Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happened to Good Shepherd’s plan to buy land and build a satellite church?

In short, God said, “Not yet.” In 2004 after a positive feasibility study, Church Development Partners attempted to procure land, develop it and sell off a portion for our satellite. After months of waiting, they determined that the time was not right to accomplish that task. We put those plans on hold and followed the Lord’s direction to meet our ministry demands at our present site.

1. Didn’t adding another worship service take care of our overcrowding?--Why do we need to expand?

We praise God that Good Shepherd has grown by 70% in the last 8 years! Indeed, a third worship service has helped to alleviate crowding in our late service. The additional service time does nothing, however, to provide space for all the auxiliary ministries and related work that result with growth. Our children’s and youth ministries have long ago outgrown their spaces; the pre-school is turning away children for lack of room; rehearsal spaces for music groups is non-existent; entries and exits offer nowhere for welcoming our newcomers (and old friends); some staff are officing in the library. Our list goes on.

1. What is included in the expansion plans?

Currently a building committee is prioritizing space and working out the details of a building plan with input from staff, boards, and members. Urgent needs under consideration include those mentioned above plus kitchen facilities, improved nursery, volunteer work space, recreational space, and large worship space with updated sound, lighting and wiring.

1. How much will an expansion on our current site cost?

The building committee is currently at work determining priorities so that building costs are available.

1. How much debt do we currently have?

Our current mortgage is $540,000, primarily from the addition of the education wing (which we’ve now outgrown!) in 2001.

1. How will the Compelled by Love campaign increase ministry?

Here is where we believe God is calling us to give sacrificially to His work. God has placed us in the fastest growing community in Nebraska—What an opportunity He has given us to share His Gospel message of love! With all of our gifts, just imagine what God can do through the Compelled by Love campaign ministries . . .

1.  
   • Expanded Sunday School and Midweek ministries for kids
   • Expanded Pre-school for all the new families moving in (We turned away 40 families this year L)
   • A gathering place where Gretna-area Junior High and High School Youth could get together
   • Recreational space for all ages to “re-create” in Christian fun and fellowship
   • Dynamic worship in a large worship space with up-to-date wiring and sound systems
   • Gathering spaces before and after worship (Maybe even a coffee shop?)
   • Meals, banquets, tastings, and cook-offs in a modern kitchen and fellowship area
   • Places where community volunteers could offer their time and talent
   • Multiple music opportunities for singers, instrumentalists, and artists
   • Adult spiritual and social ministries—book clubs, woodworking, quilting, walking clubs,etc.

. . . and that’s just a beginning.

1. Do we have a Compelled by Love campaign goal?

Our goal is $1.5 million over 3-years. This goal would provide us with a down payment to reasonably finance $2-2.5 million in new construction while retiring our current mortgage. We are awaiting building costs to determine the extent that we can build, but whatever God provides will be a blessing to this space and His ministry here at Good Shepherd.

1. Can I make my commitment once a week, once a month or once a year if I choose?

You may choose any way to fulfill your commitment. All we ask is that you prayerfully consider your gift and that you cheerfully make a faith-filled, sacrificial decision for the ministry here in this community.

1. What if we don’t achieve our campaign goal?

Whatever the campaign raises will be a blessing! There is no “falling short.” We trust that God will direct our faith-filled commitments to build just what we need at this time to further His work.

1. Can I give something other than cash?

By all means, yes. God not only loves a cheerful giver, but a creative giver! In fact, the leadership team is holding a special event to help with just such questions.  We will offer this meeting at 12pm and 7pm on Nov. 6th.