GREATER | 7 City Church

Introduction

The launch of 7 City Church has been an incredible journey marked by God’s faithfulness and provision. On Sunday, September 16th, 2012, we opened our doors with a vision to see cities transformed by inspiring community and influencing culture.

In our first six months, we’ve seen God do an incredible work in and through 7 City Church including:

An extensive remodel of our lobby, kids areas, ladies restroom, auditorium, offices, café, and exterior of the building
Average Sunday morning attendance of 173 people
More than 70 people serving regularly on a ministry team
More than 90 people enrolled in Community Groups
Invested over $8,000 in culture transformation efforts locally and globally

Most importantly, every Sunday morning at 7 City Church, people make commitments to follow Christ.

We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. In John 14:12, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” With God’s help, we want to prepare 7 City Church for greater works in our city by launching GREATER.

GREATER is a 3-year initiative that will enable 7 City Church to boldly prepare for greater growth by expanding in 3 critical areas:

+ Eliminate Our Debt
+ Expand Our Team
+ Enlarge Our Auditorium

The driving force behind GREATER is our vision to see our city transformed. Eliminating our debt will allow us to invest in strategic ministry initiatives in our city. Expanding our team will allow us to facilitate the growth of 7 City Church and effectively serve our city. And enlarging our auditorium by 50% will enable us to reach more people with the Message of Jesus Christ.

We want to invite you to partner with the GREATER Vision. In the coming weeks we will challenge you to Pray GREATER, Give GREATER & Commit GREATER so that GREATER things can happen at 7 City Church and in our city.

Stephen & Karen Blandino
Lead Pastors of 7 City Church

NEXT: THE 7 CITY CHURCH JOURNEY

The Greater Vision

Our vision is to see cities transformed by inspiring community and influencing culture. GREATER is a 3-year vision campaign that will enable 7 City Church to eliminate our debt, expand our team, and enlarge our auditorium so that we can do GREATER things in our city.

Eliminate Our Debt

7 City Church's total debt is $250,000. We currently pay $5,500 per month toward our mortgage and remodeling costs. By eliminating our debt, 7 City Church will be positioned for GREATER growth and impact in our city.

Expand Our Team

With the growth of 7 City Church, there is an immediate need to expand our team. This expansion includes administrative help as well as another pastoral role. The estimated cost for the expansion of our team is $50,000.

Listen to the GREATER Vision Message from April 7th:

Enlarge Our Auditorium

The current size of our auditorium allows for a maximum capacity of 225 people. Church growth experts suggest that a church will never seat more than 70% in their main auditorium before needing to expand. After only six months, we are currently seating between 60-70% capacity on a regular basis. While we plan to add a second service very soon, we recognize the need to prepare now for GREATER growth. Our vision is to remove the classrooms along the north wall, enlarge the auditorium to seat 325 people, raise the ceiling height, and upgrade the sound and video. In addition to the auditorium, we will open two restrooms along the back hall, open a nursing mother's room, and remodel the kitchen. The preliminary estimated expense is $200,000. With this expansion, we’ll be able to reach more people with the Message of Jesus Christ.

View Rendering of Englarged Auditorium

The GREATER Vision Goal: $500,000

NEXT: 5 WAYS TO GIVE GREATER

5 Ways to Give Greater

1) 3-Year Commitment
Make a decision to give a specific amount weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually over the next three years.

2) One-Time Cash Offering
Make a decision to give a single contribution on Commitment Sunday, May 5th.

3) Gift of Assets
Make a decision to give stocks, bonds, real estate, vehicles, jewelry, or other items of value.

4) In-Kind Gift Offering
Make a decision to give a good or service that is needed to realize the GREATER Vision.

5) Estate Offering
Make a decision to include 7 City Church in your estate plan as a beneficiary.

Click to give online

Click to fill out online
Faith Commitment Form

NEXT: GREATER RESOURCES

Greater Resources

CAN I CHANGE MY COMMITMENT ONCE IT'S MADE?
Yes, of course...it is YOUR commitment. Should you choose to lower or increase your commitment, it is completely your choice.

WHEN WILL MY GIVING BEGIN?
The official start of GREATER Giving is on Commitment/Celebration Sunday, May 5th.

IN WHAT ORDER WILL THE GREATER VISION BE FULFILLED?
Each priority of the GREATER Vision will be fulfilled in the sequence that is most beneficial to 7 City’s growth and health.

WILL MY COMMITMENT BE CONFIDENTIAL?
Absolutely! Unless you choose to share this information with others, our office will keep your pledge confidential. Your commitment is a covenant between you and God.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT THE OVERALL BUDGET OF THE CHURCH?
To be clear, we are asking that your gift to the GREATER Vision be over and above your regular tithes and offerings so that the ministries of 7 City Church will remain strong throughout this process. One hundred percent of gifts designated toward GREATER will be allocated to this initiative.

WHY DO WE NEED TO ELIMINATE OUR DEBT, ENLARGE THE AUDITORIUM, AND EXPAND OUR STAFF?
Eliminating our Debt – We currently pay $5,500 per month toward our debt of $250,000. By eliminating our debt, we free up the resources to invest in future ministry opportunities in 7 City Church and our city.

Expanding our Team – Growing churches typically add administrative staff before reaching 100 in attendance and pastoral staff between 150-200 in attendance. 7 City Church is currently average 173 in attendance without any administrative or pastoral support. To ensure our growth momentum does not slow, it is essential that we hire the right staff to help us leverage our growth potential. 7 City Church has a very strategic multi-stage hiring process that enables us to make wise hiring decisions.

Enlarging our Auditorium – The current size of our auditorium allows for a maximum capacity of 225 people. Church growth experts suggest that a church will never seat more than 70% in their main auditorium before needing to expand. After only six months, we are currently seating between 60-70% capacity on a regular basis. While we plan to add a second service very soon, we recognize the need to prepare now for GREATER growth. Our vision is to remove the classrooms along the north wall and enlarge the auditorium to seat 325 people. We estimate it will be 18-months before the auditorium is enlarged. If we wait until then to start raising money, we will lose growth potential and momentum. In addition, this expansion will allow us to open additional restroom space. Most importantly, a larger auditorium will enable us to reach more people with the Message of Jesus Christ.

At the end of the day, each of these initiatives (eliminating debt, enlarging the auditorium, and expanding the team) is all about seeing cities transformed with the Message of Christ. Everything we do at 7 City Church is focused on this singular vision.

Key Dates

Sunday, April 7
GREATER Kick-Off Sunday

Wednesday, April 17
GREATER Prayer Event

April 21 – 30
Vision Desserts with
Pastor Stephen

April 21 – May 4
GREATER Devotional Series

Thursday, May 2
Family Decision Night

Sunday, May 7
Commitment/Celebration Sunday