M2 FAQ's

What is the purpose of the M2 campaign?
The goal is to mobilize the church and maximize the campus. Through the Recommission Network, we will mobilize members to plant and revitalize churches across the Greenville area so the gospel reaches neighborhoods we could never reach alone. At the same time, we will maximize our campus by expanding spaces for equipping more people to make disciples for years to come. We are asking every member to prayerfully consider how God would have them serve and give sacrificially so that more people can be reached here and beyond.

What are we planning to build?
We plan to build a new sanctuary that will seat approximately 1,100 people (our current worship center seats approximately 500), and a much-needed welcome and gathering area. The construction plan also provides for the efficient addition of educational space in the future as ministry needs grow. Current plans are available at rockycreek.church/m2.

How did we decide on this plan?
The original plans included additional educational space and parking, but the projected costs were more than we believed were wise to pursue. The Construction Team worked diligently with the architects to develop a plan for an affordable new sanctuary that is welcoming, practical, and designed to maximize ministry. The team has eliminated many “wants” to reduce costs while preserving the project’s long-term impact. A smaller sanctuary was considered; however, the cost savings from reducing several hundred seats were relatively small compared to the seating capacity and ministry opportunities the current plan provides.

Why are there two components in the giving campaign?
The first component is a Firstfruits offering, a one-time gift given on September 20 that helps begin the next phase of our project. The combination of loan financing and cash on hand must be sufficient for a lender to close on the construction loan and for construction to begin.

The second component is the remaining campaign commitment, fulfilled over 27 months through December 2028. The campaign commitment will be used to reduce the amount we ultimately borrow and strengthen the church’s financial position for years to come.

Parking is a problem on Sunday morning. How is this problem being addressed?
The cost estimates made it obvious the church could not afford to include significant parking expansion as part of this project. We are currently exploring options to better utilize our current parking and enhance adjacent lots that are available on Sunday mornings. We believe these efforts could add several hundred parking spaces. As we continue to mobilize members to Sunday evening worship and Gospel Groups, we also anticipate reduced congestion on Sunday mornings.

When will we break ground?
Construction can begin once we have sufficient cash on hand, together with approved loan financing, to meet the lender’s requirements. While we have estimated our borrowing capacity and available reserves, we can only break ground after we have the necessary resources on hand. No construction activity will occur before the church has approved the project by vote.

What will we do if we don’t raise the initial Firstfruits goal?
God has blessed Rocky Creek financially for many decades. We are moving forward in faith, expecting God to provide through His people the resources needed for this project, allowing us to reach more people for His Kingdom. We plan to begin construction as God leads His people to give and the necessary financing is secured.

What are the expectations for financing the remainder of the project?
We are in discussions with a number of potential lenders who have expressed interest in partnering with us on this project. Our estimated lending capacity of approximately $11 million is based on these discussions, but will ultimately be determined after the Firstfruits offering and a review of the church’s financial position. Ultimately, the church will vote on the recommended financing plan, including the selected lender and loan terms.

Can we afford the expected loan payment?
The M2 Fundraising Team has worked with Rocky Creek’s Finance Team to determine an approximate debt amount the church can obtain without negatively impacting future ministry. The goal is to minimize the monthly payment while maximizing ministry, and the Finance Team believes the church can responsibly support a monthly debt service payment of up to $80,000.

What other ministry considerations are ongoing as we continue to deal with space issues?
We have a space challenge today, and the construction period is expected to be approximately 14 to 16 months from groundbreaking. We are currently exploring options to utilize the gym and fellowship hall to expand Sunday morning worship space. Part of this campaign will be a renewed emphasis encouraging our members to consider different times for worship (i.e., attending the 5:00 p.m. service) and Gospel Groups (changing meeting times, moving off-site, or meeting on different days). We are also exploring ways to maximize the use of our preschool and children’s ministry spaces.

What should we be doing at this time?
Recognize that M2 is more than a building project. It is an investment in reaching people throughout the Greenville area for decades to come. Pray about your part in leaving a legacy for future generations, just as those who sacrificially gave to provide our current sanctuary in the 1960s and the gym and education space in the early 2000s did. Pray about how God would have you give above your regular giving through stored resources, ongoing income, or other creative means to support Kingdom work. Finally, prepare to bring a Firstfruits offering and make a long-term campaign commitment on September 20.

How can I give appreciated securities to the church?
Your broker can be instructed to transfer the securities to the Rocky Creek Baptist Church account at Edward Jones (DTC 0057, account 292-14259-1-0). These transfers typically take a few days to complete, after which the securities will be promptly liquidated. We recommend requesting confirmation from your broker of the value on the date of transfer and emailing giving@rockycreek.church to notify the finance office of the transfer so the church can properly identify the donor and designate the gift for its intended purpose.

Final Thoughts
We want Rocky Creek members to have the information needed to prayerfully consider their part in the M2 Campaign. If you have questions that are not addressed, you can email info@rockycreek.church, and your question will be sent to the right person to get the answer you need. We are grateful for the thoughtful questions, faithful prayers, and sacrificial generosity of our church family as we seek God’s direction and prepare for what He has ahead for Rocky Creek.

Members of the Fundraising Team:
Keith Giddens, Les Leith, Walker Riley, and Tommy Warren