God-Sized Goals
Alongside our For the One vision, we sense God asking the question: “Who will shape the church of tomorrow?”
Our response lies in aligning our ministries and resources to “walk with each one…so together we experience life as Jesus meant it to be.”
This initiative is our answer to the “Who will shape the church of tomorrow?” question. It’s a two year, three-part endeavor to:
- renovate and reimagine how we use our spaces
- multiply mission partner impact
- expand our heart of generosity
God is up to something. We want to join him in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Future and The Call
“Here I Am” is a sacred response to God’s call found throughout Scripture. It signifies that we hear the Shepherd’s voice, trust Him to meet us where we are, and respond with personal availability.
As we’ve begun implementing our For the One vision, we sense God asking the question: “Who will shape the church of tomorrow?” Our response lies in aligning our ministries and resources to “walk with each one . . . so together we experience life as Jesus meant it to be.”
This initiative is our answer to the “Who will shape the church of tomorrow?” question. It’s a two year, three-part endeavor to:
- renovate and reimagine how we use our spaces
- multiply mission partner impact
- expand our heart of generosity
While people are our greatest asset, we must continue to steward our building well. Instead of implementing status quo repairs or facelift updates, strategic planning revealed we would be wise to renovate spaces that better connect people with Jesus and each other, both today and into the future.
Shepherd of the Valley stands in a unique place in its history. Our building has served us well, and we have been good stewards of it. After two decades of consistent use, portions of it are reaching end-of-life functionality. As those standing on the generosity of many before us, we believe God has called us to maximize its impact for seasons to come.
The Project Details
- Worship Spaces: Updating environments to support current and future ministry models and improving tech infrastructure for in-person and online worship
- Hospitality: Creating welcoming spaces where people can connect and linger
- Next Gen Environments: Developing mid-sized “living room” styles for kids, students and adults (vs. primarily classroom configurations)
- Facility Refresh: Renewing the full building, including kitchens and bathrooms
We plan to provide significant support to two long-standing partners, one local and one international, who also have plans for facility improvements. More information will be shared in the near future.
- Sanctuary: Our pews are no longer repairable and have reached the end of their functional life.
- Community Center: The flooring is currently separating from the concrete, creating both aesthetic and maintenance issues.
- Kitchens & Bathrooms: As some of our most-used spaces, these are due for updates to remain clean, functional, and welcoming.
But this is about more than just maintenance. We are strengthening our capacity for ministry. We want our building to be a tool, not a distraction, where personal relationships can flourish and people can find their spiritual home. We’re updating these spaces to ensure that the current and next generation has a vibrant, well-cared-for environment to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Yes. The leadership team has put in many hours of work, secured counsel from several trusted professionals, and worked diligently to ensure this project is the right step forward.
| Year | Activity | Key Lesson |
| 2019-20 | Master planning begins | Smart organizations refresh every 7-10 years. |
| 2022-23 | Love Gives Night | Generosity is a vital discipleship practice. |
| 2024 | Building assessment | Substantial changes are needed for current ministry. |
| 2025 | Feasibility study | Every generation has capacity and opportunity to invest in Shepherd’s present and future. |
| 2026 | Initiative approved | It is time for a God-sized project to care for those already and not yet at Shepherd. |
Financials and Stewardship
The goal includes $9 million for project budgets and $6 million for our normal operating budget over two years, for a total of $15 million. This breaks down further as:
- $6 Million: Shepherd building renovations
- $3 Million: Mission partners
- $6 Million: Annual operating budgets for 2027–2028
This initiative is structured as one fund to include both our regular operating budget and the capital project. It is an expansion of our regular giving rather than a separate campaign, designed to support ministry today while preparing for tomorrow.
No. We do not intend to incur debt for this initiative.
- Fully fund two years of operating expense for Shepherd ministry ($6 million)
- Make a first-fruits offering to mission partners and a gift to Haiti Teen Challenge, to fund their building project ($1.5 million)
- Fund renovation costs at Shepherd ($6 million)
- Make an additional offering to mission partners, and a gift to Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities to fund their building project ($1.5 million)
- If exceeding our goal, give outward and complete our next layer of care for our property
Timeline and Logistics
The following includes the most optimistic timeline for renovations.
- Spring and Summer 2026: Early engagement
- Fall 2026: Public launch and conclusion of the commitment season
- Post-Easter 2027: Targeted start for renovations
- Christmas 2027: Anticipated completion of primary renovations
- 2028: Full project completion
Yes. We will continue to worship and gather on-site throughout the process, balancing construction efficiency with the congregational experience. This means we will likely use one side of the building exclusively while the other is renovated, and then vice versa.
Leadership and Participation
The initiative is led by the church council and staff, who have been praying and planning for more than a year. We are also working with trusted partners:
- Architects: Bolton & Menk
- Construction: Larson Building
- Consulting: Generis
We are inviting 100% participation, in whatever way each of us is able. The initiative asks if we will be available to invest now so that future generations can encounter the welcoming love of Jesus. This means asking our church family to consider elevating, if possible, their giving over a set period of months to make this vision a reality.
We ask that you do three things:
- Pray: Ask how God wants you to grow spiritually and what He might be asking you to do for this project.
- Be an Ambassador: Help us share accurate information about the Here I Am Generosity Initiative and discourage misinformation within the church.
- Engage: Reach out to the leadership team if you have feedback, or questions about becoming a financial giver to this initiative.
We value transparency and authenticity. The leadership team and Jeremey are available as necessary to answer any questions you may have.
