Our Vision
Church Family,
The Lord has blessed us with a rich history, impacting Cookeville for 150 years. Our existence as a church is a testament of the faithfulness of the generations who came before us. The past generations carved a path for us to be right here where we are today- serving our brethren, our community, and our world. Now it’s our turn. It’s our time to pave the path for the generations to come so that they can carry on the call to make disciples and go to the ends of the earth.
Cookeville First Baptist is uniquely positioned in the heart of our growing city. Many new people are moving here from all over the world. It’s our responsibility to prepare for the upcoming generations of growth. The time has come for us to move forward and grow the ministry by updating our current space and adding new space to our building.
Our building is outdated and navigating our space can be difficult. This building campaign, Connecting Generations, is a call for our generation to make ready for the next. We have the opportunity to make significant changes that will enhance the ministries of FBC Cookeville.
This project will establish a main entrance to the church near the majority of our parking. Corridors leading to secure spaces for all ages will be easier to navigate. And the expansion will resolve the challenge of limited space for Sunday School, discipleship, and small groups.
We all desire to see God’s Kingdom grow in our town and to the ends of the earth. Our building serves as a place of worship, allowing our church family to build community, disciple, and equip people to serve Christ. Together we must prepare for future generations of growth by providing a space that is current and capable of fostering the mission.
We invite you to pray for and give financially to the Connecting Generations campaign so that we can participate in furthering the gospel impact until Jesus returns.
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Scott McKinney
The Lord has blessed us with a rich history, impacting Cookeville for 150 years. Our existence as a church is a testament of the faithfulness of the generations who came before us. The past generations carved a path for us to be right here where we are today- serving our brethren, our community, and our world. Now it’s our turn. It’s our time to pave the path for the generations to come so that they can carry on the call to make disciples and go to the ends of the earth.
Cookeville First Baptist is uniquely positioned in the heart of our growing city. Many new people are moving here from all over the world. It’s our responsibility to prepare for the upcoming generations of growth. The time has come for us to move forward and grow the ministry by updating our current space and adding new space to our building.
Our building is outdated and navigating our space can be difficult. This building campaign, Connecting Generations, is a call for our generation to make ready for the next. We have the opportunity to make significant changes that will enhance the ministries of FBC Cookeville.
This project will establish a main entrance to the church near the majority of our parking. Corridors leading to secure spaces for all ages will be easier to navigate. And the expansion will resolve the challenge of limited space for Sunday School, discipleship, and small groups.
We all desire to see God’s Kingdom grow in our town and to the ends of the earth. Our building serves as a place of worship, allowing our church family to build community, disciple, and equip people to serve Christ. Together we must prepare for future generations of growth by providing a space that is current and capable of fostering the mission.
We invite you to pray for and give financially to the Connecting Generations campaign so that we can participate in furthering the gospel impact until Jesus returns.
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Scott McKinney
How you can partner
PRAY
It is imperative that we cover this whole campaign in prayer. We encourage everyone to give themselves to prayer and fasting as we seek God's will and provision in this time.
GIVE
We ask people to prayerfully discern giving outside their normal tithes and offering in two ways: a one-time “first fruits” offering and monthly pledges which provide support for a three-year period.
SPREAD THE WORD
Get your friends, family, and the community excited about what God is doing at FBC Cookeville! Share with them this vision of our Connecting Generation campaign. God may lay it on their hearts to be a part of this vision as well!
New Spring Street Entry
Creates a more prominent and convenient primary entrance, enhancing our community-facing image as a welcoming place of worship.
New Spring Street Main Lobby
Creates a more prominent and convenient primary entrance, enhancing our community-facing image as a welcoming place of worship.
Expanded Central Lobby
An open-air and expansive central gathering space that improves directional awareness for visitors. This increases the area for informal fellowship among both members and guests.
Updated Children's Check-In and Classrooms
Secure, welcoming environments that streamline family arrival, enhance safety, and support engaging children’s ministry experiences.
New Walnut Avenue Entry
Convenient access to nearby parking, and provides guests closer central access to all ministry areas of our campus.
Updated Adult Discipleship Spaces
Allows for growth of Sunday School and Discipleship classes, equipping us to continue in spiritual growth and biblical community.
Building Concept Design Walktrough
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the campaign begin and what is its purpose?
The campaign begins on Sunday, February 1st, with 40 days of prayer and fasting and will conclude with a celebration Sunday at church on March 29th, where totals of pledges will be announced. The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds to remodel our existing facility; increasing the effectiveness of our ministry center and continuing to improve our community outreach.
How much will the improvements cost?
We have designed the improvements and are entering the process to get a precise bid. Our estimated improvements range from $8M to $12M depending on the finishes selected.
How will the funds be raised?
Funds will be raised in a variety of ways. There will be a church family aspect of Connecting Generations where each of us will be invited to go on a journey and prayerfully consider how we can financially participate; the congregation will pledge on March 22nd. This is a step of faith, and we all get a front row seat to watch the Lord bless.
If I decide to give, how long would I be making this pledge?
The duration of the giving period will be three years; however, donations can also be a one-time gift, annual gift, or otherwise.
What if my financial situation changes after I make my commitment?
While we hope that won't happen to you, we understand that the future is unknown. If your situation changes, you and your family will determine the most appropriate response. As this is a commitment between you and the Lord, we trust you will prayerfully work through it with Him.
Will I get a tax receipt for my donations?
Yes, all funds donated to the Connecting Generations fund will receive the same tax benefit as any other giving to Cookeville First.
How can I help with or fully participate in this?
We ask that you join us in prayer, as God is the one who will ultimately provide for His church. Prayer is not the only thing that we will do, but it must be the first thing. Join us in our “40 days of Prayer and Fasting” that begins Monday, February 2nd, and join us for the upcoming “24-hour Prayer Vigil” on February 27th & 28th. More information on the Prayer Vigil will be coming soon!
What if I am new to the church or not a member - am I expected to give?
We are delighted that you are here! There is no pressure to give. However, we invite you to call this church your home and invest in its future alongside us.
Can my employer match my gift if they have a matching program?
The business would receive a donation receipt for tax purposes the same as an individual donor. You may need to look at the regulations for your employer's matching funds. We would be happy to help however we can.
Can I donate non-cash items directly (stocks, property, etc.)?
Yes, please contact Mike Head and he will assist in this matter. We encourage you to contact your tax professional to learn about the tax benefits for these types of gifts.
Is this commitment/pledge in addition to my regular giving?
Yes. We’re asking that whatever you pledge for the 3-year period would be over and above your normal giving. We use the General Operating Fund, where your normal tithes and offerings are placed, for the day-to-day operations of the church. The funds pledged for Connecting Generations will be placed in a separate fund to be used solely for the purposes listed above.
Where can I get further information about the Connecting Generations campaign?
Pastor Scott and his team will be visiting several small gatherings between February 15th and March 1st, so that you can hear more and ask questions. We will be sharing location and times for these gatherings so more info to follow. If none of the times work for you or you would like to talk with someone one-on-one, please feel free to contact the co-chairs of the campaign, Jim Viar and Tracy Russell, at connectinggenerations@fbccookeville.org
Give To connecting generations
Submit a one-time or recurring gift below; or, mail a check with the memo "Connecting Generations" to Cookeville First Baptist Church.
If your business is interested in supporting Connecting Generations, please email us.
If your business is interested in supporting Connecting Generations, please email us.