Building-Project---Phase-2.png
transform.png

BUILDING PROJECT
PHASE 2 

Phase 2 of the Building Project campus expansion plan is the Early Childhood Center.
The historical progression of Phase 2 thus far is the focus of this page.
  • Jan 13, 2025:  As we were planning for the development of Christian education options on our campus at TheMission we thought it wise to consider partnering with willing organizations who have a strong record of organizing, operating, and maintaining schools that complement the church’s primary mission of sharing the Gospel. One of the organizations we reached out to was Divine Savior Ministries.
    • Divine Savior Ministries (DSA) is a WELS ministry that operates multiple preschools, elementary schools, and high schools in Florida and Texas. All of their campuses include both a school and church. Their schools are all called Divine Savior Academy. Their churches are all called Divine Savior Church. They have been in existence since 2001. You can find more information here:
  • Feb 10, 2025:  Building plans for the Early Childhood Ministry center were sent to the civil engineer and were completed the week of Feb 10, 2025. 
  • Feb 17, 2025: On Monday Feb 17th a meeting with Brayton Construction was held to discuss pricing for the construction of the Early Childhood Ministry Center.
  • March 2025:
    • Christian Education Coordinator:  Mr. Jim McConnell agreed to serve in this position. Mr. McConnell has served 35 years in Christian education/ministry.  
    • We have received the initial cost estimate for the construction of the Early Childhood Ministry Center.  The cost to build 6 classrooms, offices, reception area, and indoor play space is around $4.5 million.  That cost does not include needed furniture, desks, playground equipment, signage, or school supplies.
  • March 30, 2025:  Congregational meeting regarding Early Childhood Ministry (ECM) occurred after worship.
    • A copy of the meeting handout can be found HERE.
  • March 31, 2025:  A survey was distributed to obtain feedback from the congregation.
    • Thank you to everyone who completed the Early Childhood Ministry survey. Your feedback and input was vital in directing our next steps toward the future of this ministry.
  • May 4, 2025:  A follow-up Congregational Meeting regarding ECM occurred after worship.
    • Pastor Carlos Leyrer from Divine Savior Ministries was with us and shared more detail about their ministry and answered questions about what a ministry partnership may look like. 
    • A video recording of the meeting can be found HERE.
    • A copy of the slides Pastor Leyrer shared with the congregation can be found HERE.
  • May 7, 2025:  A survey was distributed to obtain feedback from the congregation.
    • Thank you to everyone who completed the second Early Childhood Ministry survey. Your feedback and input was vital in directing our next steps toward the future of this ministry.
  • May 12, 2025: The results of the survey was evaluated by our church Board for Mission and Ministry at their regular May meeting.  They decided to postpone discussions related to the development of an Early Childhood Ministry until after Phase 1 of the project was completed.  This will postpone the opening of an Early Childhood Center on our campus until 2027 at the earliest.
  • Early Sep 2025:  Pastor Mattek met with Pastor Carlos Leyrer from Divine Savior Ministries (DSM) to discuss again the terms of a possible ministry partnership.  The following items were discussed in order to be shared with leadership of both ministries for reaction:
    • Proposed responsibilities for DSM:
      • Fully oversee building project from current state to completion
      • Full responsibility for building project finances
      • Full responsibility for operational finances
      • Full responsibility for administration of school operations
    • Proposed responsibilities for TheMission Church
      • Partner with DSM in serving and reaching out to school families
      • Partner with DSM in use of campus facilities (school activities have priority in school buildings; church activities have priority in chapel building)
    • Anticipated Benefits of this ministry partnership
      • A growing need for our congregation and community families for quality Christian education is met
      • TheMission Church can focus all resources on complete church ministry development
      • A strong and growing WELS church (TheMission) partners with highly-regarded WELS school system with strong history of sustainability, excellence, and growth (DSM)
      • The school (Kindergarten and up) would be eligible to participate immediately in the Texas School Choice funding program on account of DSM’s current accreditation status
      • Early Childhood Center to open in Fall 2027 with construction to begin in early 2026
    • Agreed-upon non-negotiables
      • School and church maintain WELS identity
      • TheMission Church maintains its church identity and name for as long as the church believes doing so serves the community, congregation, and campus well; TheMission Church will not be asked to change its name or identity
      • Divine Savior Academy maintains its identity and name for the school and all future campus schools
      • Commitment to eventually provide Christian education through Grade 8 on campus; high school TBD
      • DSM given primary decision-making on future campus building locations/sizes as long as:
        • TheMission Church leadership is consulted in regard to the original Master Site Plan
        • Designs of new buildings aim to complement, where possible, architectural style of the chapel
        • The current ‘green’ view out the chapel windows is maintained
        • The new buildings are primarily school-use (future larger church building would be exception)
      • Regular and ongoing communication between DSM and TheMission leadership to evaluate all aspects of ministry partnership
  • September 8, 2025:  The items were favorably received by the BMM.
  • November 10, 2025:  The BMM reviewed and received updates on the latest plans/proposals related to the development of an Early Childhood building, proposed to open in Fall 2027.
  • Members of TheMission Church are encouraged to share their reactions / feedback with the BMM.
  • Small Group Informational Meetings:
    Members of the BMM will be hosting small group Cottage Meetings to receive/answer questions that remain regarding the development of Early Childhood Ministry at TheMission as well as share the updated campus plans and timelines.
    • These meetings will take place in 2025 between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    • All members of the church will be invited to participate.
    • Members of the church will receive information regarding the exact day/time of their meeting from a member of the board of Elders. Any schedule conflicts will be worked out.
  • Project Timeline:
    In order to open a completely-constructed Early Childhood Ministry in Fall 2027, the following timeline would need to be followed:
    • February 2026 - Final design / development completed
    • March 2026 - Permits submitted
    • June 2026 - Permits approved
    • July 1, 2026 - Construction start 
    • Fall 2027 - Building opens