The mission of this initiative
is to refresh our facilities and hearts as we prepare for the next chapter God has prepared for our church
Refresh Worship FAQ
What is Refresh Worship?
Worship is not just one of the things that we do. Worship is the goal. It is the endgame for all of the Christian life. All other exercises and disciplines should be seen through the lens of worship. Pastor Louie Giglio has said that “Worship is our response, both personal and corporate, to God for who He is, and what He has done; expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.”
For the Christian, Worship is the sum of our entire lives, rightly seen as an offering to God. And when we meet together as a church, our corporate time of worship is not merely preceding something else; rather, it is the point of our existence as the body of Christ.
Giving financially is a form of worship, giving is a response to God’s grace and generosity toward us. When we give we acknowledge and express that all we have, as members of the Body of Christ, comes from God. King David, the man who was said to have a heart after God, said in 1 Chronicles 29:12-14, “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand, it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
The act of giving through REFRESH WORSHIP is an expression of love towards God, our Central Church Family, and our community as our giving enables us to provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and an inviting space where the people of God can gather in corporate Worship of our Great God as we introduce others to Him as well.
Within our sanctuary, we will address several items. Fresh paint and new flooring throughout the sanctuary will be applied. New seating will be installed. The stage will be refreshed. Safety items such as electrical cables on the stage floor will be addressed. Depending on the funds received, additional improvements may be made to the sanctuary.
Is this the right time for refreshing our Worship Center?
Yes. Our Worship Center was completed in 2000. Since that time, much of our sanctuary shows signs of wear and tear, like a well-worn Bible. We are thankful for the wear and tear as evidence of our faithfulness to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Much like a well-worn Bible that needs rebinding, our Worship Center also needs refreshing.
How much will Refresh Worship cost?
There are 3 levels of renovation that may be performed based on the level of giving to Refresh Worship.
- Bronze $250K – Fresh paint applied to walls, ceiling, and trim throughout the sanctuary. New flooring throughout the sanctuary. New sanctuary seating will be installed. We will address safety items.
- Silver $375K – Bronze level items performed and… New moveable choir risers with railing and easier steps. Raise the stage floor approximately 7 inches to allow routing of stage cabling in conduits under the new floor. Additional railing for the balcony. Address A/C in the sound booth.
- Gold $450K – Bronze level and Silver level items performed and… Enhancements to the video system. Replacement of lighting panel and system.
“And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze (copper)” . . . Exodus 25:33
Are we going into debt to Refresh our Worship Center?
No. The refreshing of our sanctuary will begin as funds are received. This may involve doing one phase of the sanctuary at a time. For instance, the stage may be updated first. Then, as additional funds are received, further work may be performed.
How were the paint, carpet, and design choices made?
We consulted with interior designers that chose a color palette for our Worship Center. In addition, sub-contractors provided longevity of material information. Collectively, we tried to balance design and longevity with cost estimates.
Why were carpet squares chosen for the main floor of the sanctuary?
We consulted with experts, and they noted that using luxury vinyl planking (LVP) on the main floor would change the acoustics. Using LVP would require us to install sound absorbing panels on the sanctuary walls. This was an expensive step we could avoid by using carpet squares. In addition, due to our sloped sanctuary floor, carpet squares versus LVP would help prevent slip and fall hazards. Finally, should a carpet square become worn or damaged, we can replace that individual square. We will purchase extra replacement carpet squares.
Why were individual seats chosen for the main floor of the Worship Center?
An advisory team was formed from members of our Church. They looked at four options:
- Refinish existing pews – approximate cost $80,000. This was a cosmetic update only. Many of our existing pews have been repaired multiple times due to structural issues. Performing additional structural repairs now would not prevent the need to perform future structural repairs on the 23-year-old pews.
- New pews – Cost $125,000
- New theater seats – Cost $160,000
- Oversized individual chairs – Cost $38,000.*
*The advisory team determined this was the best choice. These chairs are larger and more plush than typical chairs. Should one chair be damaged, it is much easier to replace a cushion, or an individual chair, than repair a pew or theatre seat. We will also receive replacement parts/chairs. When pews are used, seating availability is lessened. Folks tend to “spread out” on a pew. With individual chairs, seating capacity increases. The individual chairs will be secured to the floor.
How long will we be out of our sanctuary?
We plan to perform the renovations in phases. Our General Contractor estimates that each phase will require us to relocate to the Family Life Center for Worship Services for a few weeks at a time. We would return to the sanctuary between each phase.
I’ve been hit hard by the economy. What if I can’t make significant contributions?
Dollar amounts do not matter to God, but our hearts do. What a blessing it is to give with our time, talents, and resources. It is truly a significant part of our Christian walk. When we think of giving, we are reminded of what Christ gave – everything. Our prayer is that our hearts will give joyously to Refresh Worship and the ministries of our church. Not equal giving, but equal sacrifice.
Should I transfer my regular giving to Refresh Worship?
No. It is vital that we continue to fund our day-to-day ministry activities.
I have never given to the Church. Should I give to the general fund or Refresh Worship?
We are grateful when someone makes a commitment of generosity. In past initiatives, many have learned about the joy of giving by taking their first step. Later, they take the next step to tithe. Either way, your gift will be celebrated.
How long is the commitment?
We are asking you to commit to one year (October 8, 2023 – October 6, 2024). You may give in the manner you feel led. This may be weekly, monthly, quarterly, or one lump sum.
Can I give online or set up a recurring gift?
A recurring gift is a wonderful way to give. CBC offers online giving for both our ministry and our Refresh Worship Initiative. Our website is www.cbcdouglasville.com. We encourage you to give through your checking account instead of a credit or debit card. This saves the church on administrative fees. However, if you wish to give via credit/debit, we welcome your gifts.