Rebuild, Restore, Raise Up A conversation with Dr. Robert Jeffress

Why is now the time for a new worship center?
It is imperative for our church's growth. Our sanctuary is full of cherished memories, but the room presents significant challenges we cannot ignore. Many of our services are already near capacity. Access for persons with physical challenges is inadequate. The acoustics limit music and other presentation opportunities. The transformation of our campus will dramatically increase First Baptist Dallas' ability to minister to our city. It will make room for hundreds or even thousands more worshippers and Sunday school attendees and will vastly increase our capacity for weekday groups. The worship center in particular will also be an iconic presence in the city, standing boldly as a continuation of our legacy in downtown Dallas.

What can our church expect to gain from all the changes?
The transformation of our campus will dramatically increase First Baptist Dallas' ability to minister to our city. It will make room for hundreds or even thousands more worshippers and Sunday school attendees and will vastly increase our capacity for weekday groups. The worship center in particular will also be an iconic presence in the city, standing boldly as a continuation of our legacy in downtown Dallas. We are surrounded by many hundreds of millions of dollars of new investment in other spheres of society, iconic buildings for the arts, business and residences. I believe our Lord's church is equally deserving of a prominent home in the heart of the city, one the whole city can be proud of.

What are the distinctive features of the design and the thought behind them?
The design is filled with messages about our church. The glass, the water, the light, and the spaciousness of the plan speak of openness, transparency and spiritual refreshment. In a way, the glass walls have an evangelical effect as passersby have a view in from the street and feel drawn in. The glass also unifies the architecture of the church by extending the aesthetic started by the Criswell Center and thus capitalizes on our $50 million investment in that project. As for long-term cost, modern architectural technologies allow vast use of glass with surprising energy efficiency.

With the current economic conditions, should we be tackling a project of this size?
In terms of stewardship, this is an unusually opportune time to build. For every dollar spent on construction, we will receive up to $1.27 in value. Wise counsel tells us that when time comes to begin construction, the economy will likely be in full recovery. There is no doubt that this is a "God-sized" project. But as Ephesians teaches, God is able to do far more -- abundantly more -- than we can ask or think.

Will the church incur more debt?
Our church has the capacity to build this campus debt-free, and that is how we would like to build. The answer to this question will rest on the response of the membership.

How are we going to raise the resources for this project?
I would sum up the answer with a phrase: listening to God's voice and responding to God's leadership. Each family will be asked to make a three-year commitment, over and above their on-going contributions. While not everyone is in a position to make equal commitments, each of us is called to equal sacrifice, because as a body each one of us plays a part.

Will the project be done in phases or all at once?
We hope to do this all at once for a number of reasons. The scope of the project is based on needs our church has right now; all parts of the plan work together. Because it all works together, doing it all at once is the best use of God's money. And then there is the unprecedented savings in construction costs available right now.

What will identify the complex as a church?
Right now, the only thing that distinguishes our facility as a church is the steeple on the sanctuary. In the new complex, that steeple will be heightened. In addition, the cross tower and fountain in the center of the property will clearly identify our campus as a church. In fact, the cross, the symbol that unequivocally marks the complex as a church, will be prominently visible for the first time from both sides of the campus.

What will become of our current sanctuary?
It will remain a vital part of the life of First Dallas as a place for classes, meetings, weddings and funerals. In fact it will have greater honor than ever by being made more visible as outdated building are removed.

Will parking for Sunday services and weekday ministries be improved?
Parking is a key priority of the plan. It includes parking underneath the worship center with elevator service directly to upper floors. Senior adult classes are planned in the worship center complex providing easy access to services.

Will we have enough room for our Sunday School and other ministries during construction?
Yes, although some reorganization will be required to accommodate everyone. Spurgeon Harris will be used for many Sunday School classes, and we will use many classrooms for two or three hours each Sunday instead of just one hour.

Why is Truett being removed?
The future of the church is found in building state-of-the-art buildings to reach young families. Removing Truett will allow us to move children's ministry to a convenient, safe environment with the close-by parking young families require. In addition, the sanctuary will finally be visible, and access to all points of the campus will be easier. We will be more guest-friendly. Remodeling Truett would cost almost as much as a new building.

Why will we tear down the Veal Garage and build new parking?
Modern parking is absolutely essential for church growth, especially in a downtown area. Veal was not designed for our current parking needs. Especially on weekdays, parking for women's ministry, funerals, and special events is near the crisis point -- and limiting our ability to minister effectively.

Where will First Baptist Academy be located?
The Spurgeon Harris Building will be the new home of FBA. It will be one of the finest school facilities in the city.