This is a season of celebration. As we draw close to the official conclusion of the Growing God’s House capital campaign here at Yates on June 12, I celebrate that, together, we have surpassed our first goal of $1.2 million! We are now moving onward toward our next campaign goal.
A few facts from our campaign consultant that might also encourage you:
So far, we have had almost 60% participation among all church households — nearly unheard of nationwide, regardless of denomination, for a capital campaign. Our consultant estimates we will finish with nearly 70% participation, placing Yates among the top 5% of churches in America that conduct capital campaigns.
Among households with a giving history, participation is just under 80%. Yates sits in the highest tier of churches in America for campaign participation — the national average is 35% among giving households.
I am proud of you, and of your prayerful, sacrificial approach to this process. You have worked and prayed hard through the experience. God has done wonders among us and with us.
At the conclusion of an enthusiastic and energetic season like Growing God’s House, in the midst of a much longer journey with the campus renovation process, we might find ourselves asking, “What next?” With the capital campaign complete, is our work complete? Has God finished?
It reminds me of where the wandering tribe of Hebrews found themselves in the book of Joshua. After forty years in the wilderness, after being so close and then being told they weren’t ready, after so many false starts and disappointments, they were on the verge of their heart’s desire — the Promised Land. Standing on the banks of the Jordan, gazing across, their hearts must have held a mixture of joy, fear, excitement, and anxiety. The campaign was over, and new work lay just ahead. What next? Joshua’s response to their questions at the riverbank is powerful: “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5)
Perhaps some of the initial excitement of being part of this new thing at Yates has waned. Perhaps, like the people of Israel, we wonder, “How can we do it? How will we manage?” Perhaps the question is more personal: “How can I do my part? How can I sustain a generous and sacrificial commitment?” God’s response is the same. “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” To sanctify means to set apart for a holy purpose. We are called to set this campaign, our church, our homes, our families, our income — all of it — for God’s use and God’s purpose. As we do, then truly, “tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
I trust God with our tomorrow, because yesterday and today have been wonder-full. Thanks be to God!
Grace and Peace,