It's Official
IT'S OFFICIAL!
On May 3, we celebrated the completion of our three-year capital initiative, For the One, when we had reached 98% of our goal. One week later, on May 10, we crossed the finish line, surpassing the $2 million mark. The final total came to $2,025,048.
What an incredible testimony to God's faithfulness and the generosity of His people!
CareNet's Mobile Unit Fully Funded
One of the distinctive features of our capital initiatives is that they always include an outreach component. This time, we partnered with CareNet to help fund a mobile unit that will take life-affirming services throughout Cochise County, including to women who have been crossing the border into Mexico to access abortions.
The amount needed to begin production of the vehicle was $343,000. After all For the One contributions had been applied, CareNet was still short $33,304.42.
Because this project was so important to many in our church family, we were able to provide the remaining funds from our General Fund and celebrate the completion of their fundraising goal as well.
We are grateful that God has entrusted these resources to us. In total, Thunder Mountain Church provided approximately 71% of the funding needed for the mobile unit.
Generosity Remains a Priority
One thing that continues to encourage me is that our church practices the same generosity that we teach.
Even while preparing for a major building project, we have remained committed to ministry. During the past year alone, General Fund dollars have been used to purchase the Outreach Center, acquire an additional 14 acres, and help fund CareNet's mobile unit. In addition, special offerings and designated gifts are helping make the Outreach Center operational.
Our goal has never been simply to build buildings. Our goal is to advance the mission God has given us.
We Reached Both Goals
At the beginning of For the One, we were presented with two objectives:
1.) Raise $2 million in cash.
2.) Increase General Fund giving to $1.25 million annually in order to qualify for a $5 million loan.
By God's grace, we accomplished both.
Praise God for what He has done through the people of Thunder Mountain Church!
Looking Ahead
For several years, it has felt as though every time we approached the finish line, the target moved. Construction costs increased. Attendance growth accelerated. New ministry opportunities emerged. As a result, we found ourselves needing to begin with what was originally considered Phase 2 of construction.
But God's timing is perfect.
The scope of the project has certainly changed, but our commitment remains the same.
We are determined to build what we need—not merely what we can afford—trusting that the God who is bringing the people will also provide the resources.
That conviction has guided us throughout this process, and it continues to guide us today.
Design Phase 2 Is Underway
Churches By Daniels has been working with us to finalize the design details.
The new worship center is planned to seat approximately 1,000 people. Building it at this size now will actually cost less than constructing a smaller facility and expanding later.
The plans also include an office wing to meet near-future staff needs and expanded connection space, including a café area designed to encourage relationships and make our campus a place where people gather throughout the week.
What's Ahead?
The current project estimate is approximately $11.18 million (+/- 10%). The design and engineering work currently underway is part of that overall cost.
Our present timeline suggests that we could possibly break ground in 2027. That's next year!
At the same time, we recognize there is still much that only God can do to make this dream a reality. We will continue to move forward prayerfully, faithfully, and expectantly.
As we move through the design process, we will also be working with potential lenders to determine exactly what will be required to begin construction. Once those conversations are complete, we expect to launch a new capital initiative this fall focused on helping us take the next step toward breaking ground in 2027.
Rather than guessing at a number, we want to establish a goal based on solid information, realistic construction costs, and a clear financing plan. In the months ahead, we'll share more details as they become available.
For the One was never the finish line—it was an important step toward the larger vision God has placed before us. We celebrate what God has done, even as we look ahead to what He has yet to do.
Kim and I have enthusiastically participated in each of the four capital initiatives during our time here, and we have never wanted to return to our previous level of giving after seeing what the Lord is capable of doing through us.
Even though For the One is complete, we will continue to give to both the Building Fund and the General Fund.
We do this because we believe deeply in what God is doing through this church. Over the years, we have watched countless lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and seen legacies of faith begin in families from our community whose influence now extends across the country.
The buildings matter because people matter, and every step forward creates more opportunities for people to encounter Jesus.
That is a return on investment that cannot be measured in dollars.
Thank you for your generosity, your faith, and your partnership in the mission God has entrusted to us.
