Biblical Questions
Q: What is the Biblical basis to support the project?
A: The Bible teaches us the following:
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Good stewards in using the facilities and exercising our gifts (Exodus 31:3-5; Matthew 25:14-30; James 1:17; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
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Offering the best to build the house of God (1 Chronicles 22:1-4; Luke 21:1-4)
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Using the facilities for advancing the Kingdom of God (1 Kings 8:22-53; Matthew 11:17; John 15:6)
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All the resources and gifting we have come from the Lord (Genesis 9:3; Genesis 22:8; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians.3:20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 8:3-5; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
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Trust and believe that the Lord will provide all is needed (Psalms 81:10; Psalms 84:11; Proverbs 10:3; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 21:22; Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:19)
Q: What is the purpose of the project?
A: The purpose of MRBP is to update and optimize spaces in the Main Building so that it can better serve our church community for worship and fellowship and further build up the Body of Christ in our neighborhood community​
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Q: Could we keep using the existing facilities for the Gospel purpose without the project?
A: Nothing is impossible for God. God will fulfill His mission. Therefore, there is no simple Yes or No answer, but this does require an answer from a spiritual perspective. The current building is more than 30 years old. Many parts of the facilities are worn and torn. The original plan of the facility is also outdated which causes barriers to meet the current and future ministry needs such as more space for groups and communal gatherings. With a Kingdom perspective and as stewards of His facilities, we can reflect upon what we can do and exercise our faith to expand His Kingdom. God does not need us nor any physical materials to fulfill His will, however, He gave us the privilege to take part and serve Him. God entrusted the SFCAC family with facilities to testify His presence and providence, a place to exercise our faith and further His Kingdom.
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Space/Design Questions
Q: How does the idea of the project come to place?
A: In December 2018, the San Francisco city government removed the minimum parking space requirement, which presented an opportunity for SFCAC to convert the garage (currently with 5 parking spaces) into a permitted area for communal space.
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Total garage area = 2,000 sq. ft
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Due to over 30 years of use, the Main Building is showing signs of wear and tear. As stewards of this property, renovating and remodeling the facilities will help us continue our calling, which includes expanding God’s kingdom culture and to make disciples.
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Q: What are the goals of the project?
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Renovate and update the first level and garage at the Main Building
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Maximize our Main Building for current and future ministry development
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Localize all church staff offices to the Main Building to support stronger teamwork and fellowship​
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Open up lobby space for community usage and future ministry opportunities
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Q: What is the scope of the project?
A: Currently the proposed project covers the entire Main Building with major work on the Garage and First level. The Second and the Mezzanine Level involve cosmetic updates.
In the Garage level
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Convert the garage area of around 2,000 sq. feet into permitted area: install heating, lighting and any necessary system, level the floor, rearrange the surface drain of the floor,…
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Re-configure room location and size for relevant ministries: nursery, children, Sunday worship breakfast, Ping Pong,…
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Install ventilation system
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Remove the existing carpet and install new floor materials
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Paint the walls
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Install a Pantry
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Renovate bathrooms
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Install necessary IT infrastructure, such as laying cables and routers, for more extensive IT use in the garage level
In the First Level
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Convert the current baby room to become part of the office
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Reduce the size of the current office so that more lobby space can be provided
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Remove the existing carpet in the office and install new floor materials
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Remove the existing plastic floor in the lobby and Social Hall and install new floor materials
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Paint the walls
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Renovate Kitchen
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Renovate bathrooms
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Install new furniture for office and lobby
In the Second Level
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Update Carpet
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Paint Wall
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Updated the stage with pull-out choir stairs
In the Mezzanine Level
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Install carpet and paint walls
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Q: What ministries would be benefited from the project?
A:The benefits are many. First and foremost, we gain extra 2,000 sq. feet space with legality for current and future ministry use. Secondly, by removing the clutters, updating the wears and tears, and installing ventilation, the improved space is safe and convenient for many ministry uses. In light of the pandemic of 2020, it is crucial to review the safety of our facilities to be up-to-date for future development.
