reNEW Campaign Q&A
More about the reNEW Campaign
What is the reNEW Campaign?
The reNEW Campaign is a season in the life of City Church where we are asking people to consider biblical generosity and to participate in an opportunity to give money to cover the cost of renovations at City Church’s new home at 201 E 9th St. The renovation of this property is a unique moment in the life of City Church that will allow us to further enhance our mission of bringing the beauty of Christ into broken places.
Why are we calling this campaign reNEW?
We want to ponder the many ways that God renews us and how that impacts so many parts of our lives, including how we approach generosity. We also chose the name as we have the privilege to renew an older building, renew our commitment to City Church’s mission, and renew our hearts.
How much money do we need to raise?
We bought the property for $5.4 million and due to the extraordinary generosity of our leaders and a few other individuals, we were able to purchase it with cash. We expect our renovations to cost around $7.5 million dollars. Between our reNEW campaign and prior property savings, we have about $10.2 million dollars committed, leaving us with around a $2.5 million difference.
Do we have other sources of financing?
We have secured a construction loan to finance the renovations. At the end of the project, any debt we are not able to cover through the reNEW Campaign will become a standard loan that City Church will begin to pay off out of its general budget. The less debt we have, the more dollars we will have for ministry initiatives.
Is the annual ministry budget completely separate from the reNEW Campaign?
Yes, our annual ministry budget is completely separate from the reNEW Campaign. Therefore we ask that all gifts to the reNEW Campaign be over and above regular giving to the ministry budget.
How do I give?
You can give through our website. You can also donate stock to City Church. If you have any questions, you can email Valerie Tompson, Executive Director.
How long do I have to give?
We would love to collect donations as soon as possible. The less debt we have, the more dollars we will have for ministry initiatives. You can make a one time gift or a pledge. We hope to receive all pledges by March 2027,
More about Giving
Should I give? And how much should I give?
God alone searches our hearts and leads us to the clarity of his vision for us and our communities. And yet, scripture reminds us that the model of Christ was one of self-denial in service of greater beauty: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). If you consider City Church your spiritual home, we hope that you will consider participating in the reNEW Campaign to help establish our footprint in Houston. How much one gives is based solely on that person’s personal searching in the counsel of God and his or her family. We pray that these acts of generosity lend to each person a greater sense of personal investment in this community and its future. For the reNEW Campaign, we ask that your pledge be above what your support of the general ministry budget is.
What difference does my gift make since we’ve already raised so much?
Every gift matters whatever the amount. Gifts add up and each one makes a difference. It’s also important to think about this as an opportunity for each of us to participate in something for the future – an opportunity to make a gospel investment that will yield fruit for generations to come. God can use each of our gifts, no matter the amount, to make a gospel impact.
How can I think about giving when my finances already overwhelm me?
So many people feel that way – you are not alone. We will host a seminar on April 21, 2024 after church, Money Matters: Personal Finance 101. It will be a brief overview of managing money. You can also reach out to renew@citychurch.org and we can give you some resources and help you find someone who can talk through individual financial management.
Would you like to dive deeper?
Stories of Grace highlight God’s grace through his people, church, and community. We invite you to learn more about City Church through these stories.