FORWARD

GATHER. GROW. GO.

THE STORY OF US

Cottage Hill began in 1944. Born out of sacrifice and love for the Lord Jesus, it started with 28 faithful believers who met each Sunday under a tent near Cottage Hill and East Roads. Because of the sacrifices and dedication of so many, we are enjoying multiple blessings today. Our Lord has always been moving Cottage Hill FORWARD, all the way back to the first day that those 28 charter members met. Now, Cottage Hill is uniquely positioned to take ground and move ahead by Connecting People to Jesus Christ and One Another. Last October, 2024, for our 80th anniversary, our leadership cast an 8-year vision for Cottage Hill.

With such a BIG VISION, how do we begin? How do we see this become reality? With our next step FORWARD!

THE VISION: 880

80 LIFEGROUPS

800+ IN WEEKEND

ATTENDANCE

800+ NEW FAMILY UNITS

80 SENT FOR MINISTRY

80 CHURCHES

PLANTED/REPLANTED

800 SENT FOR MISSIONS

THE WAY FORWARD

This Vision God has given us is so big, it will take all of us…Together. And as the old adage goes, “there is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.” The point being that you can’t complete a very large job or solve a very complex problem all at once, but you solve it by accomplishing one small task at a time and sticking with it until it is completed.

Our 8-year vision is to see Cottage Hill Gather in enhanced spaces, Grow our relationships, and Go out into the community. Over the next two years, we'll be taking significant steps FORWARD in making this vision a reality. Over the next 24 months, we want to take some “small bites” out of our EIGHT80 “elephant.” This is the strategic next step for Cottage Hill to Gather, Grow, and Go.

OUR STEPS FORWARD THE NEXT TWO YEARS

FORWARD FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Enhancing the 5000/Elementary building will also allow Cottage Hill’s largest outreach ministry, Cottage Hill Christian Academy, to GROW our reach in Mobile through Christian education. Increasing our operational and missional budget allows for more Love Where You Live ministry projects and impact for our city

FORWARD FOR OUR FAMILY

Enhancing the 5000/Elementary building will provide updated and additional LIFE Group space. Providing more gathering space and improved indoor playground equipment in our Atrium area will help meet our GATHER goal.

FORWARD FOR OUR VISION

Increasing our missions budget allows for us to GO by sending mission teams, training future ministers of the Gospel, and assisting in planting or replanting 2 churches in the next 24 months.

WE ARE ASKING YOU TO JOIN

TOGETHER

IN PRAYING, ENGAGING, AND GIVING

Over the next 24 months, we are asking all of Cottage Hill to join together in going FORWARD with our EIGHT80 Vision. Would you consider helping us reach our goal of $14 million?

$11 million will meet our operational budget which will enable us to expand current ministries and missions efforts.
$3 million in expanded giving will help us enhance the 5000/Elementary building, improve both indoor playgrounds, refurnish atrium gathering areas, and complete some much needed deferred maintenance items.

We are asking everyone who calls Cottage Hill their home or supports the vision to pray, engage, and give in new ways during this season. Imagine the eternal impact our community will experience as we join together to give of our time, talents, and treasures to Gather, Grow, and Go!

Growing in generosity is something that God calls each of us to as His children,

WHAT WILL YOUR NEXT STEP BE?

GIVE NOW

FORWARD COMMITMENT CARD

This card is a helpful tool to guide us as we pray through and plan our giving for the next two years. It also provides a way to communicate your giving plan to the leadership of the church.

Watch this guide to help you fill out your card!

FAQs

Why is the project called “Forward?”

The project is called Forward, because God has given CHBC leadership vision for the next eight years and this is the first strategic step to move the vision 'Forward' as we continue to Gather, Grow, and Go.

What will Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s role be in FORWARD?

CHCA will be coming alongside Cottage Hill in the fundraising efforts and conducting their own capital campaign to help with the enhancement of the 5000 building.

Will giving to our campaign have a negative effect on funding for the annual budget?

Historically, campaigns have increased annual giving. In part because discussing giving has led members who might not be giving or not giving regularly to evaluate their giving and increase their participation in giving, along with those who choose to make additional sacrificial gifts during the campaign. All giving to Forward will address current ministry responsibilities and expand to include the new endeavors.

What is a commitment card?

The FORWARD commitment card is where you and your family indicate what you intend to give over the next 2 years. This card allows the team to steward resources more efficiently as we are able to better discern what will happen and when. There are several ways to give: the church website or app, check, stock, and non-cash assets. For specific questions about giving methods, please contact Jay Moore at jaym@cottagehill.org.

Will I be able to change my commitment if I need to over the next 2 years?

Of course! We are all making the best decision on our commitment possible based on what we know now. But circumstances change that may cause you to want to change your commitment in the future either up or down. All you will need to do is request a new commitment and revise your goal.

When do we expect to begin these projects? How will it affect current ministries?

We plan to begin work on some of the projects in the first half of 2026. The more funds we are able to receive early, the faster we can move forward. This will minimize the inconvenience time of construction as we will be able to move forward, faster.

Will this vision add to our overall church debt?

No, we do not intend to increase church debt to achieve the Forward vision.

Can I make my pledge if I am unable to attend Commitment Sunday?

Yes, just bring your commitment card to the next service you attend, drop it by the church office or mail it to the church office at: Cottage Hill Baptist Church 4255 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL 36609

Where can I direct other questions I might have about FORWARD?

Email info@cottagehill.org