The Story of Quarry

Bill Couchenour | Monday, August 29, 2011

Quarry Community Church is bringing the hope and compassion of the Gospel to Monticello, MN, about an hour northwest of Minneapolis. Lead Pastor, Michael Grose, and his team are doing a great work for Jesus. You get a glimpse of what they stand for with the analogy they use of a “quarry” (click here for the full Story of the Quarry):

The quarry is a place where you seek to find rocks.
The church is a place where you seek to find lost people.

The quarry is a place where rocks are formed, shaped and hewn for a specific purpose.
The church is a place where new believers in Jesus Christ are mentored and discipled to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

The quarry is a place where rocks are sent out to build something outside the walls of the quarry.
The church is a place where people are built up to be sent out and minister wherever God has called them.

The church is in the process of purchasing a building owned by the city. It was originally built as a bowling alley and over the last several years has fallen into disrepair. We are working with them to renovate this facility to develop needed ministry space and I had a chance to visit them, personally. We’re right at the crux of discerning vision, determining priorities and developing financial plans. It is always thrilling for me when I can be close enough to the vision to feel it.

I love this part because this is the very heart of what we do. The facilities are only tools for ministry but, because of the size of the capital expenditures, the facility decisions are critical. And I am more convinced than ever that bringing the right team into the room with the right process from the beginning results in the best facility decisions for church construction or renovation. I see this approach imitated by many under a variety of names but the “right team” and the “right process” are difficult to duplicate.

Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Monticello and the surrounding area.
May God use Quarry CC in a powerful way!

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Athens Church Loves Athens

Bill Couchenour | Monday, May 16, 2011

I had the privilege recently to tour the new facilities we just completed for Athens Church. Launching new facilities into mission is one of our most exciting times. That’s because we know that the new facilities will be a physical bridge to ministry opportunities that were not possible before. We painstakingly, diligently worked with the church to develop the facilities that will best serve their ministry. It’s far more than just providing affordable space. It’s about understanding the Code, Context and Calling of the church before Creating the Right Ministry Space. In this case, we used what has affectionately become known as the “big box build-out”. The church purchased over 100,000 sq. ft. of a strip center. We worked with them to develop nearly 1/2 of that space for use now and to provide for subsequent uses in the remaining area. See more here.

It was an honor to serve Pastor Sean Seay (@seanseay) and the ministry God planted in Athens, GA several years ago. Athens Church is a North Point Ministries strategic partner, and maintains a commitment to be a church that unchurched people can attend – relevance without compromising the Gospel. From the weekend services and Starting Point, to Waumba Land, UpStreet, Xtreme, & InsideOut, to small groups, you will find intentionality with Jesus at the heart of what they do. Check out “Our Dream” for an example of how one family, far from God, came to know how much God loves them – through the love they were shown by Athens Church.

Athens Church Does Indeed Love Athens, GA

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TOP TEN REASONS TO RE-PURPOSE BUILDINGS FOR MINISTRY

Bill Couchenour | Monday, February 21, 2011

More and more churches are finding that purchasing and repurposing existing buildings can be an effective way for developing the right ministry space. We asked the Cogun Project Consultants that are working directly with churches about what is driving this trend. Here are their Top Ten reasons why re-purposing buildings for ministry can be a good idea:

1. UNUSUAL MARKET CONDITIONS - More suitable buildings are empty and open in many areas. Commercial property is at unprecedented low prices.

2. DEVELOPED SITE – The parking lot, site lighting, and other site work is usually in place, so site approvals are usually significantly shorter. Site development fees are also minimal or non-existent.

3. TAX BENEFITS FOR SELLER - Many sellers can sell to churches cheaper since they may qualify for a tax break (discounted sale to non-profit).

4. REDEMPTION METAPHOR - “Redeeming” a decaying building is a powerful image to the community. The story of redemption can be told in renovation … renovation is restoration.

5. ADDITIONAL FUNDING POTENTIAL - Because renovation may be less costly than new construction, it has potential to allow more funds for Audio/Visual elements, thematic design, added staff, etc.

6. SPEED TO MINISTRY – Design and construction timelines are typically shorter giving more opportunity for ministry in the new facility.

7. LOCAL FAVOR - Local government agencies want to see these empty eyesores filled and are generally favorable to re-purposing existing buildings in the community.

8. FAMILIARITY – People in the area know about the building because it’s a recognizable location.

9. IT’S GREEN – Re-purposing existing buildings already have a footprint developed so there’s minimal added environmental impact.

10. CONTEXTUAL – Moving to an existing building potentially serves a population that otherwise would not have access to your ministry. It engages people where they are and in their context.

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