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Q: Have the other two buildings, Bridge Community Center (BCC) and Multi-Activity Center (MAC) been considered holistically for the ministry purpose? How will these two buildings be used?
A: The vision of revitalizing the Main Building is the 1st Phase. BCC and MAC are projected for Pre-Gospel Community Services in our long-term planning. The opportunities are endless. The Communal Mission Team did a research in 2019 about the population in our Parkside community with demographic findings. Parkside is ranked #13 in the population out of 50 neighborhoods in SF. 76% are highly educated with associate degrees and above, 54% are Asian, 67% are ages <10-54 years old. There are more married households in Parkside than any other parts of SF. Almost 40% of the Parkside population consists of college and young adult age groups. The percentage of children in Parkside is 16.8%, which equates to more than 3,000 children. Looking at these statistics, how can we serve our local mission field more effectively? CMT envisioned relevant pre-Gospel community services in the BCC and MAC to further the Kingdom of God. We are excited and look forward to many opportunities that can happen at our facilities. We also welcome all ideas and input from our SFCAC family.
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Q: Why make the office room smaller, and have the staff use a smaller space?
A: Currently, our staff offices are located in different buildings as the Main Building does not have enough individual office spaces for each staff member. The purpose of localizing staff offices to the main building is to increase communication and fellowship as one unity. To achieve this goal, the staff will have to "sacrifice" individual designated space and transition into a shared office space. As faithful stewards, we need to understand the concept of designated and communal space. The space design approach is grounded in biblical teaching as stated in Hebrews 13:16, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God", in which we are called to be stewards in utilizing God's entrusted resources for His Kingdom. Reviewing each floor plan will show that communal spaces such as the extended lobby, the additional reception area, the additional meeting room where pastors can meet brothers and sisters in privacy, and the new multi-purpose hall on the ground level, are greatly increased for ministry development.
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Q: Why are the children’s classrooms smaller? Is the Children’s Ministry "down-scaling?"
A: The Children's Ministry is an integral part of SFCAC. It is our top priority when designing and updating the new space. That is why we want to update all the rooms to be safe and child-friendly with upgraded decor and ventilation for our younger generation. We hope to centralize all children ministries at one location for safety concerns and effective work coordination. We also realize class sizes change every year. To best utilize the space, a total of seven children classrooms have a size range (from 175 sq. feet to 420 sq. feet) with three small-sized (175, 181, 187 sq. feet), two mid-sized (225, 282 sq. feet), and two large-sized rooms (360, 420 sq. feet) to meet changing needs. If you take into consideration the multi-purpose hall (1,462 sq. feet) and the children-friendly bathroom (75 sq. feet) additions on the ground level, the space for the Children's Ministry will be BIGGER than the current space, even after reducing the Infant and Toddler room. Existing classrooms, Room G03 (Current 104) & G04 (Current 103), will be enlarged. Two additional rooms, such as G-06 & G-07, will be able to transition into one large room after opening a partition. If you refer to the Project page and the Square Footage section, the current designated space for the Children’s Ministry in the Main Building is 1,982 sq. feet, while the total designated space of the new design is 1,905 sq. feet (only about 77 sq. feet less). If you take into account the additional shared communal multi-purpose hall, there is an extra 1,462 sq. feet of updated permitted space for the Children’s Ministry’s big events, such as Magic Shows, Graduation Celebrations, etc. With that said, the Children’s Ministry is NOT "down-scaling" but "up-scaling". As faithful stewards, we need to understand the concept of designated and communal space. Despite individual/designated space being reduced, shared communal space is greatly increased for more flexible ministry development. Our space design approach is solidly grounded in biblical teaching: we are called to be good stewards of resources God entrusted to us for His Kingdom.
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Q: Will you share designs / floor plans / renderings to all church members?
A: Yes. This website will be continually updated with the progression and development of MBRP.
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Q: After receiving comments and suggestions from members in the Town Hall Meeting, will the project be updated or redesigned?
