FAQs

Q: Why should we build a new community space, children’s ministry space and office space?

  • A: By God’s grace, we are given the opportunity to influence the next generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each week, hundreds of families enter our facilities and bring their children to many different locations on campus. We desire to create a central and secure, safe, fun and well-staffed children’s ministry space for parents to check in their children. As families come to Canaan, we also want to genuinely welcome our guests and those who call Canaan home through a new and expanded community space for connection, conversation and coffee. Additionally, we believe it is important to create an environment where our ministry staff grows in community with a space that is conducive to synergy, togetherness and accountability. 

Q: Why should we renovate our worship space?  

  • A: Modernizing our current environment will elevate corporate worship and equip believers to become disciples in their individual lives as they breathe out worship—at work, in their homes and in every setting of life. We believe God is leading us to develop a new atmosphere and renovations to provide excellent platforms of sound and lighting. This ensures that the truths of scripture can be read, conveyed and studied with precision and clarity.

Q: How long is the Elevate: Reaching New Heights initiative?

  • A: Elevate is a three-year, accelerated giving initiative, beginning in December 2016 and concluding November 2019.

Q: What is the projected cost of the construction and renovation?

  • A: The estimated costs are approximately $3.8 million. These estimates reflect 2016 pricing for construction, equipment and furnishings costs.

Q: When do we plan to begin construction?

  • A: At this point, we do not have an exact date but desire to start the project as soon as possible. The church’s leadership will communicate with the church before any construction begins.

Q: Should I redirect my tithe to the Elevate fund? 

  • A: No. Our first priority is supporting Canaan and its current ministries with our tithes. Elevate is an over-and-above gifting, which will look different for each person. It may be taking another step toward generosity, or finding a way to prioritize our personal expenses so we can participate in the growth of God’s kingdom.

Q: How can I get more personally involved with Elevate? 

  • A: First, we ask each of you to pray. Pray for our church to live out our vision of making disciples of Jesus Christ everywhere by impacting our church family, community and beyond with the gospel. Second, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in increasing your generosity in giving to ELEVATE. Third, exercise your faith to trust God to enable you to do what He is prompting you to do.

Q: How do I make my commitment? Is it confidential?

  • A: You will be given a commitment card on which you can indicate your goal for giving. Your card will be kept confidential (just like your tithes) and will be collected during the Elevate initiative.

Q: Can I change my commitment during the three-year initiative? 

  • A: As circumstances change unexpectedly, your goal can be adjusted by contacting the church office.

Q: How much will each person be expected to give? 

  • A: The only expectation is that each person/family pray and ask God what He would have them to give. While the amounts will obviously be different for everyone, our hope is that each person will take personal ownership in the project and be led to give generously, even sacrificially. Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.

Q. How will we pay for the cost of building?

  • A. Our goal is to raise $3.8 million over the next three years in our Elevate generosity initiative. We intend to pay for construction with gifts that are received. We believe God would have us to accomplish all of this with no debt beyond what is given and pledged.   

Q. What if we don’t reach our goal of $3.8 million?

  • A. We will have recommendations based on priority and will decide together as a church family the direction God would have us to go.