Case Statement
A Visionary Past
In 1966 a small group stepped out in faith and purchased a piece of property on the outskirts of Naples. These visionaries began to develop a church campus where people could be equipped in a lifestyle that is Bible-based, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-focused, grace-filled, and grounded in the theological heritage of the Reformation made relevant to a changing world. They could hardly imagine that forty-one years later this church would be strategically located in one of the fastest growing counties in America. Yet, more than ever, Covenant is convinced that these original commitments make us a unique and necessary part of Southwest Florida.
A Changing Future
As we move into the 21st Century, staggering changes are taking place in the Naples area. The most eye-opening is the explosive growth in young families. The median age of Collier County has dropped from 60 to 40 years of age. New schools are being built. Birthing centers are over-flowing. The biggest increase among new residents is young adults. This growth has been accelerated by an influx of immigrant families, adding to the surge of young people in our area.
As the landscape of greater Naples changes by this infusion of youth, Covenant is committed to build bridges to the future. Though it is a daunting challenge, we cannot stand idly by while values unravel and families disintegrate in a postmodern culture. It is our vision and biblical responsibility to reach the next generation while there is still time.
Over the last two years we have put this vision in motion by fervent praying and challenging our senior adult members to mentor and share life experiences with young people. Key staff has been added to meet critical needs. We have developed new ministries and made as many improvements as our current facilities will allow. God is answering our prayers by adding new families, young and old alike.
A Bridge
We are committed to building a bridge from our visionary past to a changing future. By definition a bridge takes us from where we have been to where we are going. Like many old bridges, Covenant’s current facilities are no longer adequate to maximize effective ministry to future generations. Though our campus is blessed with prime visibility on a major highway, it is not as inviting as it ought to be. Most of our buildings experience maximum utilization daily. They are stretched to capacity. This makes it difficult to maintain their effectiveness for our changing schedule and severely limits growth opportunities.The fact that we are spread out across a quarter-mile campus limits the enfolding of newcomers. Our layout is not sufficiently family-friendly. At a time when parents are increasingly concerned for their family’s safety, they are much more comfortable having their children closer to them. Ample and conveniently-located parking is also essential for attracting and keeping visitors. Seating in the worship center must be adequate to meet the need. We believe that this is the time to move forward. We are convinced that our Master Plan provides the tools that will enable us to minister to the Covenant family today and future generations.
This Master Plan includes:
- Conveniently-located nurseries
- Children’s classrooms close to the worship area
- Expanded youth facilities
- A centrally-located air conditioned gathering place and fellowship center
- An enlarged transcendent worship center
- Adult educational space
- Adequate parking conveniently-located
- An attractive and inviting campus
- Space for future expansion
The Cost
To complete the entire Master Plan in a single phase is estimated at $17 million. Although this is a significant sum, we trust the Lord to intervene in a supernatural way. After years of studying all possible options and committing this to fervent prayer, Covenant’s leadership believes that this Master Plan reflects our best understanding of God’s call to our church to step out in faith. If the full amount is not raised, we are prepared to institute a first phase that will meet most of our needs for the near future. This is estimated at $12 million. Completion of either phase will require three years. We will move forward with our Capital Stewardship Campaign, trusting in him for all the resources that we believe he will provide.
Now More than Ever
More than ever, we are convinced that the vision of those pioneers in 1966 is relevant for such a time as this. They believed that a biblical world life view rooted in Reformed theology was the best hope for Naples then, and we believe that it is even more necessary today. There is an urgency that compels us to build a bridge, already anchored in the rich legacy of our past, to generations desperately in need of the same strong foundations. Because we cannot presume that such an opportunity will ever present itself to us again, we invite you to join us today as we step out in faith to build a bridge to the future.