A: We welcome open and mutual communications with brothers and sisters. This process welcomes all feedback. As you review the process timeline, the vision, and the purpose, you will see SFCAC openly shares the project through different channels, including online surveys, individual interviews, ministry team meetings, Governing Board meetings, and the town hall meeting on 11/15/2020. We will listen to your feedback and try our best to answer and accommodate needs as necessary. Please understand that the project and the design has to take into consideration the diverse needs and requirements of our community. Please also understand it is impossible to fulfill all individual needs and preferences. Therefore, in Christ's love and understanding, we must practice unity and put the needs of others first.
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Q: Do we have enough storage for existing staff, as storage areas already seem reduced?
A: As a matter of fact, not only do we think for the needs of the church staff, but also the needs of every ministry. The storage issue has been one of the major goals for the project and design team to tackle. We added 318 sq. feet storage space (1 Storage Room for Trash Bins and 1 Storage Room for Pingpong, chairs and tables, Lockers for various ministries) in the Ground Level, expanded the storage space from 170 sq. feet to 381 sq. feet in the Social Hall and will add cabinet spaces for ministry use. As faithful stewards, we will need to evaluate and assess the current use of storage space, such as if we have stored up many unnecessary things for too long. We must remember that the main function of the church is to serve God's people and outreach to non-believers. At the same time, we need storage to be practical and design storage for all ministries.
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Work-Related Questions:
Q. What are the major structural modifications made to the building? Is it safe?
A: There is one major modification:
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Removal of an existing 30-ft long concrete masonry wall at the basement and replace it with new steel frames
Please be assured that safety is a priority. We complied with and exceeded all California Building Code requirements. We implemented Value Engineering that includes cost-effective design that is easy to construct and functional. Please refer to the Project Page, Structural Modifications for more details.
Q: What would be the potential impact to the existing ministries when the renovations begin?
A: Our God is in control and orchestrates every part of our lives. We believe the pandemic happened for reasons beyond our understanding. We see the pandemic as an opportunity to begin the renovation while the church community exercises social distancing guidelines and practices hybrid worship at home. It is a rare opportunity that positively benefits the development of the project.
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Q: What would be the temporary arrangement for those ministries being impacted by the renovation?
A: With the blessing of having the MAC building and the BCC, we can use them as temporary in-person meeting places and offices. On the other hand, we will proceed with the MBRP in phases to minimize ministry disruptions..
Q: Can the scope of work be reduced or changed?
A: Being smart, diligent, and faithful stewards, we will continually consult professionals and brothers and sisters in the construction field. We will compare all the pros and cons in executing the project in full or partial scale. With the information we have gathered so far, about 2/3 of the cost goes into the ground level part of the project, which will add 2,000 square feet of permitted space for current and future ministry uses, and update the current Children’s Ministry area. The other 1/3 of the cost goes to upgrading the Social Hall, adding new offices, and expanding the lobby space on the first level. The Second Level Sanctuary and Mezzanine Level are not included in the current scope of work. We will get additional quotes if we agree to update these two levels.
Q: Does any work need to be done in the Sanctuary?
A: The SFCAC MBRP Team will present envisioned works of the whole Main Building. There will be plans for the Ground Level, the First Level, the Second Sanctuary Level, and the Mezzanine Level. The scope and cost of work will be different on each level. The work on all levels may be done at different times and phases. The breakdown of costs will be calculated and shown for comparison, discussion, and decision-making.
Q: Would there be any impact to the existing garden outside the garage?
A: There will be a minor impact to the garden, and it will be maintained normally.
Q: Which ministry teams will take the lead for the project?
