We've begun the process of talking to banks, investors and people that own land and buildings. It's crazy that a 14 month old church is there, but hey, that's where we are. We absolutely love meeting at Woodland, but that can't be our long-term plan.
Anyway, we have a somewhat unique opportunity to purchase something pretty quickly if we can buy it for about 60% of appraised value. I won't go into how all this works, but we're looking for a giant warehouse that could be converted or some land (at least 15 usable acres, but we could use more). It has to have a Cartersville address, and be suitable for a church facility. The asking price doesn't matter as much as the appraisal price, and then we could offer 60% of that number. Sometimes, property is appraised at much more than a person could get for it anyway. For someone who has just sat on something for a while or needs to move something quickly or wants to leave a legacy and do something amazing, this might be a God-thing.
We're looking at some out-of-the box ideas...no idea is too crazy.
Why do you need a building? There are large churches all over the US meeting in temp places and using alot of money for ministry. If you want to be out of the box why not forget the building and invest more money in your community and around the world. You're obviously a free thinker and "rebel" so why not do this differently? Just a question.
Jack
check out my recent post, it's all about the use of buildings www.camelcrossing.net
Posted by: Jack | October 11, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Mike,
I'm disappointed that you didn't allow my comment to be posted. Everything that you've written led me to bellieve that you were an independent thinker and willing to take risks. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a building but at least dialogue about it. The fact that won't post my comment leads me to believe that you're open to "out-of-the box" as long as it's your idea. I'm disappointed at your close minded traditional approach to this. Be different and rebellious because you actually value what is different, not because it's the cool thing to do. There are so many pomod guys just being edgey and controversial because it's hip to do so. I hope you're not one of these guys. My good friend Todd has been crushed enough by edgey, shallow pastors...he doesn't need another one. I'm not saying you are one but when you're not open to opposing views then it makes me wonder.
Jack
Posted by: Jack | October 12, 2007 at 10:26 AM
jack,
sorry for the delay in posting your comment...i'm out of the country. :) hopefully, i get a little pass for that.
your point is well taken. we kind of love being portable. the thing is, in our town, there are not many locations available to us. one school system will not rent facilities. the other is considering the same path. the local performing arts center has denied us, and we've outgrown the only place we have. we pursue every single option we have, but when you push on the door and God leaves it locked, you move on to other doors i guess.
Posted by: Michael | October 13, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Sorry if I jumped the gun on you. I thought at first you were traveling to Rome Georgia. I couldn't understand why you were so excited....now I know the difference.
Have you guys considered some type of partnership with somone? Either another church or allowing the fine arts center to use some of your equipment. Is there a nightclub or anything that you could use?
Just wondering, have fun in Rome and thanks for your response.
Jack
Posted by: Jack | October 13, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Why did you say that the performing arts center has been denied to your church??? Your church had services there just yesterday!
Posted by: Kaylynn | October 15, 2007 at 04:43 PM
I didn't mean to say that Woodland has denied our request to meet there. Thanks for allow me the opportunity to clarify.
We have been given a six month lease with the school board, and the board is considering adopting a policy that would not allow churches, community groups, dance studios, boy scouts, etc. to meet in school facilities on a regular basis. The "denial" I mention is for after our "trial period." If this policy is adopted (which would be a change from their current policy), then we will not be able to meet at Woodland after March of 2008. We'd love to stay there if possible, as we think it's a great place for our church on Sundays and a great help to the school and the school system.
Posted by: Michael | October 15, 2007 at 11:39 PM
jack,
it doesn't look like the school board is needing access to any of our equipment, though we have offered. and there is one nightclub in towb, but it wouldn't provide adequate children's space. but we're still looking and praying that God will open a door.
ml
Posted by: Michael | October 15, 2007 at 11:51 PM
60% of appraised value! That will be tough but I have seen it before. It will have to be a God thing! I will keep my eye open. I would advise that when you find something don't spread the word around until you have a signed contract. The only reason I mention this is because I know of a church that had a verbal agreement to buy 50-acres on the Etowah River, the pastor mentioned this fact to a local business man who immediatley went out and offered the land owner more money and got the land. By the way, I am a local Architect, I love looking at land and would be happy to evaluate any land that you are looking at for free. Of course a thoughrough evaluation may require some engineering work that is beyond my capabilities and would require highering an engineer (soils investigation, envirnmental issues, etc) I really do love looking at land and figuring out the potential for development.
Posted by: Steven R. Jackson, AIA | October 17, 2007 at 10:36 AM