This is more than a building project. It is a spiritual journey in which God is calling us to step out in faith, pursue generosity, and prepare our church to be a hub of ministry seven days a week. We believe God is leading us into a new season of impact, one in which our facilities become tools for worship, community, and mission that bless both our congregation and the city of Aiken.
Imagine what God could do if we each decided to love like Jesus not just on Sundays, but every day of the week! Together, let’s embrace this vision: More Than Sunday.
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:16–21, NRSV
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From Our Pastor
God has done incredible things through the people of Aiken’s First Baptist Church over the years, and now God is calling us to take another bold step of faith. More Than Sunday is more than a campaign—it’s a call to live as the church and love like Jesus every day of the week.
This journey is not just about repairing buildings; it’s about creating spaces where lives will be changed, families strengthened, communities renewed, and the gospel shared.
I invite you to join me in praying, trusting, and leaning in together as we follow God’s leading to become boldly faithful followers of Jesus on . . . More Than Sunday.
Grace and Peace,
John Carroll
Five Reasons We're Doing This Now
1. Radically Pursuing Loving Like Jesus: Our facilities should welcome, build community, and meet needs. What we do with our buildings communicates who we are and what we believe.
2. Integrity of Our Facilities: Urgent repairs are needed: roofs, HVAC systems, and mold remediation cannot wait.
3. Because Sunday Matters: Beautiful, flexible, and inspiring worship spaces help us proclaim the gospel in ways that connect across generations.
4. Because More Than Sunday Matters Too: We want to open our doors seven days a week with safe, accessible facilities for preschoolers, nonprofits, and community groups.
5. Because the Love of Jesus Compels Us: Christ calls us beyond comfort and survival into a God-sized mission of generosity and impact.
How You Can Be Part of More Than Sunday
Our primary goal in this journey is not a dollar amount—it is 100% participation. We want every person in our church family to join in this vision and experience a life-changing encounter with God.
Ways You Can Join In
Pray for our church, our leaders, and your role in this vision.
Participate in worship and small groups during the campaign season.
Invite others into the vision and upcoming events.
Commit on Commitment Sunday (November 23, 2025).
Celebrate with us at the Commitment Celebration (December 14, 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is More Than Sunday?
More Than Sunday is a three-year generosity initiative that invites every person in our church family to take a bold step of faith. It’s about more than raising funds — it’s about deepening our daily walk with Christ, strengthening our church for future ministry, and expanding our impact throughout Aiken and beyond.
What are the specific opportunities this vision will address?
Our plan focuses on four stages of repair, renovation, and renewal:
Stage 1: Sanctuary and HVAC repairs, roof replacement, mold remediation, new seating, improved sound and lighting, a new Welcome Center, a new elevator, and renovated office space.
Stage 2: A consolidated, secure preschool and an enclosed walkway to the Trinity Building.
Stage 3: Renovations to the Trinity Building for Bible studies, counseling, and nonprofit partnerships, plus repurposing Faith Cottage for transitional housing.
Stage 4: Renovation of the gym and fellowship hall, and creation of a welcoming, multi-use atrium and outdoor gathering space.
How much is this going to cost?
The total estimated cost for Stage 1 is $3,400,000, Stage 2 is $750,000, Stage 3 is $350,000, and Stage 4 is $1,100,000. With $1,000,000 already in hand, the goal for each stage is that much more attainable.
- $2,400,000 will fund Stage 1
- $3,150,000 will fund Stages 1 & 2
- $3,500,000 will fund Stages 1 – 3
- $4,600,000 will fund Stages 1 – 4
Why now? Is this really the best time to take on a challenge of this size?
For more than 200 years, God has used AFBC to make a lasting difference in our community. Today, we are experiencing more than 20,000 hours of ministry impact through our Sunday and Wednesday programs each year—and with updated facilities, that impact could be tenfold. The needs of our community are real and urgent, and the opportunity before us is too great to wait.
What is the timeline for More Than Sunday? What are the key dates?
Early Commitment Night: November 12, 2025
Commitment Sunday: November 23, 2025
Celebration Sunday & First Offerings: December 14, 2025
3-Year Giving Journey Begins: December 2025
Stage 1 & 2 Completion Goal: End of 2026
What about debt? Is it possible we might finance any portion of this?
Our prayerful goal is to fully fund Stages 1, 2, and 3 through the More Than Sunday campaign, alongside the $1 million already in hand. If needed, we may use short-term financing, but our plan is to minimize or avoid long-term debt so that resources can be directed toward ministry, not interest payments. The church will have a voice in any decisions to be made about financing.
How can I give to More Than Sunday?
You can make your commitment on Commitment Sunday (November 23, 2025) by filling out the More Than Sunday commitment card. We have more commitment cards in the office if you lost the one that came with your guidebook, or you can use the online commitment card on this page that will go live November 3. Gifts can be made through one-time offerings, monthly or annual pledges, stock gifts, or other creative means as the Lord leads.
Will my commitment be confidential?
Yes. Your commitment is a matter between you, God, and the financial office of AFBC. Only those who process the commitments will have access to your information.
How long will I have to fulfill my commitment?
This is a three-year journey. Giving begins in December 2025 and continues through December 2028, which means the 3 year journey covers 4 tax periods.
When do we start giving toward our commitments?
We will bring our commitment cards on Commitment Sunday, November 23, 2025. Giving will officially begin with our First Offerings on December 14 and continue for three years.