Old North Church of Canfield adds space to meet demand

A flourishing youth ministry and large congregation prompted the expansion.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
CANFIELD -- A recent 10,000-square-foot addition to Old North Church of Canfield reflects the ministry's commitment to the community.
That's according to the Rev. Tom Fennell, executive pastor, who said, "It's reaching out to the children and adults in the community."
The adult and youth wing addition features a stage with light and sound equipment, classrooms and Common Grounds, a coffee shop of sorts and meeting place.
"We got the idea from seeing things at other churches," the Rev. Mr. Fennell said. Old North took the concept and made it their own.
Common Grounds, which will eventually be open daily, features a librarylike setting and is a gathering place, Mr. Fennell said. "It will be a place where people can read a book, have a Bible study or discussion."
The addition complements the sanctuary, administrative offices and Family Life Center. The center, which Mr. Fennell described as a place for "all ages and all activities," houses classrooms, a gym and the children's ministry programs.
The church, formerly located on Skyline Drive, moved to a 40-acre site at 7105 Herbert Road. "There was a lot of apprehension when we took on a 6 million debt for a new building and property," Mr. Fennell recalled.
That project was completed in 1999; the first service took place that Easter. The church paid off the debt last year.
Total space
"We now have about 100,000 square feet of space," he said. The new wing, a place for adult and high school programs, represents an investment of some 1.25 million.
The expansion was needed to meet the growing congregation and flourishing youth programs, Mr. Fennell said. He credited the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Brent Allen, senior pastor, with the growing vibrancy of the church. Dr. Allen came to the church in 1988.
"He's a vision caster," Mr. Fennell said. "In the life of a church, it's sometimes a matter of timing. And it's the right mix at the right time."
Old North has five full-time pastors who minister to about 800 church members. "There are probably 3,000 who come and go," Mr. Fennell said of the fluctuating membership. The church is seeking two more full-time ministers -- a pastor of worship and creative arts and a pastor of adult ministries and assimilation.
Three pastors are devoted to youth ministry, catering to children from birth to 12th grade. "That focus is on reaching the next generation," Mr. Fennell said. "Sometimes we have kids coming for activities, and that brings the family," he said.
The youth ministers are T.J. Hammar, pastor of senior high ministries; Shawn Sprouse, pastor of middle school ministries; and Steve Scott, pastor of children's and family ministries, who oversees the middle and high school programs.
The high school ministry, dubbed Srch & amp; ResQ, has various activities. Weekly gatherings are the Sunday morning Breakfast Club and Wednesday night service. Spiritual activities include a winter retreat, mission trip and leadership conference.
Srch & amp; ResQ's objectives include sharing the truth of Jesus Christ to nonbelieving students (evangelism), helping students grow in the knowledge of Christ (discipleship) and honoring God with their lifestyles (worship).
Other programs
Objectives of Firehouse, which focuses on fifth- through eighth-graders, are to reach out to all pupils in that age group, build up pupils so they have a personal relationship with Christ, and send them out to reach others.
If there's one message that Sprouse wants to impart to the middle school participants, it's this -- "God loves them, and they can count on him."
About 300 children attend weekly activities of Awana and Firehouse held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Awana, an international, Bible-centered children's and youth ministry started in the 1950s, is a program that Old North has used for some time.
Firehouse is a program started at Old North and features spiritual events such as Dare2Share, fall and spring retreats and events including picnics, skating and bowling.
"We teach about God; we're not here to entertain," Sprouse asserted. But the activities, which are fun, also are teaching tools.
For example, the Upward sports program involves some 375 participants from cheerleaders to players. The kids play the games, but the score is immaterial. "We want to teach sportsmanship and basic skills," Sprouse said. "It's about working and functioning as a team."
The church also offers Sunday school for children through adults, some 50 adult discussion groups that meet in church members' homes and women's Bible study. There's an upcoming Marriage Tune Up Conference on Friday and Feb. 17.
The heart of the church remains the 900-seat sanctuary, Mr. Fennell said, and all activities revolve around the faith. The church is affiliated with the Baptist General Conference.
There is a traditional service at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and a contemporary one at 11. A third will be added at some point.
"We go by Scripture," Mr. Fennell said, "and how it tells us to live our lives. Of course, we take into consideration the culture of the time and who wrote it, but that's our job ... to help people understand the Bible and apply it," Mr. Fennell said.
"It [the Bible] is real," Sprouse said, "and there's purpose in Scripture. We want to teach it and live it. And we teach what it means to be a follower of Christ."
The excitement and energy of the youth ministry inspire the adults of the congregation. "The kids have so much faith and show how God is living in their hearts," Mr. Fennell said. "They challenge the adults to keep up."
linonis@vindy.com