East Campus Update

FAQ

There are lots of questions surrounding the launch of a new campus.  Here’s the most frequently asked ones:

1. What do we mean by “multi-site” church?

“Multi-site” is a word used to describe churches that meet in more than one location.  They have worship services and programming in various places, but enjoy the strength of being a single church.  The phrase “one church, multiple locations” is a phrase you will hear more and more around Suncrest.

2. Why are we doing this?

We have several reasons for this new direction, but none is bigger than this:  It fulfills our mission and our elders have a clear sense that God has led us in this direction.  Even since the decision was made, God has already been opening opportunities in this we could have never expected.  Strategically, opening new campuses let’s our ministry serve areas that are just out of reach for us geographically right now.  

Other reasons:

a. It gives us the most empty Seats at optimal times;
b. Less cost with greater impact;
c. We can grow larger and smaller;
d. The site will be brand new (which has a great feel) yet Suncrest is a trusted name;
e. New church vibe and big church punch;
f. Move there and stay here;
g. More need will open up which typically draws more support;
h. More outreach and more maturity.

3. Why multi-site and not a totally new church?

A multi-site approach is the best way to launch because we synergize the energy, passion, faith, and excitement of doing something new, while utilizing proven leadership and the resources of an established church.  It takes advantage of multiple efficiencies (shared staff, shared office space, collaboration on programming, etc.) and we estimate that we will start a new site at half the cost of a totally new church.

4. If I go to help launch this, what will my children experience?  My teenager?  Me?

Our East Campus will have experiences for all ages that mirror what we have now.  Children’s ministry, student ministry, and worship ministry will all be staffed.  In many cases, it will be the exact same message or curriculum.  Rest assured, Children’s and Student ministry is as high a priority as always.

5. When will this happen?

In some ways, the answer is right now!  The launch date for the new campus is Sunday, September 28th, 2008.  We announced this plan to our ministry leaders 20 months ago and a volunteer multi-site team has been functioning for almost a year.  The key season for the building the launch team, and preparing for the launch begins next week.

6. How will this be funded?

We are funding this new site primarily from 3 sources:

  • A partnership with the Chicago District Evangelistic Association (CDEA)
  • Suncrest’s generosity through a special offering later this spring called “Exponential”.
  • Funds set aside by our existing missions budget.

7. How will a 2nd site affect this campus?

The experience at our West Campus (current location) won’t change.  However, we anticipate having better programming at both campuses because of collaboration.  One change “behind the scenes” is that opportunities to serve at this campus will open up as people who currently attend this campus commit to go launch the new one

8. Who is leading the new site?

Doug Gamble will be the campus pastor for the East Campus.  Doug has been the associate pastor at Suncrest for 3 years and we are excited to have him as a leader and a communicator tackling this new venture.

9. Where will the new site be located?

Our target is the Hobart/Merrillville area.  We desire to stay close to Route 30 and I-65 as that gives us great potential for outreach.  A specific facility search is currently underway.  Most likely, we will meet for worship at a Sunday-only facility, much like we did for 8 years at Lake Central High School.

10.  How can I be involved?

Three primary ways to get involved:

1.  Pray – Join The 300 prayer team and pray weekly for this new campus (www.suncresteast.org).

2.  Join the launch team for the East Campus – attend one of the 3 information meetings about this opportunity (2/24 or 3/2 after 3rd service or 3/4 at 7pm).

3.  Prepare now to give generously through the “Exponential” offering that will occur in April.

To register for one these meetings, email Doug at doug.gamble@suncrest.org or check the tear off panel on Sunday morning.

1 response so far ↓

  • Suncrest Note « Unique Chairs // February 14, 2008 at 7:49 pm

    [...] Sunday we unveiled it.  This fall, suncrest will experience a fundamental shift to help us better accomplish our mission.  We will become one church in two locations. Most of my conversations this week have focused on the excitement…and also the details of how this will work.  A lot of the details will be shared over the next 2 weeks…even more in informational meetings…and some of them will continue to come together in the next 7 months leading up to a September 28 launch of our “East Campus” in the Merrillville/Hobart Area.  You’ll get a big part of “how” this came about and the “why” for such a direction this Sunday.  The “Frequently Asked Questions” and more are available at http://www.suncresteast.org and specifically http://suncresteast.org/faq/ [...]

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