Our Vision at Community Bible Fellowship of El Paso
Our Journey.
For the past three years we have been on a journey of discernment regarding God’s future direction of our church ministry, and how our facilities either help or hinder our ministry. In September of this year, our Elder Team unanimously recommended to the church family the purchase and renovation of the Furrow Winery property for the purpose of relocating our church family ministries. In October, the church family overwhelmingly confirmed this recommendation by a 90% majority.
Our Vision.
One thing has never been a priority to our church family and that has been our own personal comfort or ease. We have never been about a building; our current facility is proof enough of that. While it has served many of our needs in marvelous ways from our beginnings in 1990, it is now apparent that it is inadequate in many areas for both current and future ministry opportunities.
Community Bible Fellowship is a church with a recent but significant legacy of ministry in the Woodford/McLean county area. In harmony with that legacy, we are now looking to the future. Our commitment is not now focused upon a facility, but rather, upon people, and effectively sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this culture. A facility that visually welcomes newcomers, offers greater fellowship space, worship space, and better space for all of our Youth ministries is essential to meet the opportunities of ministry we have now, as well as the future. Our desire is to do ministry better, and a new facility is a tool which can help make this possible.
Our Dream. Cost of site/building: $ 400,000.
- The purchase of the Winery building and 6 acres of property.
Additional cost of renovation/expansion $ 250,000 -- $ 450,000 (estimated)*
- The option for 2 additional acres.
- Air condition the entire building.
- Expand bathroom facilities.
- Add a commercial grade kitchen, with fellowship area adjoining for 250+ people.
- Design a main multi-use room; a recreational area for IMPACT activities/ministry which can also be used for worship space for 300+ on Sundays.
- Design a full platform area for music/drama/teaching ministries, with all sound/lighting/AV enhancements.
- Add improved Christian Education space for Children’s Church, 2nd Hour classes, Adult education, Can Do Kids, Club 4:13.
- Centrally locate office space for church staff.
- Add modern nursery facilities for young families.
- Create an open foyer/entry space to welcome/greet/mix.
*Cost estimates are contingent upon either just the renovation of the current building as it currently stands (approx. $ 250,000) or whether any additional square footage is added to the existing structure ($ 450,000 and up).
Our Plan.
Late November 2009 – Early February 2010
Conduct a capital campaign to raise a target $400,000-850,000 in giving and pledges in order to purchase and renovate the new facility.
February -- March 2010
Based on the strength of the campaign, to present to the church family a building and financing plan for the project.
April – June 2010
To develop construction drawings and put the necessary projects out for bid.
Summer – Early Autumn 2010
Begin the renovation/relocation process.
Our Prayer.
Our prayer is that God will continue to use us, and be magnified, as we desire to be obedient to His call upon us. We desire to fulfill His purpose in us to be the Salt and Light to this and the next generation, here in Central Illinois.
~~ Pastor Wes
