Future Building Plans at Chain of Lakes Church
Chain of Lakes Church has always been about people.
From the beginning, our congregation has focused on creating a welcoming church where people can connect, grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve their neighbors. As our church continues to grow, we are beginning to experience the kinds of challenges that come with a healthy and active congregation.
The purpose of our future building plans is simple: create space for ministry.
After months of discussion, facility review, and planning, church leaders and volunteers have developed a proposal that would help Chain of Lakes better serve children, youth, families, small groups, and the broader community for years to come.
Why Are We Considering Building Improvements?
Over the past several years, our congregation has experienced increasing demand for ministry space.
A review of our facilities identified several areas where our current building is becoming stretched:
- Nursery space is already at capacity
- Children’s and youth ministry spaces are nearing capacity
- Meeting rooms are often fully booked
- Fellowship and gathering areas are undersized
- Parking is frequently near capacity on busy Sundays and special events
These challenges are positive signs of a growing church, but they also create limitations that can affect ministry opportunities and hospitality for visitors.
The goal of this project is not simply to build more space. The goal is to create room for people.
What Is Being Proposed?
Following a review process led by the Short-Term/Long-Term Facility Requirements Team, a preliminary concept plan was developed with assistance from the church architect.
New Ministry Space
The proposed addition would create approximately 1,672 square feet of new ministry space, including:
- Expanded nursery facilities
- Dedicated youth room
- Additional conference and education rooms
These spaces would support children, youth, discipleship programs, small groups, meetings, and future ministry growth.
Improvements to Existing Space
The proposal also includes updates within the current building:
- Expanded fellowship and gathering areas
- Repurposed storage and ministry rooms
- Improved functionality for worship and ministry teams
- Better use of existing square footage
These improvements would help create a more welcoming environment before and after worship while supporting ongoing ministry activities.
Additional Parking
The concept plan includes approximately 20 additional parking spaces beyond the current 46-space parking lot.
Additional parking would improve accessibility and help accommodate future growth and special events.
How Does This Support Our Mission?
At Chain of Lakes Church, buildings are tools for ministry.
Every room serves a purpose:
- A nursery helps families feel welcome.
- Youth space creates opportunities for connection and growth.
- Meeting rooms support discipleship and small groups.
- Fellowship space encourages relationships.
- Parking helps remove barriers for visitors.
These plans are designed to support our mission of hospitality, joyful love, healthy disagreement, community engagement, and investing in future generations.
The vision is not simply a larger building. The vision is creating more opportunities for people to encounter faith, belonging, and community.
Potential Timing Options
Several timing scenarios are being considered.
Current discussions include possible construction starts in:
- Spring 2027
- Fall 2027
- Spring 2028
Each option has different implications for fundraising, financing, and ministry needs. No final timeline has been selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not yet. Church leadership is gathering feedback and evaluating next steps before any final decisions are made.
The facility review identified several ministry areas that are already at or near capacity, including nursery, youth space, meeting rooms, fellowship areas, and parking.
Current planning estimates place the project between $500,000 and $600,000, though final costs have not been determined.
Yes. Congregational approval would be part of the process before moving forward.
Please email your comments or questions to info@colpres.org. Church leadership wants to hear from every voice in the congregation.
In Summary
Chain of Lakes Church in Blaine, Minnesota is exploring future building improvements to better support growing ministries and community needs. Proposed plans include expanded nursery space, dedicated youth rooms, additional education and meeting rooms, improved fellowship areas, and additional parking. Church leadership is currently gathering feedback and evaluating timing, financing, and next steps before any final decisions are made.
Questions or Feedback?
Your voice matters.
If you have questions, concerns, ideas, or feedback regarding the future building plans, please contact: info@colpres.org
The leadership team is committed to listening carefully and ensuring that any future decisions reflect the values and vision of the congregation.