Common Questions

Why are we taking a Journey of Faith?
     In Genesis chapter 12, the Lord said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household, and go to the land I will show you." [Abraham] took a journey of faith. In Numbers chapter 13, Joshua and Caleb came back from the land of Canaan, and said, surely the Lord is with us, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." Joshua and Caleb were inviting God's people to take a journey of faith.
     Just as with the men and women of faith in the Bible, God calls men and women today, you and me, to participate with Him on a journey of faith, as he uses us to accomplish His plans and his purposes in our lives and in our world. Our movement toward a journey of faith this coming fall, will be an opportunity for us to step out together in faith as we 1) look to retire the debt on our ministry center, and 2) establish a building/land fund, and begin to look for strategic ways to build into lives of our Meadowland family, our communities, and our world.

Is it true that our church will be sharing a portion of the gifts from Journey of Faith?
     Yes. Every congregation that participates in an XtremeSteps Capital Stewardship Campaign will set aside 20% of its actual proceeds (300K Max) to partner with the church planting and missions expansion efforts of the BGC and our local Midwest District. A small portion of this sharing component is used by the Conference and district to pay the consultation fee for the church's campaign. At Meadowland we are already sharing 10% of our budget with domestic and international movements, so this will reflect only an additional 10% for us.

How will we be equipped to conduct a Capital Stewardship Campaign?
     The Baptist General Conference and its thirteen districts have unanimously chosen RSI to provide professional consultation to us. Our RSI representitive is Mike Allen, and he has already begun working with several members of our leadership team. RSI is the oldest, largest and most successful Christian stewardship consultation firm in the country. Since 1972 they have led campaigns in 7,000 churches in over 40 denominations. God has used them to raise over $7 billion for Kingdom purposes. RSI's unparalleled services will be provided at NO COST to us.

Is this a manipulative, high pressured fundraising scheme?
     Not on your life!  RSI's reputation has been built by leading churches in campaigns characterized by prayer, not pressure. With prayer as our foundation, it is our desire for each of us to be led by the Holy Spirit as we each determine the level of our commitment. No campaign leader or church member should ever speak to another person about giving. There are no solicitation phone calls. People are merely given the opportunity, in a very comfortable and non-threatening way, to make commitments consistent with their prayerful understanding of God's will for their financial participation.

Is this opportunity appropriate for everyone in our church?
     Yes it is.  RSI capital campaigns have been successfully conducted in churches of all sizes, from those of a few dozen households to thousands of households, from urban to rural settings, and with both traditional and contemporary orientations. This is a wonderful opportunity for both new Christians, long time believers, and those just checking it out, to be a part of what God is doing in our community as well as growing in their understanding and practice of Biblical stewardship.

Why is our conference campaign named XtremeSteps?
     We have an opportunity for making an extraordinary impact. Many people are living lives of hopelessness and quiet desperation, in need of the Good News about Jesus Christ. Achieving God-sized Great Commission goals, that bring hope and change lives for time and eternity, demands that extreme steps be taken. By participating in XtremeSteps every person in our congregation can have extraordinary impact in our local community, across this country and around the world. We have been called for this purpose... to follow in His steps.
I Peter 2:21 NASB