Grand Opening November 1st!

Time Lapse Movies

You can view a series of time lapse movies that records the day by day of the construction from various vantage points.

Where?

Our new home was the former Rhodes Furniture building at 12175 S. Strang Line Road in Olathe, Kansas. After over a year of prayer and thoughtful negotiations, we were able to purchase the property for $6.45 million on February 29th, 2008. We were incredibly humbled how God made this possible - since it was initially valued at $11 million.

Why?

We're moving to advance our mission of "building a church for the unchurched". In 2005, it became clear that our existing facility had become a barrier towards fulfilling this mission. We had few spots, seats, and space left for someone who was far from God and we were out of catalytic room to launch new things.

Here's more reasons we're so pumped about it:

• We will have over 1100 parking spots. (we currently have 287)
• We will sit on 11 acres. (we currently have under 5 acres)
• We will have over 111,000 square feet. (We currently have 61,000)
• We will have ceilings that are over 27' high giving us the ability to add a second floor.
• We will be located in one of the busiest retail centers in the metro area.
• We will be passed by over 100,000 cars and trucks on I-35 everyday.
• We will be surrounded by lives - from apartments, hotels and businesses.

How?

In the spring of 2006, the Heartland Leadership (staff and elder teams) declared that we needed to move. Where? We didn't know. When? No idea. At what cost? No clue – except that it would cost a lot. In fact, it would cost everything we had. So we threw on our blindfolds (literally) and kicked off a capital campaign called "go." Our battle cry was to go before the Lord, beyond ourselves, to the end.

The impact on the community was astounding:

• Over 1,000 people served on the campaign.
• Over 2,000 people committed to fasting, praying, and searching the Lord.
• Nearly 1,000 people have made financial commitments.

The amazing result is that the Heartland community committed over $9.3 Million dollars over 3 years. Unbelievably, this is more than we had ever committed in our church's history (approximately $2M) and more than double our forecasts ($4M).

Get Involved!

Our hope is that everyone who calls Heartland their home will be a part of this go journey. If you:

• Are interested in making a financial commitment to the go campaign, please contact Jim Gum.
• Have a particular skill or would like to donate materials related to our move, please contact Steve Fisher.
• Want to join the move team, please contact Ryan Heckman.

Top 15 FAQs

1. What were your guiding principles in designing this building?

We wanted a facility to be functional in its purpose, smart in its design, and thoughtful in what it communicated. Click here for 360 Architecture's summary of the design process.

2. Is there a Master Plan for the building?

Yes. Our first phase developed about 70% of the space. We have a Master Plan that focuses on developing a new auditorium, more space for children's ministry, adult classrooms, and youth space. However, we have also designed our Master Plan to be very flexible. We want to move in first and see what our biggest needs will be. Click here for a glimpse.

3. Who are the experts re: building project?

• 360 Architecture and Design
• A.L. Huber Construction
• Heartland has also formed various teams (i.e. a real estate team, design team, & a construction team) that have brought input and oversight to the overall project at each of its various stages.

4. Is there real flame in that beautiful fireplace?

Yes. And it’s quite eco-friendly and cost-effective because it burns on denatured ethanol (aka: alcohol) and not gas.

5. What’s up with all the bright green?

Green is the new taupe.

6. How much larger is the new auditorium?

The seating capacity is 1150. The old church held 720 seats.

7. Why are there four steel posts in the auditorium?

Initially, we were excited about building a permanent auditorium that held 1600 seats. But then the costs came in for the whole project (at over twice our construction budget) and then we weren’t so excited. So - by design - everything in that room is removable in order to allow us the flexibility to adapt to future needs. To remove the posts was cost prohibitive.

8. What was the thought behind the large atrium?

Because the atrium is where the community really gathers. In our design research, we learned that the general rule is to build your atrium at least one and half times the size of your auditorium. We wanted our atrium to be open and expansive but that offered plenty of “nooks” for people to meet together for prayer, a bible study, or just to share life.

9. What are the utility costs on this baby?

A lot, as you might suspect. We have budgeted for a 30% increase to our utility bills. By comparison, however, our building is far more efficient. We will greatly benefit from central heating and cooling, energy efficient windows, and smart lighting throughout the building.

10. Where’s the kitchen?

We don't have one. This is for two reasons:

1. It was cost-prohibitive and more importantly,
2. We wanted to support our neighboring restaurants by sending out heartlanders to them. So tip well.

11. Do you expect to have to retrofit certain things in the building after its opening?

Of course, like all construction projects we know (a) Rome wasn't built in a day and (b) it will never be perfect. So, we're taking notes all the time but won't rush to evaluate until March of 2010.

12. Has the economy hurt the financial campaign?

Yes. We have received just over $6M of the $9.3M committed. We are grateful for the amazing sacrifices that have been made during these tumultuous times. However, in an effort to minimize our debt load, we have formed a "Generosity and Stewardship Team" that will encourage all Heartlanders to finish well.

13. Can I still fulfill my commitment after the go campaign ends?

Yes. Technically, the go campaign concludes on November 30, 2009. However, we encourage everyone to continue giving beyond that date in order to help fulfill their commitments. And, if so led, to give above and beyond their committed amount to help us minimize the gap and reduce long-term debt.

14. Will there be a second campaign?

Yes. We originally estimated the total cost of this move to be around $15 Million and, consequently, have always planned on at least 2 campaigns. We intend to kick off our second campaign sometime in 2010.

15. What will happen with your old facility?

Great news! 8301 Lamar will become the new home of Vineyard Church. We are thrilled with how this will advance God's purposes through both of our churches.