Heroic giving, heroic serving

Richmond, VA >> Move-in day approaches for KingsWay Community Church, who purchased thirteen acres of land in 1999. Six years and many stories later, the church is planning the grand opening of their new building.

Story by Maya Brewer, KingsWay Community Church

KingsWay Community Church began as Southside Church of Richmond in early 1989 with their first public meeting Easter Sunday in a movie theater complex. Two years later (March 3, 1991) the church moved to Midlothian High School and five years later (March 3, 1996) to Swift Creek Middle School where they currently meet.

In 1999, KingsWay purchased thirteen acres of land with a two story house and converted the house into church offices. The church began to give sacrificially toward a building fund and the loan on the land was paid off in less than two years. Over the past six years, the commitment of a generous congregation was reflected in donations totaling over two million dollars (over and above tithes and regular offerings) toward the construction of a new facility. "That's amazing," said Senior Pastor, Gene Emerson, while speaking this past Sunday morning. "It's not like we have members who can write six-figure checks. God has been faithful through our ordinary gifts to make His provision known."

Following the architectural design, the resolve of the church was tested when contractor's bids for the project came in 1½ million dollars over the estimates. Gene recounted the encouragement of Danny Jones, senior pastor of Metro Life Church. "Money is never an issue. God has called you to build, so He's already provided His people with what you need." And clearly God has faithfully provided in amazing ways.

"Both the builder and the architect have commented that our project is 'blessed'" said James Brewer, building and finance manager at KingsWay. There have been numerous evidences of God's grace including an adjacent builder who offered a land exchange (wonderfully reshaping the church property) in exchange for a neighborhood access road which also serves KingsWay. "We saved $150,000 on the construction of our entrance," said James. "Our entrance was provided by the developers and we were able to name the road 'Sovereign Grace Drive.'"

Members have not only given financially, but also serving heroically. Bob McCan, a master carpenter, offered his skills when he discovered that the wainscoting was going to cost $125,000. Utilizing dozens of volunteers, Bob was able to complete the project for $30,000.

Bill Jones, another member and a professional painter, offered his services. One evening Bill removed his wedding ring while staining the wainscoting. Before he could retrieve it, the area he had left it was cleaned and the ring swept into a pile of sawdust and dumped into a oversized dumpster outside. Bill jumped into the nearly full dumpster and, while swatting away bees who had built a nest nearby, was able to locate the ring within ten minutes.

"I am humbled when I see what God has done and I am so grateful for your participation and sacrifice," said Gene on Sunday. "We know for some reason people pay more attention to a church when there's a building." "What a tremendous opportunity we have to share what the church is about – the gospel."

The church is in an accelerated time of intentional preparation to move into the new facility and to prepare to serve the guests God brings their way. In addition to a series of messages entitled "Making Much of Him" to focus attention upward and outward, the pastors have been multiplying small groups to accommodate growth, redesigning the KingsWay website, logo and all printed materials, and equipping members to serve in host and hospitality ministries. Additionally, the Sunday meeting has been restructured with guests in mind to begin at 10:00 and end at 11:30. The "break" has been removed, with ministry for children five & under (King's Kids) expanded to 90 minutes. As we look to the building being completed, Gene encouraged the church that "God needs to finish the work in our hearts before we enter the building."

In September 2002, Southside Church of Richmond became KingsWay Community Church. Four graduates of the Pastors College have joined the staff: Aaron Campbell, pastor (1999), James Brewer, finance/administration (2001), Doug Wilda, pastor (2005) and Steve Patterson, evangelist (2005). Their Mission Statement is "To Glorify God by Knowing, Applying & Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Since the church is 16½ years old, the first time many members will have the joy of meeting in their own building will occur on October 23. Brent Detwiler will speak at the building dedication two weeks later on November 6. A community fair & open house is being planned for November 12 with Grand Opening on November 13.

Specifications: Approximately 29,000 square feet, main auditorium seats 950, nine classrooms, nursing moms room, kitchen, 1300 sq ft seminar room, Book Shoppe, sports flooring in multi-purpose auditorium, wood wainscoting in foyer and auditorium, large foyer.