FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WE’VE ATTEMPTED TO ADDRESS THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS BASED ON CURRENT INFORMATION. DETAILS CONTINUE TO BE REFINED AS THE PROJECT PROGRESSES.
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QUESTION: Do we have any “soft” pledges that weren’t included in the numbers?
ANSWER: All reported totals reflect confirmed commitments — gifts received and signed pledges. We are aware of additional verbal intentions not yet counted toward the total, which could strengthen the internal and external fundraising efforts.
QUESTION: Is regular giving impacted because people are splitting giving between Together for the City and the general fund?
ANSWER: Giving patterns fluctuate seasonally, but we continue to see faithful generosity to both. TFC giving is above and beyond regular tithes, and we continue to encourage members to prioritize general giving as part of their worship while prayerfully considering additional gifts toward TFC.
QUESTION: Should our 50% outside giving goal take priority over a building?
ANSWER: Both are expressions of the same mission. The TFC campus is designed to multiply our outward impact — providing shared space for gospel-centered nonprofits and ministries that expand our ability to serve Houston. The project itself advances that 50% vision through collaboration and generosity.
QUESTION: What happens to TFC funds if the project doesn’t move forward?
ANSWER: All designated TFC gifts are held in a restricted account. If plans materially change, funds will remain reserved for future facility or mission-aligned opportunities that advance the same vision of a unified, city-serving campus.
QUESTION: How much contingency is built into the estimates?
ANSWER: The estimates provided by our construction partner include a contingency allowance of roughly 10–15% to accommodate design refinement and inflation.
QUESTION: What’s the expected term for the $16M in property notes?
ANSWER: The loans are anticipated to be 15- to 20-year notes, structured with flexibility to refinance or accelerate repayment through gifts or lease income.
QUESTION: How should I think about giving to TFC versus the General Fund?
ANSWER: The General Fund fuels day-to-day ministry; TFC is an investment in long-term Kingdom infrastructure. Both are essential, and we invite everyone to continue regular giving while participating sacrificially in the TFC vision.
QUESTION: It seems like the cost of the project has increased? How do you explain change from $18M initially to more than $30M now?
ANSWER: The increase reflects the inclusion of both properties in the unified campus plan. It became evident that the original property could not accommodate both the growth of Seven Mile Road and the desire to partner with other non-profits and churches for the city for office space. Our fundraising strategy now combines internal giving with external grants, outside givers, and partners aligned with our mission.
QUESTION: What is the fundraising deadline?
ANSWER: We aim to secure most commitments by mid-2026 to align with property acquisition and construction timelines, but phased giving and financing provide flexibility.
QUESTION: How is the raised capital currently invested?
ANSWER: Due to the need for short-term liquidity, the funds are invested in short-term money market funds that could be deployed in the next 24 months. The goal is to preserve liquidity and minimize risk.
QUESTION: How will capital and operating costs be shared with partners using the campus?
ANSWER: Nonprofit, church and redemptive business tenants will lease space at market rates, and lease income will cover ongoing operational costs, allowing the project to remain financially self-sustaining.
QUESTION: What if the office building doesn’t fully lease?
ANSWER: Currently the property is 85% leased. Conservative projections assume 75–80% occupancy. Even at those levels, lease revenue covers operating costs and debt service. Additional partners will be pursued as part of the collective-impact ecosystem.
QUESTION: Will Seven Mile Road pay rent?
ANSWER: Seven Mile Road will be the anchor tenant in TFC. If the church is holding debt for the property, those obligations will be considered in lieu of lease payments. Details are yet to be finalized on the operating model, but a healthy, vibrant, self-sufficient financial model will account for the space use for all tenants.
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QUESTION: How will the TFC board be chosen?
ANSWER: TFC will operate with three entities: 1) Together for the City (501c3) – mission execution, property management and partnerships; 2) Redeemed Property Holding Company (509a3) – property ownership and stewardship; 3) Seven Mile Road Church – anchor tenant and vision catalyst. Each board will be composed of members representing 7MR elders, gospel partners and staff, and aligned external leaders to ensure both mission fidelity and broad accountability.
