Posts in Sherwood Park
Gift of Facility

Sherwood Park | Completed 2020

PROJECT COST: $0

In 2020, God opened an unexpected door for our church family. After years of declining attendance, Centre Park Church in Sherwood Park had made the difficult decision to close. But their congregation had a strong desire to see their building continue to be used as a church, rather than being sold for redevelopment.

They approached Central Baptist Church about taking over the facility and establishing a new congregation in Sherwood Park. After a season of prayer, conversations, and discernment, our church voted to move forward, and the building was transferred to Central at no cost.

This remarkable act of generosity became the foundation for our Sherwood Park site. What could have marked the end of one congregation's story instead became the beginning of a new chapter of ministry, creating opportunities for more people in Sherwood Park to know Jesus and find community.

Main Floor Renovation

Sherwood Park | Completed 2021

PROJECT COST: $307,823

When Central received the Sherwood Park facility, the building had experienced years of limited resources and needed significant updates. Before launching a new congregation, we wanted to create a welcoming, functional environment where people could gather for worship, build relationships, and grow in faith.

We undertook a comprehensive renovation of the main floor, including the auditorium, foyer, washrooms, and office areas. These improvements transformed the appearance and functionality of the facility, preparing it for a new season of ministry.

One of the most remarkable parts of this project was how it was funded. In May 2021, we invited our church family to give toward the renovations. Through an extraordinary response of generosity, 100% of the required funds were received in a single offering.

This renovation helped lay the groundwork for the launch of our Sherwood Park congregation and continues to serve the people and ministries gathering there today.

Sherwood Park Public Launch

Sherwood Park | February 2022

After months of preparation, prayer, and relationship-building through our Core Group and Soft Launch stages, Central's Sherwood Park congregation officially launched in February 2022.

What began with the unexpected gift of a church facility in 2020 had grown into a new congregation ready to serve Sherwood Park and the surrounding community.

The launch marked an important milestone in our vision to multiply healthy churches and help more people know Jesus, love Jesus, and follow Him together.

Through Building Together, we had already renovated the facility's main floor, creating a welcoming place for worship, discipleship, and community. The public launch was a reminder of why we invest in buildings—not simply to improve facilities, but to create opportunities for lives and communities to be transformed through Jesus.

Kitchen Renovation

Sherwood Park | Completed 2023

PROJECT COST: $143,976

When Central acquired the Sherwood Park facility, the kitchen was in very poor condition. Years of limited investment had left it unsuitable for many of the food-related gatherings and community events we hoped to host.

Through Building Together, we completely renovated the kitchen, transforming it into a beautiful, functional, licensed commercial kitchen.

This investment has opened the door to a wide variety of ministry opportunities, from church meals and fellowship gatherings to community events and outreach initiatives.

Hospitality is an important part of how we build relationships and welcome people into our church family. Sharing meals creates opportunities for conversations, friendships, and meaningful connection.

With this renovation complete, our Sherwood Park facility is better equipped to extend that hospitality and serve our congregation and surrounding community for years to come.

Electronic Building Access

Connors Hill, Southeast & Sherwood Park | Completed 2023

PROJECT COST: $15,382

As our ministries have grown, so has the need for safe, convenient access to our facilities throughout the week.

Through Building Together, we installed electronic FOB access systems on exterior doors across our three sites. These systems make it easier to manage access for staff, volunteers, ministry programs, community events, and facility rentals while maintaining appropriate building security.

It's a practical improvement that helps our buildings function more effectively and supports the many ministries and community groups that use our spaces throughout the week.

Basement Transformation — Phase 1

Sherwood Park | Upcoming — Phase 1

2026 ESTIMATE: $595,000

Our Sherwood Park congregation continues to grow, and our immediate priority is transforming the basement into more welcoming and effective spaces for ministry.

The basement is already heavily used for kids ministry, our partner preschool, and a variety of midweek gatherings. Phase 1 will provide improved kids ministry classrooms, nursery space, storage, and flexible gathering areas for youth ministry, fellowship, and community events.

Together with our renovated kitchen, these improvements will strengthen hospitality and allow us to make much better use of the space throughout the week.

This is about much more than renovating a basement. It's about creating places where kids grow in faith, youth build lasting friendships, families find community, and neighbours feel welcomed.

As the first step in our three-phase development plan, this project will strengthen the ministries already happening here while preparing us for continued growth.

Auditorium Expansion & Elevator — Phase 2

Sherwood Park | Upcoming — Phase 2

2026 ESTIMATE: $950,000

As our Sherwood Park congregation grows, we're planning for additional worship space and improved accessibility throughout the building.

Phase 2 will expand the auditorium by approximately 60 seats, creating room to welcome more people to worship together. A new elevator will connect the main floor and basement, making our kids ministry, fellowship areas, and other gathering spaces more accessible.

This phase will also provide additional youth ministry space, along with rooms for staff and leadership meetings.

Building on the basement transformation of Phase 1, these improvements will help us accommodate a growing congregation and make our facility more accessible and functional throughout the week.

Our desire is for everyone who comes through our doors to be able to participate fully in the life of our church.

Exterior Signage & Visibility

Connors Hill, Southeast, Sherwood Park & McDougall | Upcoming

2023 ESTIMATE: $100,000 (Original Three-Site Plan)

Clear, visible signage helps people find our facilities, identify entrances, and feel welcome when visiting for the first time.

Our original plan included new signage near Connors Road and the east entrance at Connors Hill, improved visibility facing Summerside at Southeast, and permanent exterior signage and a west-facing cross at Sherwood Park.

With the addition of McDougall, we're also planning appropriate signage for our new downtown congregation.

These improvements will make our buildings easier to recognize and navigate, helping people connect with the ministries and communities gathering inside.

The 2023 estimate reflects the original three-site plan. Specific projects and costs will be updated as plans develop.

Parking Lot Improvements

Sherwood Park | Future Possibility

2021 ESTIMATE: $150,000

The Sherwood Park parking lot was originally constructed without adequate drainage, creating ongoing challenges with water management and the condition of the paved surface.

A future renovation would address these issues through improved drainage, regrading, and other necessary surface improvements.

This work would help protect the property while making parking safer and more convenient for everyone using our facility.

With our immediate focus on the three-phase building development plan, parking lot improvements remain a future possibility to consider as resources and priorities allow.

More Room for Ministry — Phase 3

Sherwood Park | Future Possibility — Phase 3

2026 ESTIMATE: $2,250,000

Phase 3 of our Sherwood Park development vision explores a significant westward expansion, creating additional space for fellowship, hospitality, and community outreach.

The proposed addition would include a large, flexible gathering area accommodating more than 100 people, opening opportunities for church events, shared meals, classes, community gatherings, and midweek ministries.

Our hope is to create spaces where people connect, friendships grow, and our congregation can extend hospitality to the surrounding community.

This expansion would build on the basement transformation of Phase 1 and the auditorium expansion and elevator of Phase 2, providing room for continued ministry growth.

Phase 3 remains a future possibility rather than a committed construction project. Its scope, timing, and final design will depend on ministry needs, available resources, and further planning.