Through our Vision Quest, our church took a hard look at our entire ministry – we examined and more clearly defined our ministry philosophy and guiding principles and took a critical look at all aspects of The Baptist Tabernacle including our facility. Through this wonderful experience, we learned that The Baptist Tabernacle is, indeed, a very healthy church. We have a strong church family, excellent leadership and the foundational strength to allow God to further use us for His honor and glory. We praise God for this!

However, this process did not take long to reveal that we have outgrown our current location on Dubois Road. Not only does our current building or lot not allow for future growth, it creates challenges in nearly every aspect of our ministry – even today. These challenges go beyond the lack of space for classrooms and auditorium seating. Our church is in desperate need of more storage, increased office space and a much larger area for fellowship and special events. Although these issues may sound problematic, they are truly a blessing – this is God's way of telling us that it is time to move forward.

With the land that God has blessed us with on Central Avenue, we plan to construct a facility not only to get past our current challenges, but more importantly to have a greater impact for the cause of Christ in times to come. And this is where we must trust in God's provision to make this dream a reality. And so, by faith, we have purchased the land needed to one day build a new home for The Baptist Tabernacle. We challenge everyone in the church family to journey with us by embracing our campaign slogan...

Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.

Dear Church Family,

The question has been asked, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" It's an exciting question, but being human and knowing our frailties, we may hesitate to boldly answer it. Let me "tweak" the question then and ask, "What would you attempt to do for God, knowing that He cannot fail?" Now that's an exciting question and one that we may boldly answer. Our answer is born from the confidence we have in God, not ourselves. Our joy is born from the fact that He chooses to use us to accomplish His will. What an honor. We are His people and His church. In His hand, we cannot fail.

For forty years, the Baptist Tabernacle, as His church, has been known as a local church that reaches beyond itself. A church that reaches around the world through missions and across the street through evangelism. A church that reaches unto each person as an individual and each family as a God-designed unit. A Church that unites individuals and families into a church family that worships and serves our Father. I have grown up in this church family. From a little boy, trying to sit still on the benches in the storefront on Germantown's Center Street, to the honor of pastoring God's church here on Dubois Road. It is from this unique vantage point that I can see it is time for the Tabernacle to extend its reach again.

We have quite simply filled our present location, praise God. Our current property will not hold the facility we need in order to further extend our reach. And so God has provided yet again. We have purchased eight acres of land on Central Avenue here in Carlisle.

Our unanimous church vote was followed by the securing of a loan and an agreement with the land owners. This prime location is now ours to develop and build God's church for God's glory. The specific building plan is not finalized, the ministry plan is. We will minister in and from this building to worship and honor God, reach the unsaved and teach and grow the saved. We will design our church building with that as our goal.

In order to see this goal realized and this plan enacted, we are now entering a two-year Capital Stewardship Campaign, together as a church family. The money raised will pay for the land and then be applied for the building plans and property readiness. How far it takes us is determined, quite frankly, by how much we collectively give. Rhonda and I will lead the way with a sacrificial two year commitment to see this goal realized. I am asking you to join us in sacrificially giving so this plan can be enacted.

The sacrifices you and I make now will have an impact on our families, loved ones and the unsaved world around us forever. That's why we are calling this effort Investing for Eternity. God is willing to use us to extend His reach. In I Corinthians 3:9, He reminds us that we are "laborers together with God". What an honor. What a responsibility. What would you attempt to do for God, knowing that He cannot fail?

Your Pastor, Michael Gray

What is Investing for Eternity?
Investing for Eternity is the theme of our capital stewardship program. This program has been initiated in order for our church to make a concerted effort to pay off/make improvements/construct a new facility and eventually take up permanent residence on our newly purchased property in the heart of Carlisle! This will enable The Baptist Tabernacle to more appropriately and positively impact our community for the cause of Christ as well as fulfill the vision of Matthew 28: 19-20 as our Pastor and staff have placed before us. "The Great Commission."

Exactly how much money are we trying to raise in this current program?
We are asking for Sacrificial Commitments in order to reach our goal of $400,000 over the next two years.

When did Sacrificial Commitments start?
Sacrificial Commitments began on Sunday, November 4th, 2007, but you can still start today by contacting Brother Donnie Hale via the church office.

How do we designate our giving?
Enter the amount of your gift in our current offering envelopes Building Fund section.

How much will the entire building process cost?
We have expressed many times that this process will be in Phases. In today's dollars the estimated cost of the entire project is $3.1 million.

Why have we hired an outside consulting firm?
Investing for Eternity is a major undertaking requiring literally hundreds of man hours, due to the fact that our Pastor and staff already have their days, and many times nights, filled with ministering to the flock here at Tabernacle. The decision was made to hire a consultant that excels in this field and eliminate this from our staff's plate. Rest assured that the work is being conducted primarily by Tabernacle members and the consultant acts as advisor to the Steering Committee and also provides valuable insight along the way.

I am already giving regularly to The Baptist Tabernacle and to its Missions Program as well, how am I expected to give more?
Sacrificial giving is just that—a gift given by evaluating what God would have you do, over and above one's normal giving. 2 Samuel 24:24 says "...I will not offer ...that which costs me nothing."

What are the immediate plans for the property and existing buildings?
There are three existing structures. First, the house – options for the house are numerous.

One option is for improvements to be made in order to house visiting guest speakers, missionaries or staff. Prayer meetings, training or educational sessions, Sunday School gatherings and fellowship functions.

Second, the metal barn – options for the barn include storage of church belongings that are currently stored in various areas around the church, in an off-site storage unit and in the shed. Youth and Junior Sunday School activities could begin almost immediately as Leadership permits.

Third, the wood barn – due to safety concerns this will need to be left alone until being properly disposed.

What is the estimated time from now until we can anticipate a new facility?
Being wise stewards of all that God has entrusted us. This topic will be evaluated continually with high expectations that within five years we will have a usable facility on the premises. Realizing this first structure may be only one phase of what could be two or three phases at our new site.

Are we going to 'shop' for potential builders?
Yes, our leadership with the guidance of our pastor will be proactive in properly shopping/bidding this project.

Will someone approach me and ask me for money?
No, everyone has been asked to pray about what God would have them sacrificially give.

Will I have to sign my name on a Sacrificial Commitment card?
Yes, in order for our church treasury to maintain giving records properly this will be required. However, no one will see this Commitment Card except for the treasurer.

Can I change my Sacrificial Commitment later?
Yes, because the future for all of us is uncertain. Some may be blessed and be able to make an increase in their giving commitment while others due to job situations or health issues may have to lower or cancel their commitment.

What can my family do together to help the Campaign?
Of course pray as has been encouraged all along. Then be creative! For example, If you drink a soda with your meal, drink water instead. This will be a reminder to pray as you recall where this savings is headed.

Pictured is a preliminary plot plan from the McKnight Group for the new location on Central Avenue. Although no plans have been finalized, we are truly excited about the opportunities that this lot allows: • Great Location – Central Avenue is the main thoroughfare through the City of Carlisle. This offers great visibility and easy access to our growing community. • Future Growth – with 8 acres of land, we will have ample room to serve our current ministry needs and, more importantly, the space needed for future church growth, more parking and new ministries that we never could have considered before. • Wise Investment – in its current state, the property offers 3 existing structures, 2 of which we can utilize today. For a larger view of each picture, simply click on the image.