First Impressions Summary

Here is what I shared with all those who attended the First Impressions Gathering about why I believe this is the time for Restoration to move forward with finding a more stable base for ministry in our community.

Before you read the results, I want you to know that I’ve carefully studied and prayed over every response. What follows is more than data; it’s the shared voice of our church family. I’m offering these reflections first so you can understand how I’m hearing what you’ve shared and how it is shaping our next steps together.

Many of you also named the transparency and clarity of the process as a source of confidence.

You were inspired by both practical realities—daily use, permanent space for children and students—and by deep spiritual trust: “going not knowing,” “stepping into the water,” and believing God is leading us into our next faithful step.

This is the kind of inspiration that sustains a church through a capital campaign—not excitement about a building, but excitement about what God is calling us to become and do.

Your questions reflect a mature, thoughtful faith. You’re not asking if we should pursue a permanent home, but how to do it faithfully.

The top question, raised by fifteen households, focuses on long-term costs and sustainability. Others asked about the selection process, remodeling decisions, timing, and search radius. You’re seeking transparency and shared ownership, and we’re committed to providing both.

What stands out most are the questions about identity: how daily ministry will look in a new space, how we’ll carry our values forward, and what we’ve learned from the Slate partnership. You’re not just considering property—you’re protecting what makes Restoration who we are.

Your concerns reveal the heart of this church. While many of your questions are practical, your deepest worries are spiritual and cultural—about who we will be, not just what we will build.

The top concern is staying mission-focused and keeping volunteers motivated in a permanent space. You’ve seen churches become consumed by buildings, and you don’t want that for Restoration. I share this concern. Our mission focus hasn’t come from being “scrappy” in a temporary space but from who God has formed us to be. A permanent home can protect and even amplify that mission.

Others named fears about losing our “neighborhood feel” or slipping into a pattern of always needing more money to get bigger. We are not pursuing a building to become institutional, but to better serve as the neighborhood’s everyday gathering place. The Vision Case Statement will speak directly to these concerns with a clear approach to stewardship, sustainability, and mission-first ministry.

These final comments tell me three things about where we are.

First, eleven households affirmed that this process has been well organized, sensible, and transparent. That means a great deal. We’ve been intentional about how we lead this journey, and your feedback confirms we’re moving in the right way—not just toward the right outcome.

Second, I hear both excitement and realism. Eight of you are energized and ready to move forward; six of you name the truth that this will be a significant challenge requiring real work and sacrifice. Both are right. The Vision Case Statement will honor this—no minimizing, no surprises, just a clear call to faithful commitment.

Finally, three households raised concerns that 10,000 square feet and 300 seats may not be enough. This deserves a thoughtful response, because it speaks to how we understand growth and what “enough” looks like for Restoration. We’re not limiting our future; we’re taking the next faithful, sustainable step.

Thank you for the wisdom and care you’ve brought to this process. The Vision Case Statement will give you what you need to prayerfully discern your level of support. Your leadership team is listening and moving forward with confidence and humility.

The responses from your First Impression Gathering reveal a congregation that is mission-focused and ready to move forward, exploring a capital initiative for a permanent space. Your members are overwhelmingly supportive of the vision and are asking thoughtful questions that reflect a desire to steward this opportunity faithfully.

The themes are clear:

• Strong support for pursuing a permanent home.
• Inspiration rooted in mission, not buildings.
• Healthy discernment about long-term sustainability, process transparency, and preserving Restoration’s identity.
• Balanced readiness—both excitement and realism

Horizon Stewardship Feasibility-Readiness Assessment

Creating a Vision Case Statement: Restoration leaders will address the questions, concerns, and comments collected in the First Impressions Gathering and outlined in this document to create a written Vision that makes a case for support in raising the down payment necessary for Restoration to make an offer when an appropriate location for a permanent church home is found.

Feasibility-Readiness Study: After receiving the Vision Case Statement, all who call Restoration home will be asked to prayerfully respond to a survey that Horizons Stewardship will use to determine the readiness of Restoration to move forward with a successful capital campaign this spring.

In the survey, each household will be asked to share the range of a 12-month financial commitment they are willing to prayerfully consider, over and above their giving to the Restoration annual ministry funding plan (budget).

Horizons’ findings and recommendations will be shared with the Vestry to discern if launching a spring 2026 capital campaign is appropriate.