Grace City Church is counting down the days to a massive milestone. After five years of planning and construction, the local evangelical megachurch is officially transitioning to its brand-new, 73,000-square-foot worship campus in south Lakeland.
With more than 3,000 regular attendees, the expansion marks a major new chapter for the church community. Here is a breakdown of what to expect, the timeline for opening, and the long-term vision for the 50-acre site.
Opening Timeline
The transition to the new facility, located on the west side of US 98 South (about a mile from the Polk Parkway), will happen in phases:
- June 21, 2026 (First Services): The congregation will gather for its very first official Sunday services in the new sanctuary.
- August 30, 2026 (Community Grand Opening): A formal public celebration featuring food trucks and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Campus Features & Phase I Amenities
Designed to serve as a “seven-day-a-week hub” rather than just a Sunday morning destination, the Phase I layout includes:
- 1,700-Seat Sanctuary: Equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and three massive LED screens installed by MABE Audio/Visual.
- Children’s Ministry Wing: A dedicated space featuring dozens of classrooms and a custom, two-level indoor/outdoor play structure.
- Community Spaces: An on-site coffee shop, a dedicated counseling center, and church administration offices.
- Infrastructure: Nearly 1,000 parking spaces. Lead Pastor Andrew Gard noted that moving to this commercial district will alleviate the heavy Sunday traffic congestion previously experienced by neighbors near their residential location.
Future Vision: Phase II & Beyond
The church’s 50-acre property borders Banana Lake, and future development plans aim to blend ministry resources with public recreation amenities:
- Community Recreation: Plans include adding athletic fields, running trails, and a fishing dock along the lake, all intended to be open to the public.
- Grace City College Housing: Phase II will introduce dedicated on-site apartment housing for Grace City College, the church’s accredited leadership program, capping its student capacity at 72.
The Finish Line: The $13.5 million building project is backed by a major $750,000 “Miracle Match” gift from the Powerhouse Fund. As of June 2026, the church fundraising effort is within $121,000 of its total target.
Despite past regional concerns regarding local wetlands and historical flooding near Banana Lake, site developers mitigated the risk during early construction phases by moving thousands of tons of dirt to create a massive reservoir, raising the primary building site by approximately eight feet.