Christ Presbyterian Church in Oxford Unanimously Approves “ROOTED & RAISED” Capital Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
October 7, 2025

Oxford, MS – After a six-week readiness assessment, including twenty-three focus group meetings where feedback from the congregation was sought, the Session has voted unanimously to begin the Advanced Phase of the “Rooted & Raised” Capital Campaign. They have initiated the formation of a Steering Committee to organize and guide the congregation through a process over the next several months as it seeks to expand its facilities to strengthen its ministry impact in Oxford and beyond.

Christ Presbyterian Church, located in historic Oxford, MS, is a member of the PCA denomination.  Established in 1995, their mission is “to Proclaim a Hope, Build a Home, and Launch a Healing of ourselves and in the world around us.” Taking this mission seriously requires providing pathways for members and visitors to “find the little church within the big church.” It is recognized that the current facilities are a pinch-point for enabling their mission to be fully realized.

After a season of discernment and planning, the Session employed the services of Dave Benham with Incipio Consulting to develop plans for a new addition. The proposed project includes new spaces for the children’s and youth ministry along with a side lobby, gymnasium, and courtyard. The new facility will enable the existing youth and children’s rooms to be repurposed as adult education space, creating meaningful opportunities for connection, discipleship, and community engagement for this growing congregation.

“Our vision is to provide a welcoming space where faith can take root, relationships can grow, and lives can be transformed,” said Lead Pastor, Les Newsom. “This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar – It’s about creating pathways for both new and current members to experience the hope and healing we find in Christ.”

The readiness assessment, conducted over the past six weeks, affirmed strong congregational support and enthusiasm for the initiative. With this foundation in place, Christ Presbyterian Church will now begin the planning and preparation phase of the capital campaign, engaging the congregation and community in the journey ahead.

Due to the scope of these proposals, the Session at Christ Presbyterian Church has asked James D. Klote & Associates to assist and guide their efforts through this “Rooted & Raised” capital campaign initiative.  James D. Klote & Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in capital fund raising projects for churches and non-profit organizations, is providing full-time, resident counsel.  Consultant, Dan Reese, is representing the firm. “It is a joy to partner with Christ Presbyterian on this exciting opportunity to continue fulfilling their mission.” said Reese.  “I have been so impressed with the church’s leadership and the engagement from the congregation which shows great underlying support for the proposal. This church is ready for this campaign, and I have every expectation that they will see success!”

With offices in Great Falls, VA; Dallas, TX; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; and Toronto, ON, Canada, James D. Klote & Associates is the largest full-time, on-site stewardship consulting firm in North America.  For additional information, please contact the firm at www.jdklote.com or 703-532-7633.