New Around the Mission

Transforming a Yacht Club into Worship Space

January 20, 2009

Transforming a Yacht Club into Worship Space

After meeting for eleven months on Saturday evenings in church space donated by the First Baptist Church, Transformation Anglican Church in Garland, Texas, now meets in the dining room of the Yacht Club in nearby Rockwall for Sunday morning worship. Though their initial donated space provided a traditional setting, the Saturday evening time slot wasn't desirable for most people and left little room for growth.

Now parishioners greet as many as 22 new visitors on a Sunday morning.

Perhaps the picturesque backdrop and comfortable setting for Sunday morning attendees is making a difference; glass walls on three sides of the new meeting space provide a water view of yachts trolling in and out of the harbor. "People say that God creates custom artwork for us each week," jokes the Rev. Donald McLane.

"We are experiencing visitors from many religious backgrounds and recently had an 18-year-old college student whose mother is a Muslim and father a Christian make a decision to follow Christ," rejoices McLane.

On Sunday, December 14, 2008, ten people made a public profession of faith and joined the church. That makes a total of 18 new members since moving locations. "We are seeing people who want to give a public profession of their faith," explains McLane. "They are not ashamed of the Gospel, are sure about their commitment to Jesus Christ and want to be actively involved in this church."

While the Yacht Club dining room seats 200 people, the average weekly attendance at Transformation has jumped from 95 people one year ago to 130 today. McLane is projecting a move to two services in the near future, continuing their journey of "transforming" an attractive place to eat into one that satisfies spiritual hunger on Sunday.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Archived News