Launching in 1993, we purchased our current building in 1997 to house our growing congregation. Within 3-4 years, we began to hit the ceiling of our limited parking and sanctuary size. Then in 2010, we moved to two Sunday services to accommodate our growth. We also purchased adjacent property to expand parking and build at our current location. Over the past few years, we’ve prayerfully clarified our vision, mission and values. And we continue to grow—new people, more small groups, expanding kids and youth ministries.

This growth leads to the constant challenge of significant restrictions. Our sanctuary seating exceeds 85% capacity each week and our 25 parking spaces cannot hold the over 60 cars that are counted per service. We have no dedicated youth space for the Alive Youth Ministries, which often exceeds 60 students in attendance. And our elementary-age kids ministries continue to grow, but our ministry space is limited. Our church daycare/preschool also has limited space with constant waiting lists in various age groups. 

Our mission to grow with God, connect with people and serve with purpose is often confined by the restrictions of our facilities. Therefore, new ministries and fresh ideas are tabled for “somewhere down the road.” Most of all, we feel the restriction upon our desire to reach more people for Christ in our community. Where will they park? Where will we seat them? How can we accommodate them and make them feel welcome when our over-crowded spaces feel intimidating to a guest?

We have renovated every space in our church building, as well as the Life House multiple times. But the 1955 cornerstone on our building speaks the truth. We minister in a dated facility that was not designed for our life-giving congregation. It has become a box that restricts us with all that God has called us to do.

Cost analysis for this project is sizeable with the new construction of the building and sitework estimated at $6.7 million. There are also contingency fees and additional overhead costs that could add on an additional $2 million. Clearly, this is a costly move, but we must engage in faith and advance with the vision that God has given LIFE CHURCH. This big move requires a BIG FAITH, and we believe God has positioned us to do it.

FORWARD VISION is a 2 year a congregational initiative designed to raise the additional monies that will bridge the gap between our current financial holdings and the anticipated $4-5 million construction loan for the new building.

After extensive financial analysis, it is projected that our 24-month fundraising capacity to be in the range of $350,000 to $650,000 with a mid-range of $500,000. This would exceed our current margins of monthly financial profits. We believe God will help us to reach our goals to break ground, and ultimately build a new home for LIFE CHURCH with all ministries under one roof!

This FORWARD VISION move will take us to a new level of influence in our community. But it will also help us grow further in becoming a church with regional impact in the greater Philadelphia area. And the “GO” value for world missions and church planting will grow to a whole new level.

Whether you’ve been part of Life Church for years, or you just started attending, we want you to get involved and ask the Lord to connect your heart with what He is doing through our church. Listen for Him to give you direction on how He would have you participate in the Forward Vision. No matter the dollar amount you feel led to give, we believe that if you give what God has placed on your heart, we will see the fruition of our prayers as we build for the future of God's kingdom in Springfield and central Delaware County.