After years of planning and a quiet phase begun in the second half of 2008, Ligonier announced the launch of the first capital campaign in ministry history in March 2009 at the National Conference in Orlando. With great anticipation, almost 600 ministry partners and friends gathered for a special evening that introduced the vision for Here We Stand: The Campaign for Ligonier Ministries.

Guests from around the country heard from various ministries leaders who set forth the historical context for this initiative, the rationale for such bold expansion, and the funding priorities that comprise the $15.6 million campaign goal. In a timely message, Dr. R.C. Sproul echoed the cry of the prophet Hosea who proclaimed the consequences to those who lack true knowledge of God and His Word. For this reason, Dr. Sproul emphasized, the state of both the culture at large and the contemporary evangelical church demands that we act now. He is convinced that we cannot wait for a more expedient time to expand our ministry capabilities and ensure that Reformation truths are passed to the next generation.

All 4,700 students who attended the conference had the opportunity to learn about the campaign, ask questions of the development team, and invest in the project. Many took advantage of the opportunity to tour Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies and the beautiful 34+ acre campus that will also become home to our international headquarters and various ministry outreaches. At the conclusion of the 3-day conference, Ligonier had received $164,000 in new campaign commitments from those eager to partner with us in providing a new place for study, ministry, and fellowship.