When GWC needed a new facility, Pastor Greiner knew it had to stand out. Non-institutional. Cutting edge. High tech. When he prayed about the situation, these were descriptors he received straight from the Holy Spirit. Yes, they fit the personality of our unique congregation, but designing a structure to fit the church's time constraints would pose another challenge altogether.
It was early 2003, and for nearly 5 years Glorious Way had been renting a facility shared with another church. The arrangement did not allow much opportunity for special events or even adequate signage. Obscurity was taking a huge toll on our attendance while rent ate down our budget. We felt trapped. Moving onto our 85 acres ASAP seemed critical to the church's future, and burning a year or more on construction was not an option. After researching alternative building types, one company emerged with a quick, high-tech solution: Sprung Structures.
Sprung takes a revolutionary approach to architecture with their dome-like shapes and clear-span interiors. The "stressed membrane" structures are frameworks of arched 8" aluminum I-beams with panels of architectural vinyl (yes, vinyl) pulled tautly over the top and bottom. A core of insulation is sandwiched between the two layers. Definitely unconventional. But different can be good, right?
Opting for a multiple-building campus with connecting corridors, we broke ground in August, 2004. Just 9 months later, members and visitors were enjoying its soaring spaces which include a 1000-seat sanctuary with supporting wings for offices and kids/youth. Our sanctuary interior with its black inner-liner makes an intimate atmosphere for worship, while the bright white lobby and skylight encourage upbeat fellowship. The rounded shape offers great acoustics and energy efficiency. From the street, the building commands attention, and children who ride by all want to see the inside of the giant "Hershey's Kiss."
Our facility has been a great fit for us, but it's not our final phase. We're all living in prophetic times foretold of long ago in the book of Joel and again in Acts. It's a time when God is pouring out of his Spirit upon all flesh... when He is showing wonders in the heavens and signs on the earth... when whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. God is gathering His harvest into barns, multitudes of souls for His Kingdom. Churches must be ready to hold these multitudes, and we will be ready. A bigger barn awaits.
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