Why do we want to move?

If we continue at our current rate of growth, we will outgrow our current facility in a year and a half. God seems to be blessing Existence Church in many ways, and there is no reason to think that we won’t continue to grow. It is wise to be proactive now and prepare for the future.

How big does Existence want to become?

Numerical growth is not our chief priority… being a healthy, God-honoring, inclusive, missional church is. Our hope is to look back every year and be able to say with confidence that we have been faithful to that mission. God is in charge of how much He wants us to grow.

Will the building affect our overall ministry commitments?

No way! Buildings are for serving the ministry, not the other way around. We consider it failure if we become distracted from our primary mission as a church. Our church does not exist for buildings, rather for building the kingdom. We expect to expand our ministries in the next three years.

What if it costs more?

We are known for being a very frugal church, and we will be searching out the most cost-effective ways to accomplish this project. However, at times materials, permits, and overall costs can change from the beginning to the end of a project. If that happens we will be open and forthright and bring the new information to the church to collectively address the changes.

Why start so early?

Because it’s the wise and prudent thing to do. We are called to be good stewards of our time and resources, and we want to make the most out of every season God gives us as a church. We see the need now, and we believe God will bless as we follow His leading.

When we move will we buy in the Miramar area?

For sure! We believe God has called us to this area. This central location allows us to easily minister to people from all over San Diego County.

As of right now what can I do to help?

Continue to pray for wisdom and spiritual blessing for Existence Church. We know that whenever God is doing something, the enemy wants to stop Him. Pray for a spirit of unity and enthusiasm as we seek God’s continued blessing.

Where do we go from here?

Over the next few weeks we will review the surveys to determine our next direction. On September 14, 2008, our 5-year anniversary, we will present Chapter 2 of our Story.

I still see open chairs, why do we need a bigger facility?

Great question! It's important to remember two things. 1. We're in the middle of summer and many people are traveling, and students are onsummer break. 2. We are not planning on moving for another three years. If our growth even stays close to what it's been over the last two years we will fill up three service times in a year and a half.

Do we really need more bathrooms?

Yes. It will be a day of great freedom and rejoicing when men and women no longer have to share restrooms! Using the restroom is a private gender matter and in the future we look forward to providing both male and female restrooms at our church facility. Also, as grateful as we are to have our present facility, instead of having restrooms right in the back, it will be nice to have restrooms located somewhere outside of the main sanctuary.

Why can't we just rent a larger facility?

As you know making wise financial decisions with God's money is a top priority to me. The question is, which is the most effective use of our resources, renting another commercial space or building our own? Renting costs a lot. The average rent per square foot for commercial space is $1.20, plus triple net (a share of insurance, homeowner's fees and taxes), which average .35 cents per square foot, raising the total to around $1.55 per square foot. Simple math: $1.55 x 20,000 square feet = $31,000 per month. We believe it is more cost effective to build.

Can we use the staff offices for Kid's Facilities?

No. This would pose two major problems. The first issue would be the office space upstairs is not permitted for children. While it may work on a small scale for a brief period of time, it is not a good long-term solution… as the staff offices are used for work every day. Second, I get distracted easily… I would play with the toys and not get any work done!

Why can't we add a 6am Sunday morning service?

Because the only person there would be the person who asked this question and while I love them dearly I'm not showing up a 6am just for them!