On May 3, we celebrated the completion of our three-year capital initiative, For the One, when we had reached 98% of our goal. One week later, on May 10, we crossed the finish line, surpassing the $2 million mark. The final total came to $2,025,048.
What an incredible testimony to God's faithfulness and the generosity of His people!
CareNet's Mobile Unit Fully Funded
One of the distinctive features of our capital initiatives is that they always include an outreach component. This time, we partnered with CareNet to help fund a mobile unit that will take life-affirming services throughout Cochise County, including to women who have been crossing the border into Mexico to access abortions.
The amount needed to begin production of the vehicle was $343,000. After all For the One contributions had been applied, CareNet was still short $33,304.42.
Because this project was so important to many in our church family, we were able to provide the remaining funds from our General Fund and celebrate the completion of their fundraising goal as well.
We are grateful that God has entrusted these resources to us. In total, Thunder Mountain Church provided approximately 71% of the funding needed for the mobile unit.
Generosity Remains a Priority
One thing that continues to encourage me is that our church practices the same generosity that we teach.
Even while preparing for a major building project, we have remained committed to ministry. During the past year alone, General Fund dollars have been used to purchase the Outreach Center, acquire an additional 14 acres, and help fund CareNet's mobile unit. In addition, special offerings and designated gifts are helping make the Outreach Center operational.
Our goal has never been simply to build buildings. Our goal is to advance the mission God has given us.
We Reached Both Goals
At the beginning of For the One, we were presented with two objectives:
1.) Raise $2 million in cash.
2.) Increase General Fund giving to $1.25 million annually in order to qualify for a $5 million loan.
By God's grace, we accomplished both.
Praise God for what He has done through the people of Thunder Mountain Church!
Looking Ahead
For several years, it has felt as though every time we approached the finish line, the target moved. Construction costs increased. Attendance growth accelerated. New ministry opportunities emerged. As a result, we found ourselves needing to begin with what was originally considered Phase 2 of construction.
But God's timing is perfect.
The scope of the project has certainly changed, but our commitment remains the same.
We are determined to build what we need—not merely what we can afford—trusting that the God who is bringing the people will also provide the resources.
That conviction has guided us throughout this process, and it continues to guide us today.
Design Phase 2 Is Underway
Churches By Daniels has been working with us to finalize the design details.
The new worship center is planned to seat approximately 1,000 people. Building it at this size now will actually cost less than constructing a smaller facility and expanding later.
The plans also include an office wing to meet near-future staff needs and expanded connection space, including a café area designed to encourage relationships and make our campus a place where people gather throughout the week.
What's Ahead?
The current project estimate is approximately $11.18 million (+/- 10%). The design and engineering work currently underway is part of that overall cost.
Our present timeline suggests that we could possibly break ground in 2027. That's next year!
At the same time, we recognize there is still much that only God can do to make this dream a reality. We will continue to move forward prayerfully, faithfully, and expectantly.
As we move through the design process, we will also be working with potential lenders to determine exactly what will be required to begin construction. Once those conversations are complete, we expect to launch a new capital initiative this fall focused on helping us take the next step toward breaking ground in 2027.
Rather than guessing at a number, we want to establish a goal based on solid information, realistic construction costs, and a clear financing plan. In the months ahead, we'll share more details as they become available.
For the One was never the finish line—it was an important step toward the larger vision God has placed before us. We celebrate what God has done, even as we look ahead to what He has yet to do.
Kim and I have enthusiastically participated in each of the four capital initiatives during our time here, and we have never wanted to return to our previous level of giving after seeing what the Lord is capable of doing through us.
Even though For the One is complete, we will continue to give to both the Building Fund and the General Fund.
We do this because we believe deeply in what God is doing through this church. Over the years, we have watched countless lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and seen legacies of faith begin in families from our community whose influence now extends across the country.
The buildings matter because people matter, and every step forward creates more opportunities for people to encounter Jesus.
That is a return on investment that cannot be measured in dollars.
Thank you for your generosity, your faith, and your partnership in the mission God has entrusted to us.
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