A: Our goal is to align our resources with our calling and to strengthen our foundation so we can continue the good work that has already been set before us. In particular, our aim is to retire our debt, make long-needed building upgrades and improvements, and refresh our family ministry space, all to enable us to carry out our missions of feeding the hungry, expanding outreach, strengthening recovery ministries, nurturing  disciples of all ages, and more.

A: Lovers Lane stands at a holy crossroads. God is not done with us and there is still much we are called to do. Retiring the debt, tending to our aging buildings, and improving our family ministries environment will position us to advance our missions and spread God’s love well into the future. Repayment of the debt alone will free up almost $400,000 each year, which can be reinvested in the life of our church.  

A: In the past, Lovers Lane borrowed money to fund some of the buildings on our campus. Those buildings are an important part of our ministry and missions, but the overhang of the debt is diverting resources away from our core missions of loving and helping all whom we can. The church is not in financial trouble but it is time to move on from the past, prepare for the future and position Lovers Lane to be the hands and feet of Christ for years to come.

A: A primary purpose of the campaign is to eliminate the existing debt and put us in a position where we will not need to borrow to meet future needs. We are committed to balancing our budget going forward and using our resources, not loans, to fund our expenses now and in the future.

A: The goal is $8.5 million 

A: $6.1 million will be used to eliminate all remaining debt; $2 million will be used to perform strategic upgrades and address deferred maintenance of our facilities; and $400,000 will be used to create welcoming, inclusive, and secure environments for children and students. 

A: No. The first $2.5 million will go to pay down debt, the next $1.15 million will go to building upgrades and improvements, the next $2.5 million will go to pay down debt, the next $1.15 million will go to building upgrades and improvements, and the last $1.2 million will go to pay off the balance of the debt. By responding with generosity, our giving will reach far beyond buildings or budgets to touch  lives shaped by grace. Together, we will step into the work God has prepared for us and make room for more than we could accomplish on our own.

A: It is important that we begin addressing the building maintenance and upgrades and family ministries space as soon as we can. All  the needs this campaign is addressing are a high priority.  

A: The church’s Executive Committee is responsible for those decisions.

A: We ask that you engage Made for More prayerfully and intentionally. We invite you to pray about what God may be calling you to do. Please understand, however, that your gift, whether large or small or given once or spread out over time, matters deeply and will contribute to the shared future we are building together. 

A: You can pay off your commitment all at once or pay it in installments for up to 3 years.

A: Yes. If you become unable to fulfill your commitment, you will have no obligation to continue funding it.

A: No. We believe the order in which payments will be made for debt reduction, building upgrades, and a refresh of the family ministries space allows us to give appropriate attention to the various needs this campaign is designed to address.

A: This is a unique opportunity to give above and beyond what you have been giving to support the ongoing budget and ministries of the church. This is an invitation to all of us to sacrificially give for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God through Lovers Lane.  

A: Yes. We have begun the process of meeting with lead donors and some have already made or committed to make donations.

A: We will still apply the funds we receive according to the payment waterfall previously described: the first $2.5 million to pay down debt, the next $1.15 million for building upgrades and improvements, the next $2.5 million to pay down debt, the next $1.15 million for building upgrades and improvements, and the last $1.2 million to pay down the debt. How far we proceed down the waterfall will depend on the amount of funds we receive.

A: The additional funds will be invested in our spaces and in our ministries, as determined by the Executive Committee. Exceeding our goal will only enhance Lovers Lane’s ability to carry out its ministries and missions, including loving all people into a relationship with Jesus Christ, for years to come.

A: The timing of any sale and the amount of any proceeds are still unknown. When Lovers Lane adopted Walnut Hill in 2020, an agreement was made that, if the campus were sold following its closure, the net proceeds would be shared between Lovers Lane and the Horizon Annual Conference. While no decisions can be made until a sale is complete, the Executive Committee has begun discerning how any proceeds might be used. Possibilities include debt reduction, supporting the Creative School’s relocation, and investing in future ministry and outreach.

A: No. The goal will remain the same. If the proceeds of the Walnut Hill sale combined with the campaign funds generate an amount in excess of $8.5 million, the additional funds will be invested in the church’s buildings, ministries, and missions, as determined by the Executive Committee.

A: No additional campaigns are planned at this time.

A: Kurt Appel, with Cargill Associates, has over twenty years’ experience in coordinating and guiding successful capital campaigns. He has been providing valuable advice and leadership with respect to all aspects of the campaign, including organization, communications, timeline, sequencing, transparency and accountability, and ministry focus.

A: We are at a different stage in the life of the church. We are at a crossroads where we are being called to move forward from the past and strengthen the church for the future. 

A: The Finance Committee has appointed three members to oversee all campaign funds throughout the life of the 3-year campaign.  This will ensure that every dollar used aligns with the campaign’s vision and the expenditures approved by the Executive Committee.  Regular financial updates will be shared so that we can provide full transparency and celebrate our progress together. 

A: There are a number of ways to participate and we would welcome your involvement. Multiple teams of Lovers Lane members are already working on 9 different teams focused on different aspects of the campaign. Please contact Pastor Eddie or Pastor Kay if you would like to learn more and join the effort.