QUESTION: Who are the potential directors beyond 7MR? Will women serve on the boards?
ANSWER: Yes. We will include leaders from partner nonprofits, business, and civic sectors — both men and women — who reflect the diversity and unity of the broader church in Houston.
QUESTION: Will there be term limits for board members?
ANSWER: Yes, all directors will serve staggered terms (typically three years) to ensure healthy rotation and continuity.
QUESTION: Will there be a 7MR elder as chairman of the non-profit holding company?
ANSWER: The Redeemed Property Holding Company supporting organization’s chair will be mutually approved by both 7MR elders and TFC leadership, ensuring aligned oversight while allowing for independent fiduciary governance.
QUESTION: Are external attorneys preparing the formation documents?
ANSWER: Yes. Texas nonprofit and real-estate counsel have reviewed all entity documents to ensure compliance and protection of tax-exempt status.
QUESTION: If external funders participate, do they gain governance rights?
ANSWER: No. External donors do not receive governance or voting rights. Influence comes through partnership, not control.
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QUESTION: What will security look like on a campus this size?
ANSWER: These details are yet to be completed, but will include controlled access, camera monitoring, and on-site management during business hours, like a large church or nonprofit campuses.
QUESTION: How long will the transition take from current office tenants to TFC partners?
ANSWER: As leases at the office property expire, it will be determined whether the tenant is a fit with the TFC mission and whether other partners are a better fit.
QUESTION: Are the 333 parking spaces enough?
ANSWER: Yes. Between surface and garage parking, the ratio exceeds local code and accommodates both Sunday gatherings and weekday operations.
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QUESTION: Will other churches meet regularly on campus?
ANSWER: Yes. The vision includes multiple congregations using shared facilities for worship, training, and outreach — all under the umbrella of gospel unity.
QUESTION: Are all organizations required to be faith-based?
ANSWER: Not necessarily, but all must align with TFC’s mission for the good of the city. Tenants must respect the faith identity and purpose of the campus.
QUESTION: Are we sure nonprofits will move in?
ANSWER: Six have already expressed intent with others in conversation.
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QUESTION: What’s the target timeframe for moving forward?
ANSWER: Property offers and design development are expected to progress through 2025, with potential purchase and renovation phases extending through 2027.
QUESTION: When could move-in occur?
ANSWER: If acquisition proceeds as planned, phased office occupancy could begin in 2026 and worship gatherings would likely not begin until late 2027 or early 2028 after renovations.
QUESTION: How will TFC partners engage along the way?
ANSWER: Regular Town Halls and vision gatherings will continue for givers, ministry leaders, and partner organizations. Also, there is the prospect that the office spaces could be leased together in 2026.
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QUESTION: Would there be one service again?
ANSWER: The auditorium (1,000-seat flexible design) allows for multiple configurations, making two services possible depending on attendance and ministry needs. It’s unlikely that one service would accommodate attendance at the new location.
QUESTION: What access will 7MR attendees have during the week?
ANSWER: The campus will include open, shared areas for collaboration, prayer, and community gatherings — including family-friendly spaces and and cowork areas. The weekly schedule will be predicated on events in the gathering spaces.
QUESTION: How do we avoid being perceived as a “megachurch” in this new space?
ANSWER: Our Sunday gatherings will remain spiritually intimate and mission-focused. We’ll be designing the auditorium for multi-use and not high production events. The campus will be a citywide ministry hub, not a single large church complex.
QUESTION: Could this campus make the church feel more suburban?
ANSWER: While the site sits at the intersection of two major highways, it remains central to Houston’s urban corridor. The goal is a city-serving campus that welcomes people from all neighborhoods.
QUESTION: What is current Sunday attendance and potential capacity?
ANSWER: Seven Mile Road currently averages around 500–600 in each service. The new facility will accommodate up to 1,000 per service, providing room for growth and shared use.
CONTACT US WITH OTHER QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS.
