F.A.Q. sections:
Questions about One LifeQuestions about the Facility
Questions about Gateway's Future
What was the initial response to One Life?
Two years ago, when everyone at Gateway was asked to begin at a point of willingness - to ask God what he would have us contribute financially over the next three years - the people of Gateway astounded everyone with their response. Over 600 families (representing about 900 individuals) pledged six million dollars.
It is an awesome story of how it takes everyone's contribution, large and small, to build something that God can use to serve generations to come.
Notice how each category made a huge impact as everyone did their part:
| 2004 One Life Commitments: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amount Pledged | People | Total Amount |
| less than $1000 | 80 | 47,000 |
| $1001-$5000 | 276 | 804,000 |
| $5001-$10000 | 132 | 985,000 |
| $10001-$25000 | 122 | 1,820,000 |
| $25001-$100,000 | 46 | 2,005,000 |
| over $100,0000 | 2 | 383,000 |
| (total) | 658 | $6,044,000 |
Hundreds of people sacrificed because they believe in what God is doing through Gateway. It's amazing what God accomplished through all of us willing!
What has been the ongoing response to One Life?
With the finish line in sight, Gateway is again faced with a significant challenge in the home stretch. Of the $6 million pledged over three years, the current pace is to collect less than 80% of that total. In other words, at the end of the One Life journey, there will be a shortfall of $1.3 million if trends continue.
Initial designs for move-in have been scaled back. Gateway could have a potentially crippling debt burden should trends continue or worsen.
I'm already giving to One Life. Are you asking me to give more?
If you already give to One Life, thank you for being part of this journey! (you can't hear that enough!) Everything that's happening wouldn't have been possible without you!
For many of you, maybe what you're doing is all God intends for you to do. Feel good about that! Maybe some of you, though, have found yourselves blessed beyond what you expected since making the original commitment and you could increase. For some others, you may feel it would be possible to extend your commitment another year.
Again, all that's asked is for you to be willing before God and respond to Him according to your unique situation.
How much should I give?
People often ask, "If you divide it out among everyone equally, how much do we each need to give?" Though a formulaic approach helps us see the goal is attainable, this way of thinking can actually hinder us from experiencing God's blessings through stepping out in faith, because it leaves God out of the equation.
The life-giving part of this journey is realizing you are partnering with God, the one who provides it all and ultimately owns it all (read Deuteronomy 8:17-18). God gives us the freedom to choose to use what He gives us, not only for our own good, but also to partner in His purposes for the good of others.
If you're truly willing, God will put in your heart how to respond. So make it a spiritual decision and watch how God works to provide all you need so you can do what he asks (read Malachi 3:8-12).
We originally hoped to raise $4 million and $6 million was pledged. So, why is the $1.3 million shortfall so critical?
Even with the $6 million pledged, it was clear that we'd have to borrow funds to build what our growing church needed (the land and construction costs would be higher than $6 million). When One Life started, there were conceptual drawings and preliminary budget estimates. After seeing what our church pledged, actual designs could be made. During that phase, steel prices escalated, causing a redesign. During the redesign, it was clear that for an additional $2.7 million, the property couldbe maximized now with 1950 seats and parking, with the flexibility to expand to 2400 seats in the future (for about 1/5th of the cost of expanding in a second phase).
With $6 million committed, it made the most financial sense to Gateway's Board of Directors to maximize the property now. To move in with full capacity and a healthy debt load, the full $6 million that was committed is needed.
Can I give stocks or other assets?
Yes! There are additional tax benefits to giving appreciated assets.
Visit the Giving to One Life page for details about that and other aspects of giving to One Life.
Other Questions?
If you're wondering about something else, submit your question.
Where is the facility?
It's located on 20 acres on McNeil Road near 183 (just 1500 feet from 183!) It's within Austin's city limits and near a major freeway!
What is the total project scope and cost?
The space will be more than double the Bull Creek location -- 60,000 square feet on 20 acres of land. The total project cost, including land, soft costs, and buildings will be $14.7 million. This seems like a huge amount, yet to put it in perspective, to rebuild the current Bull Creek facility would cost around $7-8 million.
Why do we need to build at all?
The facility Gateway currently leases on Bull Creek is scheduled to be demolished very soon. A team of professionals and volunteers searched for a site to lease or purchase. They discovered that leasing would actually be less economically viable than buying or building due to renovation costs and rent payments.
What has been happening at the McNeil property lately?
The past 15 months have been a flurry of activity at the new property. Though work will not be fully completed until the end of January, when you walk on the campus you cannot help but be filled with anticipation of what God will do in and through this place!
View the Photo Album to see pictures of the building going up.
What will the facility look like?
Architects worked to design a buliding that looks and feels like the culture of Gateway -- very real and very Austin! It emphasizes a casual style, the outdoors, and community.
The best way to understand the facility is to look at it for yourself! Sign up for a Vision Tour in November or December to not just tour the facility but to also better understand the vision behind it (visit www.gatewaychurch.com and click on Vision Tours for info.
Check out the photo album to see some pictures of the facility.
Other Questions?
If you're wondering about something else, submit your question.
Questions about Gateway's future:
Is this new building going to change Gateway?
Gateway's mission will never change. "To help unchurched people become a unified community of growing Christ followers." The Gateway culture, the vibe, the heart of our people will not change, but will grow stronger and be used by God in more significant ways throughout Austin.
Other Questions?
If you're wondering about something else, submit your question.
