedicated to help us deepen our faith in Jesus Christ, and our love and care for one another.  We imagine a place to develop new skills for living; a place to express and share our talents; and a place to minister through community programs designed for the particular interest and well-being of a diverse population.  Renovated, new, and enlarged facilities are needed to do this.

Providence has now passed its 50th anniversary and we find ourselves imagining a new future.  Today, our neighborhood in Cotswold has evolved into a diverse community of nuclear families, single parents, and career-oriented young adults, as well as a growing number of singles, empty-nesters, and seniors.  How can our church meet the needs of this diverse population?

IMAGINE A PLAN

In our design for the "Imagine" campign, you will see a plan that allows us to address our facilities needs.  At the same time we must face contemporary mission issues such as how to invite our neighbors to join us in worship, fellowship, and missions. This plan will allow us the venue in which we can present the hospitality of the church in a host of ways present to us right now.

Our plan includes both an architectural and a financial plan.  The renderings were on display in the rotunda portray a larger image of proposed renovation and construction. Preliminary designs included some much needed infrastructure renovation, a new kitchen and renovated fellowship hall, and a new building for our children’s ministry.   If resources are sufficient, the new building can be increased to create educational space for young adults; and additional renovations, accessibility issues, safety concerns, and relocation of current ministries can be accomplished.

In order to enlarge the kitchen and renovate fellowship hall, AND to build the new building, the Chapel building must be re-located.  And in order to make the Chapel building a viable mission center, additional rooms are needed.  We have received assurance from a reputable building moving company in Charlotte that moving the Chapel Sanctuary can be accomplished.  This is the first thing that must occur in order for other projects to be undertaken.

With renovations to our old facility and with the new modern building, Providence will have more resources to share the love of Jesus Christ with others. Christ-centered ministries that will bring parents and children together are needed for young families in the Cotswold area, as well as educational/ biblical programs for all people to find meaning in their lives and relevance for their faith.

Therefore, Providence is committed over the next three years to:
• Focusing staff and financial resources to create ministries that will reach out to the
   residents and patrons of Cotswold.
• Continuing our tradition of support for community and global mission.
• Relocating and expanding the Chapel Building and its mission purposes.
• Improving the “behind the scenes” heating/cooling/plumbing in order that the items do
   not hinder the ministry and mission of the church.
• Building a new facility equipped with the new technology needed for programs and  
   activities for current and future children.
• Creating hospitable space for fellowship and food service.

The above stated projects can be completed with approximately $6 million

IMAGINE YOUR ROLE

This project is too large for any one of us--even for all of us put together. Only with God can we turn our prayers and faith into action. With God we can take the plan have imagined and make it a reality.

Whether financial or non-financial. the part you play in this exciting time of growth for Providence is limited only by your own imagination. You, the congregation, are the breath of God that breathes life into buildings. Pray and reflect upon what God can do through you. Amazing things can happen if every Providence member seeks God’s will by praying, “Lord, what would You do through me?”

"A building is only a place. -- It is up to all of us to imagine what God can do!"

Take time to listen to God. Commitment decisions grow joyfully out of a prayerful, spiritual perspective.  Pray that God will give you a clear vision to enable you to see His way. Instead of simply making a donation decision, allow your commitment to be a real matter of faith that represents your sense of God’s calling and direction in your life.

Each person has been asked to prayerfully consider a commitment to sacrifice in giving. That commitment is individual and confidential. Make a giving decision that honors God and that is right for you. Faithfully and joyfully join your gift with the gifts of our congregation.

You can also do many things beyond a financial contribution:
• Pray Constantly. Seeking God’s will is the foundation for imagining what we can build  
   together.
• Get Involved. Find out what is happening and what God is doing at Providence. Learn
   everything you can about our ministries, our vision and our project. Ask questions. Be 
   informed. Tell others. Learn more about the capital campaign as we build not just a
   structure, but a foundation of faith in Providence’s future.
• Share Your Faith. Take this opportunity for worship and for study to deepen your faith.
   As you consider what can be done with the new building, share what you imagine with 
   the congregation of friends surrounding you.

Regarding finances, as of Spring 2007, we know how much the members of the church have pledged to the “More Than We Can IMAGINE” campaign.  In addition, we will have received the “First Fruits” offering on December 10.  We will have funds available from the accrual of funds during the past two years.  And, committed campaign funds will begin to be given. The financial seeds already planted offer great potential for Providence to blossom in almost unimaginable ways!