“Why can’t we just meet at the high school forever?”

We will have a far greater impact in our community when we have our own home. In our cultural context, place is important and symbolizes permanence and presence. People in Dahlonega/Lumpkin County typically do not see rental space as a long-term commitment to these ingrained cultural values. Furthermore, we will be able to offer a much more quality Sunday experience for all ages if we have our own property and building, not to mention the many ministry opportunities that can take place during the week with a 24/7 ministry center. 

“I’m not going to be living in Dahlonega in 5 years? Why should I give to this?

First of all, we are not securing this land merely for us, but for generational gospel influence and transformation. We want to establish a ministry base from which generations will be blessed. In this sense, giving to Ground for Grace is a very real investment in God’s eternal kingdom, for his glory and the good of this community. Financial investment in the kingdom not only reveals where our heart is, but shows that we believe our giving will have a return, not only in this life, but into eternity. Also, only the Lord really knows where you will be in 5 or 10 or 30 years. He may answer our prayers and keep you here!

“I’m not sure this is the right time in the life of our church to try and raise this much money.”

Things have been aligning over several years that have been pointing to Creekstone owning this property.  This will be a great investment and also will balance Creekstone’s monthly budget.  Also, there are also three people willing to pay cash tomorrow for this property at the price Creekstone will buy it for.  If Creekstone owns the property outright there will be many ways that Creekstone will be able to minister in the community.

“Does giving to Ground for Grace replace my tithe?”

No. Ground for Grace giving is above and beyond our weekly giving to support our operational expenses and missions support.

“What happens to the money if we don’t raise all of it?”

This is a providential and miraculous mission that we all need to own by praying, fasting. pledging and giving. However, we are doing pledges so that we will know how much will come in in August. If we don’t get enough pledges, we will not ask people to give in August.

“I can’t afford to give much right now.”

That is okay. We all experience different financial seasons. Anything you are able to sacrificially give will be directly investing into God’s mission through Creekstone to Dahlonega.  The Bible says that the tiniest amount given sacrificially is more blessed than the larger gifts not given sacrificially.

“If we lose the school, will we have money to rent another place if we own this land?” 

Yes. The land payment is “over and above” giving beyond our tithes. Purchasing the land does not affect our operational budget and thus, does not affect having to rent space. We’d just move our payment from the school to another location.

“I doubt any bank will loan us money to build once we have this land.”

This land will instantly give Creekstone a lot of equity and put us in a much better financial position with the banks.  This will also give Creekstone their own office and ministry space.  God’s plan is sovereign and He will provide the opportunities when the time is right.

“People with financial experience and wisdom are opposed to this project.”

The elder team is constantly seeking wisdom from many resources, including the property team, the financial team, local bankers and investors, prayer and the Scripture.  Anyone who has wisdom and insight should meet or contact the elder team to be included in our prayer and research into this project.

“Isn’t this too risky for our church which struggles with its regular budget?”

Yes. To a degree, there is risk involved. In fact, Creekstone’s entire history has been moved forward by taking risks – not being foolish, but taking calculated, faith-filled risk, trusting in God to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.

This is the right thing to do and the right time to do it.

We are not expecting equal giving, but equal participation – 100%.

Leaders commit first.

God is able.

Prayer is foundational.

Just like a potted sapling needs to be transferred to the ground in order to flourish and grow to its potential, Creekstone needs land in order to grow to our potential with regard to our mission of glorifying God by helping people come alive to the wonder of the gospel. We began as a seed and now have grown into a sapling that needs its own land in order to flourish.

We need ground for grace to grow.

The opportunity before us is filled with providence. Now, we are praying for provision. Our goal is to pay off the land and possess the property outright by September.

May was the month of preparing.

June is the month of priming, as we get ready for July. McKay will release 5 short videos explaining the campaign in detail.

July is the pledging month, and the heart of the initiative. Additionally, McKay will be teaching 5 messages on the Ground for Grace initiative.

August is the presenting month, as we will fulfill our pledges with actual financial gifts.

September is the praising month, as we thank God for his provision of the property through the generosity of his people.

Watch the Ground for Grace 5-Part Video Series

Connect with the Need

Discover the Pledging Process

Pledge Online!

Explore the Guiding Principles of the Campaign

Get Aquainted with General Information

Catch the Vision

Check Out the Photo Gallery

Get Familiar with the Summer Plan

Here are Four Practical Ways to Give

View the Ground for Grace Trailer

Download the Ground for Grace Flyer

Read the FAQs

Or just scroll down…

As a visitor to the Ground for Grace website, you get pre-access to all 5 installments of the video series before they release each Sunday. Thanks for your interest in the initiative and for considering how you can participate.

Part 1: The Need

Part 2: Guiding Principles

Part 3: The 5-P Plan

Part 4: The Pledging Process

Part 5: Practical Ways to Give

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 

• 3544 South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega 
• Parcel number: 081 011 
• Tax district: county (to be annexed) 
• Millage rate:  22.774 
• Acres 9.00 
• Assessed value: $231,000

TRANSACTIONS 

• Last Sale Price: $750,000 in 2008 
• Bank Foreclosure Price: $315,000 in 2014 
• Contract Price: $220,000

OTHER 

• Re-zoning application: B2 
• City annexation application has been submitted to the city 
• Metes and bounds has been submitted and accepted by the city 
• Land survey: yes (no easements, floodplains or wetlands) 
• Engineer inspection report is in the process of being prepared

HOUSE INFO – the plan is to use the home on the property as our new office, saving $1,100/mo. in rent 

• Bedrooms 4 
• Bathrooms 2 
• Basement Full Partial Daylight 
• Heated SF 1889

AERIAL VIEW 

BENEFITS

• Site of future 24/7 Ministry Center 
• Location between Dahlonega and GA 400 
• Visibility 
• Neighborhoods 
• Possible expansion 
• Possible “overflow” parking at Fieldale (with crossing guard) 
• Cost for the tract 
• Lower monthly budget expenses 
• Collateral for a building loan

LAND SURVEY

• Download the Land survey – 3544 Chestatee St.