The Autumn Ridge Church Building Implementation Committee (BIC) was assembled to undertake a set of studies starting in May 2009.  The committee analyzed current facility needs and determined what facility limitations may hamper our ability to share the Autumn Ridge Church experience with new guests over the next ten years.  Four studies were undertaken.

The church pastoral staff was first surveyed to understand where current facility limitations create obstacles to serving current attendees and new guests.

A second survey regarding space limitations was shared with lay leaders in multiple ministries.

Third, a set of interviews was undertaken with vision leaders at the church, asking about facility concerns and opportunities.

Fourth, a detailed facility use analysis was undertaken to study patterns of facility saturation.

Results of these studies are summarized online at the church website.  These studies all pointed to the same conclusions.  The present building is serving well.  Creative reconfiguration of attendance has been achieved by the enhanced Emmaus service.  This increase in Saturday evening attendance has relieved some pressure on facilities in the short term.  However, patterns of facility saturation are now evident.  Projected growth of 40 percent or more over the next 10 years will overwhelm three key ministry areas:

1. Kids ministry space limits (nursery, classroom, recreation) are already hampering ministry.  Facilities are often near or at capacity, such that young families with children will increasingly be turned away, marking a major change in the Autumn Ridge Experience and its family-friendly tradition.  By adding multi-purpose classrooms for adult and student education, kids ministries can expand to classrooms on both levels of the current education wing, as originally conceived in the site master plan.
2. Gathering spaces are often filled past capacity.  This is notably true for the Common Grounds Café and lobby, where greeting, meals, and special events often exceed comfort levels.  The warm Autumn Ridge Church welcome will increasingly be lost due to overcrowding.
3. Recreation facilities will expand the scope and effectiveness of ministry at Autumn Ridge Church.  Not implemented in Phase 1 due to fiscal constraints, the Salem Road campus lacks multi-purpose recreation facilities and playground space.  This deficiency limits service to all ages, and prevents the church from sharing recreation resources as an avenue of ministry in the community.  Multi-purpose gymnasium space can provide for sports and recreation, as well as provide flexible space for socializing, worship events, banquets, student ministry events, festivals, regional conferences, community service projects, disaster relief, and a host of other creative opportunities.  An outdoor playground will expand service to kids. A welcoming recreation facility can also be intentionally shared with public and private schools and community sports leagues to demonstrate hospitality.  The exemplifies the church mission:  Loving God. Serving people.