While several factors have led to the decision to renovate, the main one is this: we want to continue doing ministry to the best of our ability. We want to create environments that are safe, functional, and welcoming for every ministry using our building. These aren’t spaces used just once a week. They’re used consistently for teaching, small groups, discipleship, and community.

Practically, several rooms are already in need of work. The carpet tiles in the Mill are peeling up and will sometimes slide out from under your feet as you walk, creating a tripping hazard. There are several rooms where equipment has moved in and out, leaving holes in the ceilings and walls. The temporary classrooms in the old gym have sound and lighting issues. And since our staff have moved offices to the house next door, many rooms sit empty and unused.

Since so much already needs updating, we decided to step back and evaluate what work is needed to make the space as effective as possible.

This renovation will not change our footprint, meaning we are not adding any additional square footage to the building. We are only remodeling the existing space. The blueprint is available to view here.

• The south hallway is being split into two classrooms, while the north side, where the current nursery and Connect Room are located, will feature a new centralized hallway.
• We’ll have an updated wing on the south side for ages nursery through preschool.
• The Refinery will be split into two classrooms.
• The north hallway classrooms receiving fresh carpet, lighting, and paint.
• What is currently labeled Door D will become an updated entrance with glass doors and a convenient check-in station right inside for families who enter on the north side.
• The bathrooms and kitchen are also being updated.
• Community Room will be converted into a worship center and multipurpose room featuring updated lighting, a stage, acoustical sound treatment, a large video screen, and a sound system.

At this time, we don’t have a completion date. As the project progresses, we will keep you updated on the timeline; however, we expect this project to take most of the year to complete.

Currently, the blueprints have been submitted to Bedford Township for permits. We cannot begin until proper permits are in place. But as soon as the permits come through, we plan to get started. We will keep you updated on the timeline.

We worked with Midwest Church Construction on the blueprints that meet Bedford Township's building codes. For the actual construction, we’ve hired Aaron VanEeckhoutte of ADV Construction to be the general contractor.

The total estimated cost of the renovation is $1.7 million. Over the last several years, we’ve saved approximately $1 million toward this project, leaving us short of our goal by about $700,000.

Over several years of spending less than we received and saving an annual surplus, we currently have $1 million in financial reserves. We plan to utilize these reserves for the renovation; however, we’ll be approximately $700,000 short. We’re trusting God and His people to help us fund the remainder of the project.

All our ministries, Kids, Students, and Adults, will utilize aspects of this renovated space. The worship center and multipurpose room will be a large teaching space for BAC Kids’ big group time, BAC Students’ teaching time, and BAC Recovery’s worship and teaching. Being a multipurpose room, it can also be used for events outside of regular ministries. Small Groups, Support Groups, Prayer Groups, and classes can also use classrooms to meet throughout the week.

Midwest Church Construction asked our leadership several questions about what works in our current space, what doesn’t, and what we’d like to see for the future. They created several renovation options for us to choose from. After discussions with their architects and our ministry leaders, we landed on what we believe is the best option for the function of our ministries.

Our goal as a church has always been to be a training center. We want to help people build a solid biblical foundation, find their calling, and release them into the world to make a difference where they live, work, and play.

We’ve witnessed other churches heavily invest resources outside of their church while neglecting the next generation within their church. Eventually, those churches struggled to survive or, worse, closed their doors. Creating and training disciples isn’t a distraction from our mission; it is the mission.

One way to support this renovation project is financially. With our financial reserves, we still estimate we’re about $700,000 short of full funding for this renovation. To help us reach that goal, you can donate to our Building Fund.

Another way to support us is through prayer. We ask that you pray for the renovation project, for wisdom for our leadership, and for the safety of all contractors working on our building. Pray that the project is executed according to plan without running into unexpected issues.

Lastly, we ask for your patience and grace, as this project will require some classrooms to temporarily relocate. Construction will be happening throughout the back of our building. We will do our best to keep everything clean and easy to navigate. We just ask for your patience during this time.