A: The project is a collaborated effort across all congregations in SFCAC through dedications from the following teams under the leadership of Rev. Sam Lai:
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Main Building Revitalization Ad Hoc Project Team
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Project Management: Rev. Sam Lai, Kevin Wong
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Execute all work related details, including quotations from contractors and supervision of the work
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Engage vendors from all scope of work
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Architectural and Structural Engineering: Peter Lum, Elaine Tong Law, Kevin Wong
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Review and revise all structural and architectural blueprints for submissions​
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Design: Angel Kwok, Jo Wong, Elaine Tong Law, Poyi Lai
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Engage, interview, and collect comments from users/stakeholders (Ministry Teams, Staffs, and B/S) to determine needs
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Recreate, create, and design existing and new spaces according to the need requirements for current and future ministry needs
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Design with inputs from the architectural, structural, and project teams to ensure the design is compliant with building codes and inspection regulations, as well as universal accessibility standards
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Determine space requirements by selecting essential and decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials with consideration of cost
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Produce interior renderings for review
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Monitor construction work with the Project Management Team
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AV/Technology: Sam Tam, Eric Chiu, Ruth Leung, Willie Chow
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Research and update AV and technological equipment ​throughout the building
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Facilities/Maintenance Team: Daniel Siu
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Communal Mission Team: Julie Wong, Robert Chan, Gladys Leung, Jo Wong, Rev. Sam Lai, Poyi Lai
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Engagement and Needs Assessment, overall vision casting, and coordination and planning of use of different facilities
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Study Community Needs
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Stewardship & Finance: Bronia Leung, Gary Ng
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Research funding options, raise awareness, and fundraising
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Cost & Finance Questions:
Q: What is the building permit fee?
A: It is based on project cost, and will be charged between $7,000-10,000.
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Q: How you choose contractors?
A: We will send out our plan to a minimum of three contractors after reviewing their previous work and proposals. We will then compare their workmanship and price, and determine the best contractor for the MBRP.
Q: What is the construction cost?
A: An experienced contractor reviewed the MBRP plans who initially estimated that construction cost will range from $950,000 to $1,200,000.
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Q: What is the economical return and value of the project?
A: This is a good question with a long-term vision. The parable of the Bags of Gold (Matthew 25:14-30) encourages us that as we invested in revitalizing the buildings, it would not just add economical value to our properties, but also add eternal value when we wisely use them for God's Kingdom. As Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25:23, 29, "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!...For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them."
Unlike for-profit companies in the secular world that use return from investments to measure success, SFCAC is a non-profit, faith-based organization that is called to walk by faith and witness God’s work among us. We are building up the people and the community in which we serve. We trust that when we walk according to God’s will and do things to fulfill His purpose, God will bless us abundantly. Nevertheless, from an economical point and property value perspective, according to an experienced realtor, the current market value of the Main Church Building is $6,636,000.00 based on the existing building with 12,373 sq.ft. usable space. As there will be an increase of 2,000 sq.ft. of usable space by converting the existing garage into permitted space, the percentage of usable space increase will be 16% (2,000/12,373). As such, the rough estimate return and value of the project is $1,018,000 (16%*$6,636,000), if based on residential value increase formula. Of course, although the percentage increase of return and value for the church building might be less than residential ones, there will be substantial increase of value and return of the project, apart from the increase of value from the upgrade of another 4000 sq. feet of existing usable space (the current children ministry area and all the first floor). A more detailed increase of return and value can be provided by an appraiser.
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Q: How do we fund the project?
A: We can use one of the following options or combination of these options to fund the project:
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Use church general fund reserves
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Raise funds among SFCAC Family
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Borrow funds from Orchard Alliance
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Q: Will we take a loan from the Alliance Development Fund (ADF)?
A: Alliance Development Fund (ADF) has been merged with the Orchard Foundation in 2018 and the new entity is called Orchard Alliance (OA), a financial stewardship ministry under C&MA. If the revitalization project is approved and if we as a church agree to take a loan, it will be very likely that we will take a loan from OA in light of all the financial and non-financial benefits offered by them.
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Time Questions:
Q: What is the timeline?
A: Duration of the project is TBD. For a typical project, the San Francisco building department takes a minimum of 6 months to review the project and allow permits. Construction work typically takes 6-9 months.
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Q: Will the project be done in phases?
A: MBRP could be rolled out in phases to accommodate our ministry uses and financing ability. However, it would be favorable if the project can utilize the time period before the pandemic reopening.
Q: What is the sequence of works?
A: Please refer to the Project Page, the Project Schedule.