Perhaps this is the biggest question given our national economy.From a material standpoint I would say we simply can’t keep wasting money on interest.Every month over $3,000 goes toward interest.Put simply, this is poor stewardship.
From a spiritual standpoint, I have several comments.God is still in control, not the stock market or Washington.We can trust Him to provide for us even in a difficult economy.God’s commands remain the same.We are to tithe to the local church.I’ve said all along; this is an obedience issue, not a financial one.So again, the economy should not affect our obedience.If we all simply tithed, there would be no need to “break free.”
2.What’s the purpose of this campaign?
That’s an easy one.We want to pay off the existing debt of $1.5 million on the educational building.Construction was completed in 2001; now we need to finish the payments.I recognize that some were not on board with the initial construction.I realize that others soured on the project through the years, but we can’t change the past.The building is here, and the payments are ours.So let’s band together and get this chapter of Beaver Dam behind us.Let’s break free!
3.Will we go into debt again?
We are not trying to pay off this building just so we can get into debt again.After all, that wouldn’t really be “breaking free,” at least not for long.On the other hand, I’m not in a position to categorically say, “We will never go into debt again.”I don’t know the future.I don’t know how God will bless numerically or what the needs will be.But I will make this commitment.Any future building programs, should they occur, will be done with considerable money in hand before construction.
4.Does this replace Heritage?
Yes it does.You will notice starting in November that your offering envelopes will say “Breaking Free” rather than “Heritage Campaign.”The idea is the same.The name has changed.So if you’ve been faithfully giving to the Heritage Campaign, you can commit to continue that amount, give more, or less, depending on your prayer and financial situation.
5.Should I tithe to the budget or give to Breaking Free
Ideally we are asking for both.Switching your tithe to the capital campaign won’t help but hurt.So if you can only do one, please continue your faithful tithing to the general budget.That will help us pay the interest from the budget.
6.Should I give a lump sum now or monthly over three years?
Ultimately that’s a question for you to answer, not me.I will simply say that if you are able, money given up front goes further.For example, let’s say you commit to give $5,000.Giving that in a lump sum form up front will save the church 6.5% interest over the next three years.So your $5,000 gift becomes almost $6,000.Plus, since our interest is decreased, the gifts of others can be put onto principle not interest, further accelerating the payoff.
