Building Campaign

OUR STORY & VISION

God has been moving in Schweitzer Church! We are moving into our future with a renewed vision centered on reaching our community and transforming lives by making disciples of Jesus Christ. Every week, we witness the growth of our church and meet new people who are making Schweitzer their church home. We rejoice in the growth and vitality of Schweitzer Church.

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Prayerfully consider how God wants to use you in this campaign.
Church-Wide Study Prayer Guide
7-Day Prayer Guide
View the Growing Together Booklet

Timeline

Phase Zero

2023
  • A strategic team was formed to identify needs at Schweitzer to facilitate growth and revitalization.
  • The team identified three areas of focus:
    • Communications
    • Next Generation
    • Building Expansion
  • Three strategic teams were formed to address each area of focus.

2024
  • Fundraising Campaign Started
  • The architect was hired, and preliminary discussions began
  • First drafts of the remodel and expansion designs were presented

2025
  • Updated drafts of the remodel and expansion designs were presented
  • Conversations with the City began
  • Final decisions for building plans were made
  • August 25 - City Council votes on rezoning

Phase one

8-10 months

Fall 2025
  • Demolition of the existing Fellowship Center begins
  • Construction of the new Fellowship Center addition begins

Summer 2026
  • Construction of the new Fellowship Center addition is completed.

Phase Two

10+ months

Summer 2026
  • Demolition of existing Entrance A begins
  • Sanctuary expansion/renovation and addition construction begins

Phase THREE

6-8 months

2027
  • Construction begins on the new staircase and elevator/landing

2028
  • Project completion 

Pledged: $7,000,000

Amount received so far: $2,416,902

FAQS

Can I still make a pledge or donation?
Yes! Contact the Schweitzer Office or use the link above on this page to pledge or donate!
How were the various projects we are trying to fund decided?
All of the proposed projects came from the lay-leadership of our church, starting with the Strategic Plan. Along the way, we have hosted multiple focus groups and surveys to engage in listening to the congregation.
What will the timing of the various projects be?
The first project will be the New Main Entrance and the new internal connections. While this project is being done, we will continue to use the Sanctuary by using Entrance A and B. Once we have an enlarged Fellowship Center we will be able to expand the Sanctuary while still using it on a weekly basis. Memorial Hall will be the final project in this renovation. 
Will we wait until all money is raised before projects are started?
We will take a construction loan to begin construction as soon as possible. 
How will a capital campaign impact giving to the budget?
A capital campaign is giving above and beyond our tithes to the operating budget. In the short term, our operating budget will not be negatively affected by a capital campaign. In the long run, our operating budget will see increases as people experience the blessing of increased generosity. 
What if we don’t raise enough money? Will we take on any debt?
We began with a fundraising goal of $7 million and have already exceeded that goal. Costs are increasing, and we have been warned that the final bill could be as much as $9 million. Schweitzer Church currently does not have any debt. We desire to work within the constraints of what we can raise in a 3-year capital campaign. We will consider debt when we know our financial capacity.
In what ways will we be making our building more accessible for handicap and senior adults?
All of the projects will increase our accessibility for handicap and senior adults. 
  • A new main entrance will be closer to the parking lot without the need of a ramp steep ramp to enter the building.
  • We will add a drop-off lane close to our new main entrance. This drop-off will help alleviate some of the traffic congestion we currently experience.
  • The main entrance and expanded Fellowship Center will have restrooms near the Sanctuary, including family restrooms.
  • We will have increased wheelchair seating in the Sanctuary.
  • The ramp grade between the Fellowship Center and Hallway B will be reduced to meet ADA standards.
  • An elevator and a new staircase will be added to access the upstairs from Hallway B. There will no longer be a need to go outside the building to access the elevator.
  • An elevator will be added to access Memorial Hall from the Fellowship Center. 
What are we doing to meet the needs of the next generation in kids and student ministry?
Our most recent facility projects have been done to meet the needs of our next generation. We have recently expanded our children’s ministry area and repurposed our former Outreach Center into our current Student Center. Leadership is investigating strategic decisions and movements to improve the Children's and Students' Ministry areas.
Will we keep a kitchen in Memorial Hall?
Yes
How will all of these projects impact/disrupt current ministries?
Because we can do these projects in stages, current ministries will be able to continue, though they may be temporarily relocated elsewhere on campus.
Have we considered purchasing additional properties and/or land to accommodate future growth?
Schweitzer is open to the possibility; however, at present, no commercial or residential lots are available.

Architectual Plans

These are some renderings of our building plans provided by the architect. These are drafts and not final plans.

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