Why Build? Why Now?

First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) of Gaithersburg was founded in 1984 due to a growing demand for our denomination in northern Montgomery County. During the initial years of the church, we held services in a local high school auditorium and moved to our present Washington Grove Lane location in 1989. The membership has grown from twenty-five members in the first year to well over four hundred members on the roll by the end of 2007. This has caused a tremendous strain on our current facility and the lack of space is starting to impede new membership growth. These two factors are key motivators for us to begin thinking and planning strategically for future expansion.

The Vision

In October of 2004, Pastor Glenn, our spiritual leader, delivered a sermon to the congregation where she articulated a Vision for our church. Her Vision is to “Build an organization that is dedicated to discipleship, education, economic empowerment and the expansion of the ministry”. She clearly linked the accomplishment of the last three items to the construction of a new facility and the need for strategic planning.

The Mission

As an integral part of the Gaithersburg community, FAME’s mission is to fulfill the social mandates of the gospel: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, minister to those in prison, and lift up the downtrodden. Although not directly impacted by space constraints, the mission is currently being accomplished by a limited number of members that have unselfishly committed their time, talent and treasure. A primary goal of the Building Expansion Program is to encourage and support the influx of new members with fresh ideas and willing hearts.

The Values

As described, both FAME’s vision and mission illustrate the primary value that permeates throughout our church body and that is a high regard for serving others. Our members embrace and believe that “Our True Value is in Serving Others.”

Critical Success Factors

There are a number of factors that will influence the success of FAME’s Building Expansion Program. However, research shows that the areas having the most influence are strong leadership, good communications, thorough upfront planning, and effective program implementation. If these factors are addressed, God will bless us with the following results:

Growth in membership

• Tithes and offering meeting and exceeding our needs and expectations
• The church completing the detailed design by the Fall 2007
• Financing for new church received the Fourth Quarter 2007
• Break ground on the new Church Facility by Summer 2008

We stand at a crossroads in the spiritual life of First Africa Methodist Episcopal Church. The future is in our hands. Let us pray that generations to come will look back on this time and celebrate our sacrifice, commitment, and success in making the Vision a reality.