Rivergate Sanctuary Update + Q&A
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Key Points
- Bids came in at just below $260,000 to complete the building.
- MHC leadership believes it is wise to aim for $300,000 to have sufficient funds for misc associated expenses
- MHC has $200,000 in hand to commit to this project, which means we need to raise $100,000 to finish
- Participating in finishing out this building in exchange for a long term lease would enable MHC to have a home and a base of operations into the foreseeable future
- We are seeking pledges from MHC & friends by November 9th
Report to the Congregation
Over the past months, we have been prayerfully waiting—and at times waiting with eager impatience—for clarity on what it would take to complete the sanctuary that Rivergate Ministries began but was unable to finish. In June, one of our congregants volunteered to gather bids, and now we have a clearer picture of what lies before us.
The bids came in just under $260,000, we have been wisely advised to plan for about $275,000 to cover additional expenses with the bids. For chairs and other miscellaneous, it’s probably wise to plan on a project cost of $300,000.
From the very beginning of Mercy Hill’s journey, we have been able to set aside $200,000—funds that were generously raised at our launch and during our first year together. We set that money aside as “seed money” for a future home, whether that meant land, an existing building, or a space we could renovate for worship and ministry.
Recently, our leadership met with Rivergate’s leaders to share what we could commit and to discuss a possible partnership. We proposed the possibility of helping finish the sanctuary building in exchange for a long-term or open-ended rental agreement, and they received this with warmth and openness.
To be clear, Rivergate does not have the funds to complete this project on their own. That means, if we are to step into this opportunity, we will need to raise the additional resources—both within Mercy Hill and among our extended networks.
Why is this worth pursuing?
Because we believe this sanctuary could become more than just a building. Imagine worshiping together in a space surrounded by God’s creation—a weekly retreat where we meet with Him and welcome others into His presence. Imagine a place where our youth can gather, grow, and flourish. Imagine a home base for mission—a place to invite neighbors and friends, a place where the beauty of the gospel is both proclaimed and embodied. It would be, in many ways, like entering into a weekly retreat together, resting in the presence of God and inviting others to join us.
Is God opening a door for MHC to step into a home that will not serve just us, the mission of the gospel for years to come? With $200,000 already set aside, we are two-thirds of the way toward completing the sanctuary—a place of worship, fellowship, and retreat where lives can be renewed in Christ. What remains is within reach—but only if we walk this journey together stepping out in faith to see this dream realized.
Over the next 60 days leading up to November 9th, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you might pledge toward this vision, and to share the opportunity with others who long to see the kingdom of God advance. Together, with our two loaves and five fishes, let us trust the Lord to provide and make our paths straight. At the end of this time, we believe we will have a clear sense of the Lord’s leading for our congregation.
As always, our eyes are fixed on the Lord, trusting Him to direct our steps and make our paths straight. May He provide abundantly as we follow Him in faith.
Click here for the pledge form.
Q&A
Can you explain more about the idea of "helping finish the sanctuary building in exchange for a long-term or open-ended rental agreement"?
Yes, the idea would be essentially paying rent up front for a long term lease. This would provide the funds to complete the building. It would be a blessing for us as it would secure a long term solution for us to have a place to meet and a base of operations.
But we wouldn't own the property ourselves?
Correct. It would still be owned by Rivergate Ministries. Think of it this way, if we paid rent at another location, we still wouldn't own the building in the end. For example, at our last location at the hotel, we were paying almost $40,000 a year. If we multiplied this out for 10 years (assuming they wouldn't raise rent during that time), we would have paid $400,000 over the course of time.
Rivergate is willing to enter into a partnership with us in which we both would be able to use the property for ministry. This would entail a long-term (decades) or possibly even open-ended lease.
This seems like a win-win situation. For $300,000, we can secure a home for MHC well into the foreseeable future, without having to commit potentially millions of dollars to secure buy land and build a sanctuary and facilities.
It sounds like the details still need to be worked out with Rivergate?
Yes, the final details will need to be worked out, but the leadership of MHC & RG have agreed in principle. Our next move is to see if we can raise the funds. If we can, then we will formalize the agreement.
Will MHC make sure it is legally binding?
Yes, the final agreement will be contractually binding.
What if Rivergate Ministries ceases to exist?
Part of our contractual agreement would be the recovery of funds (prorated) in the event Rivergate sells the property, or we would have first right of refusal in purchasing the property.
What if we outgrow the space at Rivergate and need to move?
The sanctuary building at Rivergate can seat between 200-250. If we were to outgrow the space, we would either do a second service or plant another church in BCS. The vision of the elders is that if God grows our congregation past 200, we would then want to begin planning another church plant in our community.
Are the pledges in place of regular giving to Mercy Hill?
We are asking for pledges toward this building project that would be over and above regular giving to Mercy Hill since we still have our 2025 budget to meet.
When are the pledges due?
MHC wants to receive the pledges by November 9th in order to gauge overall support for this project. If we receive enough pledges by that date, to meet the $100,000 goal, we will then need all of the pledged money upfront within this 2025 calendar year, in order to move forward with the project.
If we are able to receive sufficient pledges, we will be able to move forward quickly with this project. If we don't receive sufficient pledges, then we will need to seek what God has in store for us next as a community of faith.
What if I have some more questions?
Please email Pastor John at john@mercyhillbcs.org, and he or the council of elders will do their best to answer any and all questions that you have.
Click here for the pledge form.