 | Why not plant daughter churches? Isn't multiplication more biblical than addition?
Both multiplication and addition are biblical and there are good reasons for both. It's not an issue of either/or, but an issue of strategy. From a strategic standpoint, we believe that moving to another level of growth will allow us to more effectively advance God's kingdom. We are not opposed to starting daughter churches. The may be a step at some time in the future.
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| | Are we just trying to become a big church?
No, we want to become stronger and more effective. We are trying to become a force that provides resources for our community. But it is not just for the sake of becoming larger - our efforts would be focused on developing into a Regional Center. (see #4)
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| | How large can we become on our current site?
That has yet to be determined. We are working with an architect to determine what the capability can be to reach our vision on our current site.
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| | What is a Regional Center and why do we need it?
It is a consortium of ministries who would share the same campus while retaining their own identities. By creating a regional center, we create an environment where various local ministries can learn, exchange, and join forces through programs in theatre arts, athletics, civic improvement, health care, aid to the poor, counseling, ministry training (seminary)- and other opportunities we have yet to discover.
There are two major reasons for becoming a regional center: first, stewardship of resources and second, cross pollinization - sharing of ideas and needs made possible by being in the same environment.
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| | Why do we need an athletic facility?
While we can't be everything to the community, we believe that an athletic facility, in particular, is a strategic way to reach Washington County with the Gospel. For the first time in Oregon's history, local city, county and state officials have come out asking for the church's assistance in light of financial constraints.
After-school sports and class activities are a huge focus in Washington County.
Village will provide opportunities for thousands to take part in our athletic programs. With proper training of Villagers in using this ministry, it can be a powerful evangelistic tool.
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| | Are the leaders of Village together on this issue?
YES!
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| | Where did the word "Baptist" go in some of our publications and signs?
We value our Baptist distinctives. However we never want to allow the word "Baptist" to prevent those who need to know Christ, or are seeking a church home, from coming. Whether we like it or not, many are tripped up by the word "Baptist" and the stereotypes it carries.
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| | Where is the money coming from to pay for all of this?
Believing that this Vision is God's Vision for us, He will provide through all of us.
We will be launching a capital campaign that you'll hear more about in the future.
We are taking very seriously Biblical Stewardship as we lead and guide our church.
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| | Why do we need to change?
We are living in a culture that is undergoing significant change. If the church is going to effectively reach an emerging generation, it will require change. Village is currently in a healthy condition. Some may conclude "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." But such a mentality locks a church into living in the present, which quickly becomes the past. A vision is what enables the church to live out into the future.
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| | Why do we need a larger sanctuary? There is plenty of room during the Saturday 7:00PM and Sunday 11:30AM services.
Statistics show that there is a preference in church attendance during the 10:00 hour. While it is true that we have available space, it is not at the "prime-time" hour for church attendance.
Recently, we moved 65 people from the 10:00 service to the 8:30 service. But the weekend we did, we grew by 100 in the 10:00 service. We anticipate that this trend will continue until that service is full again. A larger sanctuary will allow those looking for a church home to come at a time that they are most attracted to.
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| | Why don't the Ethnic Ministries move off to make more room?
Everything that we have done in the last 12 years has been to demonstrate heaven - multicultural and non-segregated. It is contrary to our Core Values to segregate populations. We encourage and strategically plan to emulate the population of Washington County rather than a white-Anglo church.
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| | Who decided on the Vision and have we voted on it?
Under Pastor John Johnson's leadership, the vision was crafted by the Pastors, Staff, and Board as they sought the heart of God. The Board and staff presented the Vision to the congregation during the April 27, 2002 Annual Meeting, where the Vision Statement was accepted and approved. Information meetings were held prior to the vote to allow the congregation to give input.
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