Vision & Need



The FaithBuilder Vision: To exercise our expanding faith by increasing education and missionary support facilities, using our God-given location, assets, and heart to serve.


This process began in 2003 with a congregational vote. Since then God has provided the necessary expansion to the property and the funds:

  • to steward what we have with excellence
  • for several required infrastructure items
  • for the addition of a full commercial kitchen connected to the main auditorium

We are committed to waiting on and following God’s leading.


In early 2017 the FaithBuilders submitted a building proposal from Architects Alaska to the elders. This plan is currently under review; more information will be available when the review is complete.


As we seek to follow the Lord in this, we are asking our people to:

  • Pray
  • Allow yourself to be open to change and willing to endure some inconveniences.
  • Give

Faithbuilders


Why is the building committee called FaithBuilders?


We knew God would be primarily building the faith of the people of Chapel by the Sea as we walk this venture with Him. That's the bottom line for stewardship of our campus. We fully expect the faith of the people to be built up greatly, and this is already happening!


From the beginning it was obvious that any attempt at campus development and improvement would need a prayer foundation. Prayer was the first thing we did when the people of Chapel by the Sea made a firm decision to build.


As we studied the book of Nehemiah and prayed, two key terms - faith and build - morphed into a single one: FaithBuilders. (If Nehemiah and his co-workers weren't FaithBulders, then who is?) We knew from the beginning that this is 'way too big for mere people. It's God-sized. We knew we must rely on Him. 


Early in the prayer process, it became clear that God's first priority was to build His Church. That is, the people. We began praying earnestly about that. And, surprise of surprises, He moved us to plan the first-ever Chapel congregation-wide retreat. 


Its theme was unity. Eighteen months later we had a second one, with humility as the theme. These were designed to build up the people. (Whoever heard of a building committee planning retreats?)


Further along the journey, we understood through prayer that we must maximize what we have as we move toward eventual replacement of facilities! Do the best we can where we are! Thus there have been improvements in our facilities and space use.


A second surprise came along. God opened an opportunity for our small locked-in campus to expand significantly when the property to the north became available. A faithful couple in the Church was moved to donate two-thirds of the cost, and we acquired The Haven debt-free. It's now used for storage, classes and meetings.


We can't wait to see what God does next. We know that our plans are small compared to His ability and resources.


1. Why did we start with a Fellowship/Kitchen/Worship project?

Long term planning for this facility best serves the coming generations, while enabling the building to proceed with discreet components as funds allow. The master plan is a long-range, forward-looking vision. Our concern is not just us. It's about people not yet here, and needs not yet apparent. It's about "exercising dominion" and "being fruitful" over this wonderful peace of geography God's given us.

 

We envision a campus that serves not only us, but our kids, people yet to be born into Christ, and the city of Anchorage. We believe God is BIG and has BIG plans for us as we wait on Him and ask His direction. The Fellowship Phase long term will be an extension of the Education Phase. Think conferences. Continuing education. College extension. All-church dinners, uncrowded. Serving others who need a place to gather.

 

2. Could we be getting in over our heads with such a vision?

Yes, if relying on our wisdom and resources alone. But that would be foolish. We won't be getting God in over His head! He has splendid lavish resources. Therefore, we need to continually look to Him, commit every step to Him, ask Him to lead and to provide. He's not worried.

 

3. Do you plan to go into debt to construct these campus improvements?

Historically that is not a practice by this congregation. We have no indebtedness now. Financial resources are under frequent discussion, and any financial recommendations will be brought to the people.

 

4. Who is the project manager?

Brooke Adkinson is the Project Manager for the current phase of the building project.  Trent Slaymaker, a long-time member of the congregation and a builder, was our project manager for the Fellowship section of the Fellowship/Worship Center phase. Jack Bailey managed the parking lot upgrade that was tied to this phase.

 

The project manager for the Narthex section of the Fellowship/Worship Center phase has not been selected yet.

 

5. Why is this taking so long?

Money. That's the main issue. How much do we need to spend? How do we raise it? Are our expectations too high? We can say with near certainty that if we had the cash all phasing would be abandoned and we would build the entire thing. All is subject to God's direction.

 

6. Who will do the work?

Much will need to be done by professionals. The more skilled volunteers we can muster, the less our financial drain. That usually means things take longer. But it will surely be a mix of professional and volunteer, weighted toward the professional.

 

7. Would you consider pre-used materials and equipment?

We did with the kitchen project and that is on the table. Quality is important, but not necessarily everything new, in reasonable application.

 

8. How can I get involved?

Call the Office Communications desk 907-345-4424 or email at cbtscommunications@gmail.com. You can learn more this way or be pointed to the right contact person for your interest.


9. How can I give?

Time: serve in planning, researching details, finding resources, serve in construction or demolition.

Funds: contributions, endowments, gifts

Prayer: One of the costliest gifts, yet one with great return.