Imagine3:20

Vision

Why are we launching Imagine3:20?

In a word – VISION! Since the beginning of Fairhaven Church, over 40 years ago, vision has been the driving force to be “missional” in the greater Dayton community to expand the Kingdom of God. Though there are many practical reasons for Imagine3:20, we believe God wants us to continue to impact lives. We believe that as we “live the journey and share the story,” the natural result of that will be transformed lives reaching more. The overcrowding that we already find in our facility and the hindrance that is to community will be addressed by the expanded lobby. Creating attractive, fun and secure ministry areas for our children will allow our ministry into their lives to be more effective. The renovated gymnasium will give us usable space for recreation that is desperately needed for present ministries and outreach ministries as a platform for sharing the story of Christ for all ages – kids through senior adults. The multi-purposes spaces will enhance our student ministries and give us flexible space for large meetings, conferences, etc.

When did this vision come about?

In 1998, when David Smith joined the staff of Fairhaven Church and soon afterwards began to transition to Senior Pastor, he began to sense this vision as something that was necessary for Fairhaven Church to remain vibrant and relevant in its ministries. It was a vision that included transformation, which has always been the heartbeat of Fairhaven since the beginning. It was also a renewed vision toward reaching more people who are not experiencing the transforming power of Christ. This meant all ages needed to be reached, from preschoolers to seniors. Over the last several years, the vision has taken clearer shape in the kind of “tools” necessary to carry out this vision – renovated, expanded and new facilities. In December 2006, David presented the vision to the Governing Board, who voted to begin the process of identifying architects and laying the groundwork for Imagine3:20.

Where did the theme, “Imagine3:20” come from?

Imagine3:20 comes from the invitation that we have to “imagine” in Ephesians 3:20. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” It is a theme which captures the possibilities of what God can do in us and through us as “changed people reaching two more.”

Why now?

Fairhaven Church has identified 13 measures that we believe are key signposts for a healthy church. In every one of those measures, Fairhaven is healthy, vibrant and growing. God has positioned us to be able to take this next step in the legacy of Fairhaven Church and has given us the resources and the people to be able to make this vision a reality. So the question can be asked, “If not now, when? If not us, who?”

What is our 5-10 year vision?

We understand that our property on Whipp Road is limited in its capacity to grow. We have to maintain a certain number of parking spots and this Imagine3:20 vision will probably maximize our potential facilities on this property. God has strategically placed us at this location in Centerville and we must continue to fulfill that calling by ministering to the people that God has brought to us and reaching out to the community around us. As we reach our maximum potential at this location, we will consider establishing a second satellite location, most likely in the southern suburbs of the Miami Valley, such as Springboro. That will allow us to continue to pursue the vision that God has given us. We are already researching possible locations and best practices of satellite ministries.

Why don’t we sell the existing property and build in a better location?

We are committed to the ministry that God has strategically called us to in Centerville and the greater southern suburban areas. God has blessed us with 45 years of effective ministry into the lives of thousands of people and we cannot walk away from that legacy. There are literally thousands more that need to be exposed to grace in our county from our present location.

How many people attend Fairhaven?

We live in a very mobile society, but our best estimates are that we generally have about 3,500 people attending our weekend services. When you consider the number of people who come throughout the week to different studies and events, our Fairhaven Church family easily exceeds 4,000. Christmas season alone last year we had 13,000 people walk through our doors over a seven day period between our Sunday services and the Christmas concerts.

Are we just trying to become a mega-church?

Many would say that Fairhaven Church passed that mark a while ago as churches with an attendance of over 2,000 are considered mega-church. But the short answer is – No! The goal is not bigger. Bigger is not better; better is better! The reality is as people experience transformation they become more keenly aware of people around them who don’t know Jesus and begin to develop relationships with them in order to “share the story.” Growth is both the blessing of God and the natural byproduct of transformation in our lives.

Won’t this just make us wider but not deeper?

Every church faces two challenges: 1. Becoming a community that is so internally focused that it becomes “closed” and blind to the community outside of them. 2. Becoming a community that is so focused on “seekers” that it becomes a mile wide and an inch deep. We want to be a community of faith that avoids both of those traps by focusing on growing deeper in our walk and in the process having open eyes to people that are already in our sphere of influence who need Jesus. We don’t believe that you ever stop becoming a “seeker.” Just as Jesus says, “…seek first the kingdom of God.”

