A Building For The Generations
Our Progress
Together we are building something that will last for generations.
Preliminary architect renderings. Details may change as plans are finished.
A House Built for His Presence
Word of Life exists to be a regional center for northern Minnesota — a hub where people encounter Jesus, are equipped for His purposes, and are sent out transformed.
We believe God is preparing a great return of hearts to Him, and we are committed to being ready: to house, train, minister, equip, and care for all.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain."
Psalm 127:1
Building Project Update
What’s New
- We have received estimates for the cost of the finished project and for setting up the shell. The shell (Phase 1) is estimated at $2.7 million. The phases are described below.
- We have over $1 million saved, but we want to build debt-free. To make sure we are ready to finish Phase 1, limited financing has been arranged with Minnco, should it be needed.
- Before the ground freezes, we still plan to finish the storm sewer and the fence, and to put Class 5 gravel on a portion of the parking lot.
- New parking lot lighting has been installed.
- BJ Baas has been contracted as our general contractor.
- Phase 1 construction is planned to begin in the spring of 2027.
The Five Phases
The shell will have its doors and windows and be fully insulated, so the building is fully enclosed. Phase 1 includes:
- Concrete sidewalks, curbs, connection building, entryway, and canopy
- A portion of the blacktop for the parking lot
- Basic electric and gas
- Minimal HVAC to keep the building above freezing in winter and keep the humidity down in summer
- A well and pressure tank
- A basic sprinkler system
The upstairs level.
- Finish paving the parking lot
- Install the septic, additional sprinkler system, and other items needed to comply with code
This brings the building to completion, except for the interior setup covered in Phase 5.
Install the furnishings, audio and visual equipment, carpet, tile, and more.
Past Updates
Summer 2026
An Update from Pastor Vern
We are excited about what the Lord is doing with the Building Project:
- 95% of the dirt work is completed
- Completed site plan
- Down payment on a building
- Retained an architect who is in process of creating the plans
- We are currently getting bids on the various aspects of the building, so we have an idea what we’re looking at for a project total.
Even though the final numbers will change, it will give us an idea. We have over $1,000,000 saved, but keep in mind that we want to build debt-free. But we are well on our way to the first phase, which is setting up the shell. We have several projects we are wanting to complete this summer in anticipation of setting up the shell. We need to update lighting in the parking lots. Our current lighting is beginning to die one light fixture at a time. We also want to get the new fence up that goes along HWY 95.
We are looking to secure a General Contracting Company to help us get through the initial phase of setting up the shell. There is too much in that 1st phase that needs to be right with the foundation, concrete, etc. — we feel it’s better to hire someone and make sure it’s right the first time. Going back and correcting major mistakes can be very costly. Once we get to the internal buildout, we want to be our own General Contractor as much as possible.
We have a team of people working on the interior design. Please keep us in prayer so that we get this as correct as possible. No mistakes. We are still in the process of designing the upstairs, so I don’t have any drawings on that. With all the preparation that still needs to take place, there is an outside chance we could set up the shell in the fall of 2026, but more likely it will be the summer of 2027.
June 11, 2024
Covenant Partners Meeting
At the June 11, 2024 meeting with the Covenant Partners, it was unanimously decided to move toward building a larger facility. The video link below will take you to the information that Pastor Vern presented at that meeting. There was a portion of the evening that was not recorded on the video. It was an open question and answer time, as well as everyone took communion over the project.
It was agreed to put up as large of a building as possible, so that we can house all aspects of the Vision in the one building. That means the building will need to be something around 40,000 sq. ft. We are potentially looking at a building that is 200' x 200'.
Give Toward the Vision
We want the presence of Jesus Christ to be known and loved here. We invite you to prayerfully consider a pledge toward the building fund. Together, we will Build His House.