A letter from your senior pastor, pierce eaton
Church,
We are excited to announce our vision campaign: Kingdom Legacy. Kingdom Legacy is not merely a capital campaign but is completely focused on the long-term vision God has for FBCTC.
In December 2022, I was called as your pastor. I knew that God wanted me to observe the culture of our church and area before discerning God’s vision for FBCTC. After a year of prayer and observation, I believe God has great things planned for the future of FBCTC. Our church has faithfully ministered in the Texas City area for 119 years. Over that period, the church has moved locations 3 times and has seen several seasons of renewed vision and ministry emphasis. I believe God is leading our church into a season of renewed vision that builds upon the ministry legacy of the previous generations.
Christ's final command and Great Commission was to build His Kingdom by making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19-20). I believe that God plans to make FBCTC a regionally impactful church that is focused on executing Christ’s Great Commission worldwide. Our new FBCTC vision is to build a Kingdom Legacy that lasts for centuries and impacts our county, nation, and world by making, equipping, and sending disciples of Jesus as ministers of the gospel. Over the next 10 years, we plan to reach thousands of people with the gospel message, send missionaries around the world, revitalize churches in our area, and plant domestic and international churches. I believe that God will work through FBCTC to transform the world, starting in Galveston County.
Our biggest obstacle to executing God’s vision for our church is clear. In 2018, we moved into our current church facility, which is beautiful and will accommodate years of ministry and growth. To establish this beautiful building, we accumulated $2.9 million of debt. Our current level of debt cripples our ability to carry out our mission and vision. Every dollar given to pay off debt today will free much more money for Kingdom work tomorrow. This is why our vision campaign is called Kingdom Legacy. Buildings fall, fortunes wane, and beauty fades, but the Kingdom of God will not fail or falter. As your pastor, my deepest desire is to lead our church to make much of Jesus and build His Kingdom. The only legacy that will stand is the legacy that glorifies Christ by making, equipping, and sending disciples of Him. Join us today in building a Kingdom Legacy.
Pastor Pierce
Frequently asked questions
1) When does the campaign begin and what is its purpose? The campaign begins on Sunday, February 4th , with 40 days of prayer and fasting and will conclude with a celebration Sunday on April 7th, where totals will be announced. The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds to reduce and ultimately pay off our mortgage which will liberate our church for greater Kingdom impact in our area and worldwide.
2) Why do we want to pay off debt now? Our church vision is to build a Kingdom Legacy that lasts for centuries and impacts our county, nation, and world by making, equipping, and sending disciples of Jesus as ministers of the gospel. Our current level of debt cripples our ability to carry out our mission and vision. Every dollar given to pay off debt today will free much more money for future Kingdom work. Proverbs 22:7 states, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. (ESV)” Paying off our debt today financially frees our church to sponsor, equip, and send ministers, missionaries, and church planters tomorrow.
3) How much do we owe on our mortgage and what are the terms? We have two loans against the building. Loan 1 is for $2.6 million and Loan 2 is for $325,000. Our main mortgage is set for an interest adjustment in April 2024. The adjustment will increase our monthly mortgage payment by $10,000. Our goal is to eliminate these debts which will free our church for greater Kingdom work.
4) How will the funds be raised? Funds will be raised in a variety of ways. There will be an internal aspect of Kingdom Legacy where each of us will be invited to go on a prayer journey and prayerfully consider how we might financially participate; the congregation will pledge on March 24th and April 7th . This is a step of faith, and we all get a front row seat to watching the Lord bless. There will be an external aspect of the campaign as well, and we will reach out to those who have attended FBCTC in the past and those who are still invested in our ministry. There will also be the opportunity for businesses and the community to participate through one-time gifts.
5) Will there be opportunity to raise additional funds outside the church walls? Yes. FBCTC will be meeting with different companies to gain partnerships in our three fundraising goals. We will also, explore other avenues such as intentional asks through prayerful consideration, alumni participation, and community connections among others.
6) If I decide to give, how long would I be making this pledge? The duration of the giving period will be 18 months; however, donations can also be a one-time gift.
7) What if my financial situation changes after I make my commitment? While we hope that won't happen for you, we understand that the future is unknown. If your situation changes, you and your family would determine the most appropriate response. As this is a commitment between you and the Lord, we trust you will prayerfully work through it with the Lord.
8) Will I get a tax receipt for my donations? Yes. All funds donated to the Kingdom Legacy fund will receive the same tax receipting as any other giving to FBCTC.
9) How can I help with or fully participate in this? We ask that you join us in prayer, as God is the one who will ultimately provide for His church. Prayer is not the only thing that we will do, but it must be the first thing. Join us in our “40 days of Prayer and Fasting” that begins Monday, February 5th; but also join us for the upcoming “24-hour Prayer Vigil” on March 1st & 2nd . More information on the Prayer Vigil will be coming soon!
10) Can my employer match my gift if they have a matching program? The business would receive a donation receipt for tax purposes the same as an individual donor. You may need to look at the regulations for your employer's matching funds. We would be happy to help however we can.
11) Is this commitment/pledge in addition to my normal giving? Yes. We’re asking that whatever you pledge for the 18-month-period would be over and above your normal giving. We use the General Operating Fund, where your normal tithes and offerings are placed, for the day-to-day operations of the church. The funds pledged for Kingdom Legacy will be placed in a separate fund to be used solely for the purposes listed above.
12) Where can I get further information about Kingdom Legacy? Pastor Pierce and his team will be visiting several small gatherings between February 11th through February 25th so that you can hear more and ask questions. We will be sharing location and times for these gatherings so more info to follow. If none of the times work for you or you would like to talk with someone one-on-one, please feel free to contact Pastor Pierce (peaton@fbctc.com).