Who made this decision?

While the vision began with David Smith several years ago, the vision has captured the hearts of the Governing Board as he presented it in December 2006. The decision to move forward was made at that time. The leadership of Fairhaven was informed of the vision at a special meeting in Founder’s Hall on April 22. The following Sunday, April 29, the entire church family was informed about the vision and the decision to begin to move toward an all-church campaign in the fall of 2007. The Governing Board has continued to provide oversight, counsel and approval every step of the way. A Design Planning Group was formed out of the Governing Board to interview ministry leaders to assess their ministry needs. This group began to work with an architect that was selected through a comprehensive interview process. The Board also formed a Vision Donor Group to work with a consultant, who was secured to help us learn from the best practices of churches all across the country that are expanding. This group also executed a plan for engaging groups of people throughout our entire church family, so that everyone would have the opportunity to participate in giving sacrificially to our vision.

How much will the total project cost?

It is currently estimated that the three aspects of Imagine3:20: the refurbished gymnasium, the multi-purpose extension of Founders Hall, the expanded lobby and the renovated children’s spaces – will total approximately $8 million.

What is our annual budget now?

Our annual budget is $3,536,000.

What is the current debt on Fairhaven’s existing building?

The current mortgage for our existing facility is approximately $2.9 million.

Will we be taking on more debt to accomplish Imagine3:20?

Our debt-to-value is very good. In fact, banks are anxious to loan us more money if we need it because our debt is so low compared to the value of Fairhaven Church and its assets. The leadership of Fairhaven Church through its history has never been afraid of manageable debt in order to provide for more ministry space. Our hope is that we can sacrifice together to accomplish this vision without incurring more debt.

Tim Cornell, a long time Board member said it best, “I have been on the Governing Board of Fairhaven Church for most of the building projects we have had over the past 20 years; and, on many of those occasions, we sat as a Board and wondered, ‘Should we really push ahead?’ In every case we did, we looked back on it and realized it was the right thing to do. Because of that, this church has reached thousands and thousands of people in the Dayton community. I know we will sit back 20 years from now and we’ll say we made the right decision again to reach the community.”

Why should I be involved?

We believe that everyone who calls Fairhaven Church their home should want to be a part of something that will impact this generation and the next in ways that are profound and eternal. God is doing something exciting at Fairhaven Church. This Imagine3:20 vision is the extension of what God began 45 years ago. It will leave a legacy of faith, sacrifice and vision for generations to come. We hope that every Fairhaven attendee will want to experience the blessing of doing something eternal together.

Is cash the only gift I can give?

No. There are many creative ways to give which include such things as appreciated assets, stock, life insurance, real estate and many other types of gifts. We have material available which can help people to think creatively about ways that they can give which go far beyond simple cash.

Why do we seem to expect students and kids to give to Imagine3:20?

Imagine3:20 affects every ministry of Fairhaven Church. Every person will benefit from the elements of this vision. We want our children and our students to feel a part of this, to own this vision themselves and to experience the fulfillment of seeing Imagine3:20 become reality. We believe in equal sacrifice – not equal giving, which is as appropriate for a child as it is for an adult. The students and children of Fairhaven Church have responded enthusiastically, already pledging thousands of dollars.

What is the timeline for the Imagine3:20 vision?

The initial Imagine3:20 campaign took place between October and November, 2007. On Celebration Sunday, we announced that we had received over $6,600,000 in pledges. We will continue to receive pledges over the next three years as new people come to Fairhaven and are introduced to the vision. We anticipate having earthmovers and bulldozers on the property in August of 2008. It is estimated that construction will last until the fall of 2009. The three-year pledges will be completed in November 2010.

Multipurpose Activity Center

What will be included in the Multipurpose Activity Center?

The new space being added to the end of Founders Hall will include a large multipurpose room that can seat up to 350 people. It will have a stage area, a mezzanine overlooking the floor space, bathrooms, storage rooms, a small conference room, and a sound/tech booth. It will have a separate entrance and rear hallway access to the kitchen.

How will the Multipurpose Activity Center be used?

