We Did not "Realize the Dream"

I'm really thankful, really I am. I am thankful for life and health and a job. Nowdays, those last two are hard to come by. I have to keep reminding myself, however, that my joy is in the Lord and not in circumstances. The circumstances would have me depressed. I have to admit that by Sunday afternoon I was losing the battle against depression.

As many of you who read this post are aware DBBC has been in a capital funds campaign for nearly two months when you consider all the up front work necessary to get it off the ground. Last Sunday was the "Big Event." The day was to be full of expectation and prayer; and it was. We actually observed the Lord's Supper together in the A.M. Something that hasn't been done in years. The members came to the front to lay their 3 year committments in a basket. We had prayerfully set goals at 4, 8, and 12 million dollars. The amount raised would have significant impact on the future of Dallas Bay. The campaign was one of the most difficult things I have done in the 19 years I have been honored to be the pastor of such a great church. Personally asking for monetary committments is not my thing and does not easily roll off my tongue. However, I did it and followed the prescribed outline given to us by the experts to the letter of the law. So as I said; Sunday was the big day. So we hoped and prayed and fasted. The final tally was less than big. Actually, it was very disappointing. The total was ?.? million. (We wil reveal the total on December 7) That's hard to swallow, but given the economic crisis in the country it was not unimaginable. The depressing part was that only 37% of our church participated. That really took the wind out of my sails. I understand people not being able to commit to as much as they would like in better times, but to make no contribution is downright depressing. To not give up even one meal or soft drink a week to give to the campaign means I did a poor job casting the vision. 

To everyone who did work hard, and there were many; and to everyone who did committ to the campaign; thank you. Your hard work and sacrifice will allow Dallas Bay to continue into the future. To everyone who did not; God bless you. You exercised your right to prayerfully not participate. To be angry with you would be hypocritical. All along I have said I will love everyone the same whether you committ to a three year pledge or not. I still love and appreciate all of you. I just have to come to the realization that the failure of the campaign is my responsibility.  For what ever reason I failed to motivate enough people for the campaign to be a success. Much prayer and deliberation must be done by all of us now to determine the direction of Dallas Bay from this point forward. My prayer is that I did not allow the open door of opportunity that was before us to be closed forever. 

Pastor Ken    

Comments

[Ross Turner]

Pastor Ken, I am sorry to hear that our goals were not fully met. My family and I have been prayerfully excited about the opportunity to begin financially supporting our church. In fact, last Sunday, commitment Sunday, was the first week that we were able to present a tithe as members of DBBC, and my wife and I were thankful to be able to start down that road here with our new church family.

I have been through a few building campaigns in other churches before, and from what we experienced here, I saw nothing that could have been done differently or improved upon. As for choices, well, they are our own. Individual choice is a responsibility God has given each of us, and we are accountable to Him for the decisions we make. Moses must've felt a lot like what you've described during his wrestlings with a stubborn people, but he was not held to account for their choices, but was punished for his own. He led the people despite their choices, and through the consequences of them as well, until the time came that he was able to see them enter into the promised land - until the time came for them to realize their dream.

Failure to realize the dream is no single person's fault whether in leadership or laity. In fact, it could be that The Lord's will is that the dream just not be realized YET. In any case, do not listen to the voice of the accuser, but remain steady in your identity in Christ, for He knows no failure, and does not see failure in you. This "blocked goal", as big as it seems, is temporal, and does not define you. I appreciate your leadership, and STILL look forward to the future we share at DBBC. :)

In Christ,
Ross

[Joseph Whitmire]

Pastor Ken, I echo the same thoughts that Ross has spoken in his comment. The goal has been delayed for reasons unknown to us but, our Lord knows the future. You in know way can put blame on yourself for other people's decisions. You've done what the Lord has laid on your heart to do and that is far from failure. It is though your teaching that I gave my life to Christ and gave Him control of my life. I look forward to each time I hear you teach Gods Word, for you make it so easy for me to understand. Our "Goal" is big, but our GOD is bigger! Stay strong in you walk with Christ and continue to be joyful in the Lord.
"Dallas Bay exisits to be a Beacon of Hope". It was my Beacon of Hope, and I will continue to support that Beacon as the Lord leads me.
Jody

[Drew]

I agree with the others... no one is be blamed for not reaching our goal... 63% of our church just don't realize what God's blessing would be theirs if they only would open themselves up to His will. For me waiting is very difficult,but God has made me do it several times. In retrospect He gave me more in the waiting.

[Jim Blalock]

Pastor Ken, I have heard you say on many occasions that Dallas Bay is about the people and the programs rather than being about the buildings. My family has attended DBBC for a little over 3 years now and I have to tell you that I have seen God working in my life and in the lives of each member of my family. I really want to share with you what God is doing in my life right now. Mandy and I discussed our desire to give to the "Realize the Dream" capitol funds campaign. We both recognize the importance as the church continues to grow. The next question is how much do we give. As everyone is aware, these are uncertain times in our economy as the media continues to remind us. Honestly, I knew that I needed to pray and seek God's guidance in determining what to give. Instead I continued to look at what I thought I could afford to give and yet I was nervous about giving that much. I continued to avoid praying about it out of fear that God would require a greater number. This was clearly my head number and not my faith number. Early Saturday morning the week prior to filling out our commitment card God impressed on my heart the amount that I am supposed to give to this program. It is double the amount that I had as my head number and I want you to know that I am not worried about being able to make it. It is God's number and he will provide it.
You have done an incredible job of pointing us toward Christ no matter what the topic or circumstances. From our relationships with family and friends, through a presidential election as well as the capitol funds campaign to "Realize the Dream". The focus is always on Christ and our relationship with Him and as a result of that, the church will continue to grow. I know that you have put this challenge in front of the church right now because that is what God has led you to do. As God continues to work in the lives of each of the families, I believe more will participate. If God wants that building to be built, it will be built, and it will be done in his time. Continue in faith and keep your focus on Christ, I will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Jim