Making room for more

MESSAGE FROM LEAD PASTOR GREG NICHOLSON

In 1981, the fifteen founding members of HCC dreamed of having a vibrant, growing church. That didn’t happen right away.
When I came here in 1988 we prayed and worked hard to become self-supporting by 1991 but, like most new churches, we hit a growth plateau in the 18-25-year range. The church then either declines or some type of catalyst stimulates growth.
God blessed us with that catalyst in 2007 and by 2010 we were experiencing crowding issues so we began holding dual worship services. That bought us one year and in 2011 we entered into a complete renovation of our building. The vision was that this would accommodate our needs until we were close to 400 in attendance in the two services. We had almost reached that goal in early 2020 but then the world was shuttered by COVID-19.
God has been blessing us during the COVID years and we have discovered that we are  one of 1% of North American Churches that have experienced financial and numerical growth from year-to-year since 2019. We are almost at that target of 400 again. The time for us to act is NOW! “We Need to Make Room for More”!
God has blessed us with a vibrant, growing, multi-cultural, disciple-making church that strives to make Jesus known. In order to create more disciples, our leadership feels that we must increase the size of our building. Leaving out anyone who needs to connect with Jesus isn’t an option for us.
I am asking you to prayerfully consider making the most generous contribution that you have ever made to “Making Room for More”. We firmly believe that God will provide the resources.
THIS IS A DEFINING MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF HALIFAX CHRISTIAN CHURCH
In order for Halifax Christian Church to plan and move forward, giving estimates are necessary. Therefore, we ask you to prayerfully commit to step out in faith, and pledge what you can beyond your regular tithes and offerings. This is a statement of intent and may be increased or decreased at any time. All gifts are kept confidential.
The chart below is designed to help you consider what commitment might be possible for you during the campaign.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL THERE BE AN ADEQUATE KITCHEN IN THIS ADDITION?
Yes. Our present kitchenette is 6 feet by 9 feet. We will be building a kitchen on the main level which will be 11 feet by 16 feet. The present kitchenette will stay and be used by the children’s ministry.

WHERE WILL I PARK MY CAR IF WE ARE BUILDING INTO THE PARKING LOT?
Our present parking lot only handles 25 cars and in order to get a building permit we will still be maintaining 17 of them. 12-13 cars can park on the street on the  Farnham Gate Road side and another 25-30 can park on the back street, Douglas Crescent. We also have permission to park in the mall across the street.

WHY DO WE NEED TO “MAKE ROOM FOR MORE”, WHEN ALL THE CHAIRS AREN’T IN USE EACH SUNDAY?
Studies have shown, and we’ve observed, that when you reach 66% capacity guests can’t comfortably find a seat and there is a tendency that they don’t return.

CAN WE AFFORD THIS?
No, we can’t, but God can. He continues to bring more and more people to us and we feel confident he will bless in a financial way.

HOW MANY WILL WE BE ABLE TO SEAT?
We will have 323 chairs (253 on the main level and 70 in a balcony). We presently have 183 chairs.

WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED START AND FINISH DATES?
We will be starting the excavation in April 2024 with the goal of being completed in 12-13 months.

SINCE WE ARE “MAKING ROOM FOR MORE” ANYWAY, WHY NOT BUILD EVEN BIGGER TO ALLOW ROOM FOR EVEN MORE PEOPLE?
That would have to take place on a different site and with the present cost of land and construction the cost would be too great.

WHAT WILL THE CHILDREN’S AREA BE LIKE?
Thank you for asking. This is a key reason behind this project. Our present Children’s Ministry area is inadequate because of over- crowding concerns and the lack  of security. The new children’s ministry area will be for children and adult workers only. Preschool age will be in the present basement and the school-age children will be in the new section.

I REALLY LIKE THE FEEL OF  OUR CHURCH RIGHT NOW,  WHY DO WE HAVE TO CHANGE IT?
The feel comes from the incredible people that make up HCC and, since they’ll still be present in this expanded building, we expect the feel to carry over to even more people.

WHERE WILL WE GO DURING CONSTRUCTION?
We will be able to stay in our present building while the addition is being built. Our present basement will remain as is but, at some point during that year, we will be redesigning the present main level of the church. There could very well be a period when we will have to find an alternate location.

WHAT IF I’VE NEVER GIVEN TO HCC BEFORE?
This campaign is a perfect time to start. If you are invested in HCC or looking to make it your home, we would love for you to be a part of our mission going forward.
If you are already giving, thank you.
To begin giving, please see our options HERE.
If you would like to give via e-transfer, check or cash, please note “Making Room” in the memo line.
If you have any questions, one of our team will gladly assist you with your generosity.