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DALLAS?During services on March 23, the congregation of First Baptist Dallas celebrated God’s faithfulness in their Rising Together capital campaign to raise $48 million for the Criswell Center, a new multi-use facility.
Since October 2002, the church has collected cash gifts totaling over $8.3 million, and received pledges for $21.8 million over the next three years, for a total of $30.2 million to-date for the campaign. An anonymous donor pledged $4.8 million (10% of the goal), which will be released in cash when the pledge and cash total reaches $43.2 million.
“All of this has been accomplished in less than one year?only through the power and blessing of God being poured out on our church family, and to His glory!” said Lori Swarner, communications coordinator.
The new Criswell Center will occupy the site of the current Criswell Building plus replace an adjacent parking lot at the intersection of St. Paul and Ervay streets in downtown Dallas. The eight-story facility will house underground parking, an atrium entrance and fellowship mall, the Legacy/Heritage Center, two chapels, a media room, a bookstore and coffeehouse, educational space for 1000 people, a new dining facility, office space, a prayer tower, and room for expansion, among other benefits.
Pastor Mac Brunson began communicating the vision God laid on his heart for First Baptist Dallas back in April 2002. Beginning with a call to prayer, Brunson urged his congregation to not rest in the great history of the church, but to once again become burdened and broken for the lost.
The capital campaign was officially kicked off on May 5 at the Dallas Convention Center. According to Jim Ward, the church’s executive administrator, the message was further communicated through a series of townhall meetings and meetings in 78 individual homes to answer questions.
The first giving phase of fund raising took place from October through December in which 3 special offerings were collected. The commitment phase took place from January through March 2003. Church-wide education and inspiration lead to the commitment Sunday on Feb. 23. The Rising Together Celebration on March 23 was the first big reporting day, and an opportunity to begin giving toward the three-year commitments.
The emphasis, which changed slightly due to the Iraqi conflict, still included celebrative music and a video presentation that “rolled in the totals in reverse,” stated Swarner.
Brunson’s sermon focused on the war, and he led his congregation in a time of prayer for our nation, its leaders, and the people of Iraq. “It’s hard for us to do much celebration. As a church we are to bear the burdens of our country,” he said.
The next step in the campaign is to follow up with families who haven’t yet pledged. “Our goal is for 100% participation from our families,” stated Ward. “Once we have the $48 million in cash and pledges then the construction date will be determined,” he said.
The 50-year-old Criswell Building will be removed. According to the campaign web site, www.risingtogether.org , “As much woodwork and stained glass as possible [from the Criswell Building] will be placed in the new building. Most furnishings and paintings from Dr. Criswell’s office will be placed in the Legacy/Heritage Center. ” W. A. Criswell, who passed away in January 2002, served as the church’s pastor from 1944 until 1993, and as pastor-emeritus and chancellor of the Criswell College until his death.
In Brunson’s Rising Together message, he reminded the congregation that Criswell “longed for the next generation to know the inerrant word of God.”
In order to take the message to future generations, Brunson believes the church must think differently than it has ever thought before.
“You’ve got to understand church not in your terms, but in their terms [the terms of the next generation],” he stated at the new building presentation.
“People come through a front door, and that will speak volumes. Then they’re looking for a place where they can get to know you intimately. If they get there, then they’re accepted. That’s what that building’s going to help us do.”
