Groundbreaking Ceremony

Last year my work at First Baptist Jenks was dominated by our capital stewardship program, “Lighting a Legacy.” Today a member emailed me a picture of its culmination at our groundbreaking ceremony on October 26, 2008. It is great to know that they effort put in last year, and even the year before that, will pay eternal dividends. Here is the picture that motivated me today:

Lighting a Legacy Review

This fall we had a capital stewardship campaign called Lighting a Legacy. Our campaign verse was 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, ‘Let the light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Our hope was for our people get connected to God in a life-altering way.

We initially decided to use a capital stewardship company and here is a breakdown of what they said they could raise with fees ranging from $25,000 - $60,000 + printed materials and food:

BGCO – 1-2 times annual budget
CSSI – 3-3.5 times annual budget
Generis – 1.5-3 times annual budget
RSI – 2.5-3.2 times annual budget

In the end though, we decided to run our campaign ourselves. For over a year we prayed, researched, planned, prepared, and worked on this great task, and God abundantly blessed the work of our hands. Incredibly, we took more in than the experts had told us was possible (and raised $3,658,643.94); proof that God was in it and that only He can get the credit it for it!

There were many incredible facets of Lighting a Legacy. It was awesome to watch people step up and get involved in the campaign. Justin J. amazed me with the quality of his branding/design work and willingness to serve. Mary D. was extremely organized with a fun spirit setting up meals. Ron M.’s testimony was simply incredible.

First Baptist Jenks’ participation was fantastic too. From preschool to senior adults, everyone participated in the effort. Our youth had pink flamingo flockings to raise funds for the relocation; our preschoolers culminated their gifts walking into the sanctuary singing “This Little Light of Mine;” and our testimony-commitment Sunday service left everyone in tears as we saw how God moved in Jerry & Demie’s heart.

Lighting a Legacy was simply incredible, but it is not over, it is just beginning. God has started a new work here. This work is simply leading the way for us to SHINE in the coming year. I am grateful to be a part of this and pray that God will continue to do that which only He can get the credit for!

Lighting a Legacy Video

We are in the relocation process here are First Baptist Jenks. This is what our new building will look like with the exception of some colors. We are really excited about the direction God has given us as a church.