Our Challenge Our Mission
To reach Tampa and beyond for Christ… Our Challenge
In October 2005 the Idlewild Baptist Church family relocated to the present facility with much excitement and anticipation, standing in awe of what our God had provided. At the close of the building construction, additions and cost overruns plus necessary equipment required us to borrow additional funds bringing our total indebtedness to $40.3 million. Since February 2006, Idlewild has reduced its outstanding indebtedness to $36.0 million, principally as a result of giving to “The Master’s Plan” program and use of the proceeds from a note related to the sale of the Bearss Avenue property. Anticipated tithes and offerings to the General Fund in 2008 are inadequate to meet operating costs for the ministry of the church, principal and interest requirements of outstanding indebtedness, and necessary capital additions by $2.2 million. It is further anticipated that there may be similar inadequacies for 2009 and 2010 with lesser amounts thereafter for some period of time. We have successfully made room for thousands of people who can benefit eternally from expanding the ministry, outreach, and impact of Idlewild Baptist Church locally and globally. Now we want to ensure we finish what we have begun by addressing the financial aspects of our relocation. Our Solution
Accordingly, the church leadership has authorized a Capital Stewardship Program entitled Live the Vision. The program is designed to invest in and meet these needs and to fulfill a carefully-formulated plan to ensure Idlewild’s future for generations yet to come. In 2008, members and friends of Idlewild will be encouraged to consider a two-year commitment above and beyond their regular giving. The goal of the program is to raise $12.0 million. Specifically, this $12.0 million will be used in the following ways: - Meet the $2.6 million required principal reduction of Idlewild’s permanent construction loan through 2010.
- Prepay two of the church’s loans and one lease in the total amount of $7.6 million.
- Provide for capital purchases of $1.8 million through 2010.
To Live the Vision, we are inviting you to join us on a two-year spiritual journey of self-sacrifice, increased faith, and a whole new level of trusting God. When the above is achieved, it is anticipated that tithes and offerings to the General Fund will be adequate to: (a) Meet operating costs for the ministry of Idlewild; (b) Pay the principal and interest requirement on the outstanding indebtedness of $25.8 million at December 31, 2010; and (c) Allow future increases in tithes and offerings to the General Fund to flow into ministry expansion and capital purchases. Together let’s “Live the Vision” of reaching Tampa and beyond for Christ! | 