It will be the primary space for Middle School and High School student ministries. The mezzanine will be equipped with furniture and games to accommodate students "hanging out." It will have the equipment necessary for students to host concerts and conferences. It will also be available for other Fairhaven ministries to use for large meetings, dinners, conferences, and activities. When available, it will be an attractive space for community groups to use – part of our longstanding goal of making our facilities available to the community whenever possible.

Will the Multipurpose Activity Center be open for students to hang out at during the week?

Student Ministries will make maximum use of the space so that students have a safe, fun and inviting place to experience community. That will certainly be one of its highest goals and is something that the Student Ministries staff is extremely excited about. The place will be hopping!

How will Imagine3:20 help us to reach families and others through sports ministries?

One of the exciting components of Imagine3:20 will be to replace the carpet floor in Founders Hall with a regulation wooden basketball floor. This addition will allow us to host basketball and other sports leagues for all ages, both men and women. Our society is saturated with sports, particularly youth sports. A renovated Founders Hall will allow us to reach into homes throughout our community by ministering to children and students through athletics.

 

Expanded Lobby

Why do we need a larger lobby?

The day has come when people want to belong to a church rather than just come to church. In order for there to be a sense of belonging and community, we need a large space for community to happen. One only has to walk through the existing lobby and sanctuary corridors to experience the over-crowding that is a part of our weekly experience. An expanded lobby will allow us to build relationships, enjoy friendships and experience community. Seating clusters will allow people to meet, either for small groups or ministry meetings. An expanded Common Ground will provide an opportunity for coffee, specialty drinks and snacks that have become such a common part of our culture. The lobby will include an enlarged Welcome Center that will provide a friendly welcome for the many guests that we are seeing every weekend. Centralized ministry representatives and Children’s Check-in will make the experience of guests and families much smoother.

How many square feet will the lobby add?

The new lobby will add over 8,200 square feet of enclosed space.

What kinds of activities could be hosted in the Lobby?

We’ve had a great time brainstorming and dreaming of the kinds of events and ministries that could be hosted in the lobby. We’ve talked about everything from small weddings to fine arts displays to community group meetings and even Friday night stand-up comedians on the Common Ground stage.

One thing is for sure – at Fairhaven Church, every available space is fair game for ministry and community.

Why do we need to expand Common Ground?

When we first built Common Ground, we knew it would be too small. Within several weeks of its opening, we could see we were right. It has become “the place to be” for people chatting, getting coffee, browsing quality books and music, and relaxing during their experience at Fairhaven Church. Enlarging Common Ground will only enhance those positive experiences. Connected people are growing people!

Will we be adding more restrooms?

Yes! We will be adding stalls to both the women’s and men’s restrooms in the educational building both upstairs and downstairs. We will also be adding a new women’s restroom near the sanctuary. The existing restrooms on either side of the sanctuary cannot be expanded because of major electrical panels that can’t be moved.

 

Renovated Children’s Areas

Why are we renovating the children’s area downstairs?

Our children’s area in the basement is not designed to create a secure environment for children in a manner that is necessary in today’s world. We need a check-in area where children can be taken into the children’s wing and where they cannot leave without a parent or guardian picking them up. Imagine3:20 will give us the security that we need. In addition, we want to update the basement to be a thematic area for children that is colorful, fun and inviting. It has served us well, but it is dated and very institutional. Children will learn better, have more fun and their families will be more inclined to want to include them in the children’s ministry of Fairhaven as we make these renovations. We want to appeal to our community in ways that are excellent and culturally relevant. Our children’s ministry spaces must reflect that value. Additionally, our children’s ministries are growing and we need to reconfigure the basement to provide larger meeting spaces for the growing number of children.

What space will the children’s ministry gain with the renovation?

As the student ministries moves to the FAC, the children’s ministry will be able to expand into the present Student Ministry room which will give them an additional 5,000 square feet. This will provide them with a single room which can accommodate up to 450 children at one time.

What will be new about the children’s downstairs area?

We would love to have a slide that takes children from the check-in point in the lobby, down into the reception area in the basement. That would be awesome and kids would love it! The spaces in the basement will be thematic and three-dimensional. All of the children’s senses will be engaged as they learn God’s Word.

What about Preschool—are they included in the project?

Moving the existing children’s welcome center into the lobby will allow us to expand the existing preschool rooms, which will add an additional room for the preschool ministry. This additional room will meet the growing needs of the preschool ministry into the near future.