Recently, Mike Lee, our senior pastor at Hope Community Church (www.gethope.net), Raleigh, NC, shared his vision about relocating the campus to the west Cary or northwest Cary area.  Three very specific reasons for such a move are accessibility, visibility and, most importantly, expanding the kingdom’s influence to the most rapidly growing area in Wake County. 

Mike’s desire is to see Hope’s new campus close to the 540/55 interchange allowing very direct access from both of these major traffic arteries—easy access from S. Durham, N. Raleigh, the Brier Creek area, Apex and, of course, Cary itself.  The ease of reaching Hope’s campus there will only expand as 540 is completed. 

Relocating the campus to 55 would make Hope not only more accessible but much more visible.  Our current campus is not only off the beaten path, but it is also set back on our piece of property.  Many people, including some of my own acquaintances, did not know a church was even on that property.  They would see the school and assume the whole complex was part of it.  There is something to be said for a church being very visible and identifiable.

The west and, more specifically, the northwest part of Cary (close to the 540/55 interchange) is the fastest growing part of Wake County according to Wake’s own demographic study.  The need for a (another) thriving church is clear.  With another 25,000 people expected to move into that area over the next decade, Hope’s influence could be profound and the impact eternal.

There are more reasons, but these three are compelling:

1. Accessibility
2. Visibility
3. Kingdom Impact

Join me in praying that the Lord makes it clear to Hope’s leadership what would be the wisest thing to do.  We don’t want to assume that human planning is tantamount to heavenly wisdom.  On the other hand, we don’t want to not plan only to find that we missed a divinely ordained open door to make an impact for Christ.