RISE UP CAMPAIGN - Celebration
The mission of Bay Life Church is to surrender to God as he makes disciples through us here and around the world. Today, our church is at a critical juncture in our ability to carry out that mission.
In November 2015, we celebrated becoming a debt-free Bay Life. The video below celebrates what God has done through his people here to reach our community and the world!
THE FUTURE OF RISE UP GIVING
Update from Executive Pastor, Tom Eichem. Thank you for prayerfully and faithfully following God’s leading to join together and Rise Up... We are debt-free Bay Life! As you may know, the purpose of the “Rise Up” account was to utilize Rise Up donations to pay off our mortgage. As we seek to follow the guidelines the IRS put forward for designated monies, I want to make you aware of the change in the “Rise Up” designated account.
Going forward, the elders have determined that any money given to the “Rise Up” account will now be set aside and used towards future building projects.
For those of you prayerfully considering to finish out your Rise Up pledge or give to Rise Up, we want you to know how your giving will be directed. If you want to continue giving to Rise Up, no change needs to be made for online donations. Thank you again for your investment in what God is doing here at Bay Life.
The History of the Rise Up Campaign
With a $3.5 million debt on our current facilities, our general budget is drained by $317,000 annually – an obligation set to remain on our books through 2027. This debt has caused us to miss opportunities to train and disciple our children, serve those in need, plant churches in the community… Our efforts have been handicapped for too long by debt!
We believe we’ve been led by God to “rise up” and eliminate our existing debt, freeing up funds to serve God and serve people more effectively. So in January 2013, we launched the Rise Up campaign to address the problem – to break free from the millstone of debt around our neck!
Debt-Free in 34 Months!
A few weeks later, on March 24, 2013, we asked each church family to make a three-year giving commitment above and beyond their current level of giving. Our people prayed, listened to God, and responded in obedience...
Now What?
It’s time to get to work, remaining faithful to the promises we’ve made! 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says that “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” Here’s just one on the many stories we’ve heard about God’s faithfulness...
We know that everything is God’s – and to everyone who made a commitment to the Rise Up campaign, know that He had brought you here at this time, to this place, for this purpose. And if you trust God, He’ll be faithful and do something that no one could fully explain!
Have questions? Email Executive Pastor Tom Eichem. Haven’t made a commitment to the Rise Up campaign yet? Click here!