FINANCIAL FAQs

What will this cost?

Based on the current conceptual plans and comparable buildings, the cost of building a Community Center on the South Campus has been estimated at approximately $7 million. This includes needed site development, utilities, infrastructure and actual construction costs. Renovation costs at the City Center are estimated at $350,000.  Startup costs are estimated at $400,000. Actual costs incurred will be determined after the results of the ministry expansion are known.  Spending will be in line with Valley Church’s borrowing policy, which was established in 1994 to provide Valley with a conservative fiscal direction.  

What is our targeted financial goal for the Love You Des Moines Ministry Expansion?

With God’s provision, we are seeking between $5.8 and $8.5 million for the ministry expansion.  $8.5 million is the “miracle goal” which will enable Valley to fund all the anticipated expansion without borrowing funds or scaling back the project.  $5.8 million is the level at which we can move ahead with the project, with some borrowing in line with Valley’s biblically-based borrowing policy.  

Why should I give to the Love You Des Moines Ministry Expansion?

Matthew 6:21 says “Where your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Jesus taught that whatever we treasure will be the guiding force in our lives. When we give our treasure to God’s work, God’s priorities become our priority.    

As a church, our desire is to reach this community for Christ. We are committed to fulfill this by funding the ministry expansion to create more opportunities for ministry. And we want to do this together as His church - everyone participating with an equal heart to give - not equal gifts.  

On January 9th, 2011, Bruce Johnson shared a message with the Valley Church family on biblical giving. To hear his message, please go to the messages page and click Bruce’s message from 1/9/2011. Giving toward ministry expansion is always over and above biblically based tithing.   

How is giving to ministry expansion different from the regular weekly offering?

The regular weekly offering provides for the ongoing needs of the church, including all ministry activities, staffing and ongoing operational costs. To fund large capital investments like the Love You Des Moines Ministry Expansion, our church needs to provide over and above the weekly offerings as an investment in the future of the church. We would not take funds away from our current ministry to fund ministry expansion. Our hope and prayer is that everyone will participate, giving to both current ministries and the investment in reaching our community for Christ.  

What financial oversight is being given to the project?

Three systems of checks and balances are in place to ensure God's resources are used wisely.   First, the Elder Board has reviewed and approved the project budget. Any significant changes will require their approval.  

Second, Valley Church has staff that is assisting with the donation and construction activities. In addition, Valley has engaged the services of Ministry Campaign Services, a division of the Evangelical Free Church of America, to provide direction and oversight of the campaign.  

Third, several teams of volunteers have been formed to provide both construction and financial oversight. These teams are made up of individuals in our church family with substantial financial and construction expertise, and will be actively engaged in the fulfillment of this project.  

What will the ongoing operation and maintenance cost be for the facilities and how will we manage the upkeep?

Both facilities will require several additional staff members to maintain and manage the ministries, resulting in a 3% increase in total staff expense.  Based on an analysis of historical costs maintaining our current facility along with projections on new expenses, we expect that operating costs will increase from approximately 7% of our annual budget to 12%. This level of increase can be managed through normal anticipated growth in giving, as well as some costs recouped via rental fees.  We are not anticipating cutting any ministries as a result of this ministry expansion process.  

What is the church's policy on capital expansion debt?

The elders of Valley Church have a long-established borrowing policy designed to ensure responsible stewardship. The borrowing policy is available here.

How much debt does the church have now? If needed, how will we bridge the gap between what is committed and our need/cost?

If needed, donations totaling less than the cost can be supplemented by loans, but only to the extent permitted by our biblically based borrowing policy established by the Elder board. 12% of the church’s annual expenses goes toward current debt.  If additional debt is required after ministry expansion commitments are received, the Elder board has established a debt ceiling of approximately 16% of annual expenses. If there is still a shortfall, then we will prudently adjust the scope of the project to match available funding.  

Will either facility be self-sustaining?

Operating expenses will most likely exceed any potential revenue through facility rental.  As an extension of the main Valley Church property, these facilities will serve the community of greater Des Moines and operational costs will be funded by the contributions toward Valley’s ongoing ministries.  

Can the church afford to take this on during this economic climate?

Based on prayer, conversations with financial experts, and research, we believe Valley is in a strong financial position to undertake this project.  First, the people of Valley Church have demonstrated consistent, faithful, and generous stewardship throughout the recent economic downturn. In fact, our giving to the Ministries Fund has increased considerably thus far in 2011. Second, the overall project is likely smaller in actual dollars than what Valley Church undertook in 1997 with a congregation only about 25% of our current membership.  In 1997, a congregation of approximately 600 attendees launched a $7 million campaign for the construction of our current facility. Third, we are sensitive to those individuals who may have lost jobs or income during this economic climate. Through Valley’s Koinonia fund, we seek to help those who are in need. We remember that the Lord looks not on the amount of the gift but on the amount of the sacrifice involved.  That will be different for every individual.  

When can I begin to give toward the Love You Des Moines Ministry Expansion?

Donations to the ministry expansion can be initiated online.  Choose Love You Des Moines as the designation for your gift.   On May 15, all Valley attendees will be asked to make a 3 year commitment toward funding the Love You Des Moines Ministry Expansion.