Rev. Megan Huston
All are welcome at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), an open-minded congregation that invites people of all backgrounds and multiple opinions to worship with them in downtown Bowling Green, KY.
When walking through its windowless, cinderblock fellowship hall, however, visitors might be led to believe otherwise.
A capital campaign, supported by our fundraising guidance, is not only aiming to renovate the decades-old structure, but to align it with the vision of First Christian Church – to be an inclusive faith community built on the love of Christ.
“Now that digital is part of the fabric of church, the physical spaces are that much more important,” Senior Minister Rev. Megan Huston emphasizes. “After all, our society is lonelier than ever before.”
A vision for a brighter, hospitable hub
In 1957, Rev. Reed Carter became the pastor of First Christian. During his tenure, his community of faith was able to pay off its mortgage and rebuild after a fire. 34 years later, FCC named its new fellowship building Carter Hall after him and his wife Elaine.
After Rev. Carter’s departure, Rev. Megan’s predecessor and mentor, Rev. John P. Wesley, became pastor of FCC, partnering with Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) in the 1990s on a fundraising campaign to completely overhaul the sanctuary, expand the parking lot, and update the youth room, basement, and children’s wing. Under Rev. John’s leadership, Carter Hall was well-loved, used, and maintained, even gaining a labyrinth, now considered an important part of the hall itself.
In 2017, a building committee began to look at increasing the functionality of FCC’s kitchen by updating its cabinets, drawers, and countertops. As the committee broadened its vision, it turned its attention to the church’s beloved hall, which desperately needed natural light as well as a fresh coat of paint, tile and vinyl flooring, and soundproof ceilings. After all, the Carter Hall wasn’t only the main entry space for worshipers, but for those assisted by FCC’s free community grocery store as well. The committee members realized that the goal of their project was more than just cosmetic – it was about communicating hospitality to all who walk through FCC’s doors.
“We’re doing this project for members and our neighbors,” Rev. Megan shares. “It makes a difference when you walk into a place that’s comfortable.”
The living room of the church
Rev. Kyle McDougall
After pausing the campaign during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rev. Megan contacted Disciples Church Extension Fund. In 2022, Rev. Megan consulted with Building and Capital Services Advisor Jim Michel, who helped her and her colleagues identify US $1.7M as the project cost.
“We wanted this facility to be the ‘living room’ of the church,” Rev. Megan recalls. “And for it to have cozy vibes.”
FCC is putting its words into action: in addition to plans for constructing two gender neutral and family friendly restrooms, the church also plans to streamline and centralize access to much of the supplies at its community grocery store, which allows patrons to pick their own food.
“I am really looking forward to offering our neighbors a simple and clean shopping experience. When an individual is in a crisis or coming to a food bank for the first time, it can be scary and overwhelming,” explains Associate Minister Rev. Kyle McDougall. “The new shelving will allow for our clients to clearly see the products available, but it will also look and feel like a ‘real’ grocery store.
Equipping lay members to lead fundraising efforts
Rev. Richard Williams (back row, far right) poses with the church’s capital campaign team
After DCEF assigned Jim Michel to another part of the United States, Rev. Megan began working with Senior Director of Services Rev. Richard Williams last fall.
“I am an advocate for Richard because of his expertise,” she says. “In one of my very first calls with him, he called me out in love and saved me from myself. He was very clear that the church needed to take the lead on the capital campaign, and it couldn’t just be me pushing it.”
A touchstone moment for others at her place of worship was a fundraising training event conducted this spring. Rev. Megan and the campaign team met with Rev. Richard as he prepared them for their launch. For the first time, FCC’s leadership saw the true scope of their dreams.
“The team gave good feedback after that weekend,” recalls Rev. Megan. “Richard knew when to step back, listen, and cheer us on. He got people excited.”
Community support bolsters campaign progress
So far, the campaign has surpassed US $1.1 million with most gifts coming from members of the congregation. Contributions have also arrived from local organizations such as a grant from the Red Cross, which collaborated with the church to provide a kitchen for refugees during the 2021 tornado season, and fresh produce deliveries from Glean Kentucky, saving 40,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables from being thrown in the dump. While FCC’s final fundraising goal matches the project cost, it plans to raise US $1.2 million and borrow the remainder. Phase one of the project is now complete and phase two, the larger part of the project, is slated to start in the spring.
“Disciples Church Extension Fund’s fundraising philosophy encourages lay people to participate and empowers them to do it themselves,” finishes Rev. Megan. “Our congregation has been transformed inside out.”
With a mission to address the ministry needs of fellowship, food insecurity, and more, FCC is well on its way to transforming its neighborhood as well.
Is your place of worship thinking of raising funds for a building project, but doesn’t know where to start? Contact your regional Building and Capital Services Advisor from DCEF for expert guidance.
FCC’s free community grocery store