The NOW Project

Why NOW?

Grace Church has a special place--and a special calling--in Northern Nevada. As one of the very few large churches in this highly un-churched area, we need to set the pace with the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We plan to do that in two ways:

1. By making room for people to come hear about God and by serving them inside the church, thereby giving them the opportunity to know God through Jesus and be transformed for His glory.
2. By reaching out into the community and beyond by meeting the needs of those who are hurting…by being Jesus to those He created, thereby making Christ known outside the church.

Both of these objectives serve God’s Kingdom here on earth through Jesus Christ. As we continue on and do the work, He will be glorified. (Eph. 3:20-21)

Why NOW 12:1?

Hebrews 11 tells of great people of the Bible who persisted in faith, even amidst adversity and long periods of waiting for God's timing. People who took risks… people like Noah...Abraham...Moses. Hebrews challenges readers to consider these great examples in Hebrews 12:1, and then says, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." In applying that scripture to our lives and to Grace Church, we continue on with the goal of making room for more people to hear about God. We persist and press on in this journey with our new campaign.

NOW History

In 2007, Grace Church was called to the NOW Project, an endeavor to make room for more people to hear about God, resulting in changed lives for His glory. Because we believe God's primary method of making Himself known is through the Church (the people of God), we see this as a primary objective in ministry. God has done great things through the NOW Project, and we have made huge progress toward the goal. By the grace of God working through the sacrifice and generosity of His people, we raised $5.5 million. This enabled us to complete building design and some engineering, fill in the ditch and complete the parking lot, even pay down long term debt…all very important foundational steps toward the building. More importantly…most importantly… people’s lives were changed. They became part of something bigger than themselves. God moved in a new way amongst our body, a beautiful thing. Yet, still, we need more room. The need still exists. It is still urgent. The time is still...NOW.

How much do we need?

To complete the entire project, we need an additional $6,000,000 (Click here for details). This would allow us to complete the facility, including furnishings and audio video, with no additional long-term debt. (These numbers are based on this year’s cost projections.)

In April of 2011, Grace Church presented NOW offerings and pledges exceeding $3,000,000, with a pledge timeline of three years. Once we collect that money, we look forward to moving forward with plans to break ground on a new worship center. According to current information from the lenders and contractors, we believe that we can break ground when we raise $3,000,000.

As of December, 2011, we have raised over $1,000,000 toward that $3,000,000 goal, so, thanks to God's provision, and the generosity of many people, we are making great progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need to grow?

Church growth research shows that once a church reaches 80% capacity in prime time services, the church stops growing. Grace Church has exceeded that mark in both 10 and 11:30 services. Additionally, the Worship Center room design further adds to that problem because it’s so difficult to reach inside seats. The “feel” of the room being full keeps guests from returning, and snuffs out growth. Adding another service still would not make room in those prime services, so that doesn’t solve the problem.

Remember, Matthew 28 charges us with making disciples and God’s chosen tool for that is the Church. If we have no room, it hampers our ability to make disciples.

Does a larger church really have more impact?

As a larger Church, we have opportunity to be more effective as we reach out into the city, nation and world in the name of Jesus. A larger body of believers working together can indeed have greater impact…Case in point: Grace’s year end gift (offering) generated a substantial gift to Hosanna Home to meet the needs of women in transition. That gift could not have been as large or effective if we were a small congregation. As we grow, our capacity to love, support, and help those Jesus calls us to will be magnified.

How will we do it?

The leaders of Grace Church believe that an essential tool to accomplish this purpose is a new worship center. Plans are ready. The design is complete. All we need is to finish funding. We are asking those who call Grace Church home to seek God, ask Him what He would have them do, then sacrifice as He leads. When each of us join together as the Body of Christ, prayerfully following His will in this, we believe that God will do miraculous things.

For us to accomplish this Kingdom work , we need all of Grace Church to seek God and follow His lead in this endeavor. Do something bigger than yourself. Do something that will make a difference eternally. Give to the NOW Project. Make room for people to hear about God.

Click here for a pledge card.

If you have questions about the NOW Project, email Karen Durst.