Central to Our Future:  

A Campaign for Central Church

Traverse City, Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

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How is Central Church planning to make our church building more accessible?

With the congregation’s approval, we have made preliminary plans to revamp the entrance from the parking lot to add a drop-off zone and elevator; reconfigure the chancel and choir loft to remove steps and add two ramps; and create a new accessible, family-friendly, all-gender restroom on the second floor. Our church will welcome visitors to an attractive, accessible entryway from the parking lot on the west side of the building. Additionally, two ramps will make it possible for anyone to participate in activities at the front of the sanctuary. One ramp will connect the choir room hallway to the chancel area. Another, from the main floor of the sanctuary to the chancel, will allow the handbell choir and other musicians to roll instruments and equipment to the chancel area.

Why do we need these building renovations?

Our Christ-centered values, such as our commitment to offer radical hospitality to all people in a friendly downtown church, shape the imperative to make our building more accessible to everyone who visits us. For years, church leaders have taken note of families with strollers who struggle to climb 15 stairs from the parking lot to the main second floor, and elders and people with disabilities who find it difficult or impossible to participate in worship or church activities. Choir members, liturgists, musicians and pastors must navigate 12 steps from the choir room to the chancel. Meanwhile, the only current accessible, all-gender restrooms are on the first floor – far from our second-floor worship space.

What has changed since we renovated the Cass Street entrance to make it accessible in 1993?

In the 30 years since we created barrier-free access and a welcoming Cass Street entrance,we’ve experienced a dramatic shift in how people come into our building. Today, more than 95 percent of the people who use the building during the week enter from the parking lot on the west side of the building and climb 15 stairs to the sanctuary, offices and other essential services. Today, 67 percent of those who worship here on Sunday use the parking lot entrance.

What is the cost of this project?

Our preliminary fundraising goal is $3.5 million. This goal includes a 20 percent inflation allowance and other contingency allowances because of the age and location of our building. We expect to raise this significant amount of money because the improvements to accessibility in our building will be significant.

How will we raise the funds for these accessibility projects?

The congregation’s Nominations Committee will name a Capital Campaign Committee of church members who will lead the fundraising campaign. The Capital Campaign Committee will meet with church members over the next year or so to educate prospective donors about the building projects. They will encourage members to make financial gifts to make our church more accessible. Donors may make their gifts either immediately or over the course of three years: 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Why are church leaders confident our fundraising will be successful?

Our congregation is strong, healthy and committed to supporting work that furthers our ministry and fulfills our mission. A feasibility study conducted by a professional fundraising firm determined that Central Church meets all five critical criteria for a successful campaign. They recommended we move forward. In addition, several church members have noted they are interested in making leadership gifts to the campaign, to set the pace for success. It’s also possible that our merger with Traverse Bay United Methodist Church will result in proceeds from the sale of their church building. Although Central Church has not acted on the potential use of these funds, it is possible that this income could help us meet our cash flow needs while we wait to receive gifts from donors who make gifts over time.

What is the timeline for construction?

In May, Central Church plans to create a building committee to manage the building and construction projects in conjunction with the Central Church Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee. Central Church has engaged AKA Architects and Cunningham-Limp construction managers. Architectural drawings and construction documents will be delivered no later than early 2025, and construction is expected to start in 2026 after a Church Conference vote to approve the final plans. We anticipate dedicating our new accessible spaces in December 2026.

Where will we worship during the construction?

Our plan is to time the construction work in the chancel and sanctuary for the summer of 2026, when we will host our largest summer worship services in Church in the Park at 9:00 a.m. Our 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service will move to the Chapel for the summer. We anticipate the completion of the sanctuary construction by Labor Day.

How does making our church building more accessible help the broader community?

These building enhancements help us continue to fulfill our mission statement, “Together in Christ … Reaching beyond our doors.” Our church building is a community hub. Central Church hosts many events to which members of the public are invited. Central’s Outreach Program serves more than 600 meals to people each week. On nearly any day, local community groups meet within our walls. Social justice organizations use office space and meeting spaces at Central. When complete, the remodeled chancel area will offer an accessible, flexible and attractive performance space for our congregation and other groups to use. A scholarly study by Partners for Sacred Spaces determined that faith-based congregations bring major economic value to their communities, called the “halo effect.” The national nonprofit organization found that older faith-based buildings in urban areas enhance employment, education, lives of children and families, performing arts and overall neighborhood health.

Were other options for construction and reconfiguration explored?

Yes, the Building Study Committee looked at smaller projects – such as adding a one-stop elevator from the parking lot to the second-floor lounge or choir room. Ultimately, the committee was not comfortable choosing this option because it would have resulted in either the lounge or choir room being made smaller. Throughout its two years of work, the Building Study Committee carefully deliberated over a variety of options and suggestions for fulfilling our vision to make our building more accessible and inclusive, with professional advice from our architectural firm.

Could we phase in our plans over a longer time?

It’s possible. However, it would cost significantly more money. To delay the start of construction would cost $263,000 for each year we postponed, based on an expected 10 percent annual increase in labor and material costs. Phasing in the work also would result in more disruption of church activities over a longer time period.

How will Central Church manage cash flow during the construction and capital campaign?

Givers may make gifts to the capital campaign over three years – 2025, 2026 and 2027. Construction is slated for May 2026 to December 2026. With that timing, we could have a gap between when we need to pay some construction costs and when some campaign income comes in. While many givers will make their full donation at the start of the campaign, others will choose to complete their gifts over three years. Construction may be finished before all gifts are received. Several financial resources are available to us, as needed. Central Church’s Finance Committee will manage the cash flow plan, which will require approval by the Finance Committee and the Church Council.

Is today’s uncertain economy the right time for a capital campaign?

We believe that a capital campaign can be successful now for several reasons. First, the economy always moves up and down, and any three-year campaign period is likely to have up and down cycles within it. Moreover, donors – especially Central Church donors – are generous in times of need. Giving to our church surged during the pandemic. In addition, many of Central’s strong givers are aging. For a long time, many of these leaders have been looking forward to financially supporting a building program to make the building more accessible. They are hoping to make gifts soon that will provide a lasting legacy for Central’s ministries.

What are Pastor Linda’s thoughts about moving forward in these uncertain economic times?

“If we want the church to be relevant in times of uncertainty, then the best thing we can do is bring forward a certain vision – one that exudes clarity about our plans for welcome and inclusion. When COVID hit, it was the churches that leaned into new ministries and investments that proved to be fruitful. Does it add a greater element of risk? Certainly! Do I think it’s worth it? Absolutely!”