Updates from
Mark

Since 1878, God has been writing a beautiful story at The Glade Church. Lives changed by the gospel. Marriages restored. Students called into ministry. Families anchored in truth. Neighbors baptized. Leaders raised up. Through seasons of challenge and seasons of growth, the Lord has been faithful to us again and again.

And now, we find ourselves at another defining moment. Growth is a gift, but growth brings pressure. Parking fills quickly. Traffic backs up. Next generation spaces are stretching beyond capacity. First impressions no longer reflect the strength and beauty of what God is doing inside. These are good problems — but they are still problems.

That's why we are stepping into a new season we're calling BREAKTHROUGH — Removing barriers so people can meet Jesus. This initiative isn't about buildings for the sake of buildings. It's about people. It's about clearing obstacles so more men, women, students, and children can encounter Christ, grow in discipleship, and be sent out on mission. Breakthrough focuses on three strategic priorities: creating safer access and better parking through a neighboring property, renewing our campus exterior so hospitality begins before a word is spoken, and expanding student environments to nurture discipleship for the next generation.

Through every season since, God has been faithful. He has led us, refined us, and used us to lead people to treasure Christ and courageously make Him known. What began as a simple act of obedience has become a multi-generational story of grace. And now, we sense Him leading us again.

Breakthrough is about removing barriers so people can meet Jesus. As we've prayed and evaluated our space, it has become clear that we are at a defining moment. Our campus is filling up. Parking is tight. Student and kids environments are stretched. Key ministry spaces are limited. Even the front of our campus needs a thoughtful refresh to better reflect who we are and create a clearer, more welcoming first impression. We refuse to let space limitations, inside or out, become mission limitations.

By God's provision, our first step is underway as we have entered a purchase agreement for the property next door. This strategic opportunity expands our footprint and positions us to plan wisely for the future — not just for the next year, but for the next generation.

Now we are preparing for targeted improvements that will strengthen how we disciple and deploy people: expanded traffic and parking flow, enhanced student environments, a refreshed and more inviting campus frontage, and strategic updates that increase usability and flexibility.

These are not cosmetic changes. They are ministry multipliers. Every square foot represents people: students, children, families, and neighbors who need hope.

Breakthrough is about movement — from limitation to opportunity, from congestion to capacity, from maintenance to mission. It will require faith, unity, and generosity from all of us.

But before we talk about projects or commitments, we'll do what Scripture teaches us to do first: remember. This spring, we'll walk through a four-week series in 1 Chronicles built around four movements: Remembrance, Gratitude, Vision, and Joyful Generosity. Alongside this series, we'll enter into 21 Days of Prayer — because before we raise funds or move dirt, we seek the Lord.

This initiative must be Spirit-empowered, Word-centric, and prayerfully dependent. If the Lord does not build the house, we labor in vain. But when He leads, we follow with bold faith.

In 1 Chronicles 29, David prays, "Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand." That is the heart behind this moment.

My prayer is that as you read this, you won't feel pressure — you'll feel invitation. An invitation to pray, to trust, to participate, and to prepare the way for those not yet here. This is about the next generation. This is about the next family that drives onto this campus. This is about removing barriers so people can meet Jesus.