At last a giving campaign that the major focus is spiritual preparation of members. The usual approach for growing churches is to project what the future may hold and then plan for its fulfillment.

Scripture demonstrates a different plan. God plans the future and challenges us to prepare for His plans. His promise in Jeremiah was "I know the plan I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). His call to His people was to pray and prepare, for from our position "we see in part and know in part," "we see through the glass darkly." God's challenge to us is "consecrate yourself for tomorrow God will do wonders among you" (Joshua 3:5).

40 Days of Preparation is the process God has used to prepare His people for His activity. There is no way Noah could have known where to start in rebuilding the world or the early disciples would have known how to plan for a Pentecost. God used 40 days in their lives to prepare them for the plans He had for them.

40 Days of Preparation introduces a time-honored plan of spiritual preparation.

1. Daily scripture study and personal prayer, focusing on vision, faith and obedience;
2. Weekly small group prayer and sharing sessions, leading individuals to assist each other in the process;
3. Worship services each week, providing meaning and motivation to those in preparation;
4. "Try God" offering each week, over and above their regular level of giving, to claim the promises of Malachi 3:10.