Why do we need the LET’S GO faith initiative?
Our current facilities at Alafaya and Winter Garden have reached capacity and cannot contain all God is doing through our church.
This year is the 40th anniversary of our church’s birth. God Himself has brought exponential growth from those first days—including nearly 40% growth overall in just the last decade! This growth will quickly slow unless we GO where God is calling us.
What caused the problem?
Well, as Don says, “God will build His Church as we build His Church.” Since that’s what we’ve been doing, that’s what He’s been doing! The constraints of our current spaces in Alafaya and Winter Garden are compounding with every passing week. At optimal worship service times, these campuses experience maxed-out parking lots and seating, as well as over-crowded hallways and bathrooms. These are ever-growing barriers to creating an exceptional experience for our guests to encounter Jesus and connect with our faith community.
Our Kids and Student Ministries spaces are woefully inadequate for the growth God is bringing. Students are now meeting in hallways and offices. Community outreach events and gatherings hosted in these facilities are challenged to be effective due to mounting space limitations. We are in dire need of “only God” solutions.
What is the solution to our space problems?
Following an extensive multi-year process of diligent prayer and expert analysis, God has enabled us to purchase the entire property where Alafaya currently gathers and ample land for Winter Garden’s future home. Building Winter Garden’s new facilities and renovating Alafaya’s current facilities will enable us to provide both campuses with permanent homes where they can flourish.
Both properties offer additional room to grow and are ideally positioned within growing communities. They will strategically position our collective presence within the heart of our region.
While these are wonderful provisions from God, we know that these properties are not the mission. They are, however, very needed means by which we can further accomplish our mission of making disciples of Jesus.
How will the projects at Alafaya & Winter Garden benefit us?
Our plan is to build a new facility on the Winter Garden property and do an extensive renovation and expansion at Alafaya. We’re even simultaneously exploring options to enable us to build a rear balcony to add hundreds of seats to our Sand Lake auditorium. All of these opportunities will make room for more people to find and follow Jesus and will significantly expand the opportunities for ministry for those of us who already attend Discovery.
Why are we pursuing both facility projects versus spreading them out?
The need is great at both campuses now. A phased approach would delay the immediate solutions our campuses need to grow. We believe we cannot afford not to act now.
How does the “One Fund” approach to LET’S GO change my giving to support the general budget, outreach, and other special offerings?
During this two-year period, every contribution to God’s work through Discovery Church is a contribution to our LET’S GO faith initiative’s “One Fund,” which includes the entirety of our operating budget as well as our campus facility development needs. In other words, there will not be a separate “Building Fund.” Therefore, every weekend becomes an opportunity to participate and contribute toward what God is doing in and through Discovery Church.
What are you asking me to do?
Everyone who calls Discovery Church home is being asked to make a 2-year commitment. This is a faith initiative, so we are asking you to pray and obey whatever God calls you to do. Our goal is that 100% of those of us who call Discovery Church home will make a commitment to give in faith-filled generosity.
Are there additional ways besides cash that I can give to LET’S GO?
You may have stock, property, or other assets you’d like to sell to provide additional funds for your commitment. Or you may have savings or stored resources God has blessed you with that He might be calling you to give. If you would like to learn more about these other giving options, please contact us at letsgo@discoverychurch.org.
What if I don’t have a job right now? What does this mean for my LET’S GO commitment?
LET’S GO is about a life surrendered to the purposes of God… every area of life. God knows our every need, and Discovery Church wants to help meet the needs in our church, in our community, and even globally. If you do not have a job or are actively seeking one, we’d love for you to share this with one of our staff so that we can be praying for you. If you are not connected, consider connecting to a group where you can find a community of people who are ready to encourage you and pray for you.
What if I can’t afford to give right now or can’t make a substantial financial commitment?
Even in times of scarcity, God wants our hearts. All commitments made to the LET’S GO faith initiative matter—regardless of the amount—because as we all participate according to our ability, God multiplies our giving. Seek the voice of God and obey Him.
What if I am in debt right now? Am I still supposed to give?
It’s important for generosity to be a part of our life at every point. If you are in the process of paying off debt, we are excited for you and want you to continue to do so. The Bible does not teach that we should withhold giving until we are debt-free. When we honor God first with our giving, we believe He becomes more actively sought and involved with every other aspect of our finances. If you have not participated previously, consider attending Compass or Financial Peace University (FPU) which are offered during our Spring and Fall semesters. These courses can help you develop a plan to become debt-free and to be a better steward of the resources God has provided to you.
What if I’m new around here?
We’re excited that you’re coming to Discovery Church and would love for you to considering partnering with us! The local church is God’s plan for advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that it transforms our lives, our families, our community, and the world. LET’S GO is a great way to partner with us and to say, “I want to commit to and follow Jesus in every area of my life!”
How long will my commitment be to LET’S GO?
We are asking for financial commitments to the LET’S GO faith initiative (which includes both general giving and what we need to fully pursue our vision) for 2 years, beginning in December 2024.
When do I begin giving toward LET’S GO?
Following our Commitment Sunday – November 17, 2024 – we will total the 2-year pledges made toward LET’S GO. We will all begin giving toward those commitments in December 2024.
When will we begin renovations at Alafaya?
The parking lot revisions are currently being proposed to the Orange County Officials, and we anticipate beginning this project within 12 months. During this same time period, we are working with existing tenant leases while we prepare designs for a complete renovation of the entire complex.
How will the renovations impact our ability to use the facilities?
As soon as plaza space is available, we will begin working toward our future plan. We plan to hold services in the current auditorium while we do the surrounding work and set up a temporary space while we renovate the new auditorium. This timetable is contingent on County Building Department Requirements. We will keep you informed as we learn more.
Will we have enough parking for an expanded auditorium?
We have determined the capacity of a renovated and expanded auditorium based upon the capacity of the parking. Therefore, the answer is YES.
Is the newly purchased property the same property that we attempted to get back in 2022?
Yes.
What if we are not awarded the “Land Use Permit” for the Winter Garden Property?
Our current facility is not a long-term option for us. We have outgrown it. Therefore, we must move forward with the belief that God is either going to provide the needed permit or provide another option to meet our obvious need for additional space. Ultimately, we still need the LET’S GO faith initiative to put us in a position to say “Yes” to whatever God may provide for us in the future.
What is the timetable for a new facility in Winter Garden?
We are going to move forward as quickly as we can—one step at a time. While we would like to specify a precise timeline, we are not able to do so. However, God knows our current circumstances and Discovery is His church. We choose to trust God’s timeline.