Northland Cathedral members know God’s timing is best
(June 24, 2001)
Thirteen years ago, even before Senior Pastor J. Lowell Harrup arrived,
Northland Cathedral (Assemblies of God) in Kansas City, Mo., spent $1.2
million for 120 acres of farmland north of the city for use as a future
church site. The church later purchased 20 additional acres.
Many of the Northland
Cathedral musicians have participated in the School of Music affiliated
with the church. Each week, 400 students take private lessons from
30 teachers who either have music degrees or are professional musicians.
Members had no idea how foresighted the move would eventually be. But
God knew. For just as Northland Cathedral has outgrown its facilities,
the location of the new church 6.5 miles due north is suddenly part
of the metro region’s fastest-growing sector. To try to buy the
same land today would be cost prohibitive. Forty acres on the south
end of the real estate will be sold to help cover the $24 million needed
for the first two building phases. The church is weighing several offers
on its current property.
"Patience has paid off," says Harrup, 57. "This is God’s
time."
The existing facility has a prominent location at Interstate 29 and
North Oak Trafficway. But the 55,000-square-foot church also has no
room to expand.
The future site, with thousands of new houses going up nearby, is bounded
by the major thoroughfares of North Oak Trafficway and U.S. Highway
69. The first phase, to be completed in September, will cover 85,000
square feet, including a fellowship hall. A second phase, featuring
the sanctuary, will contain 95,000 square feet and should begin next
spring.
Eventually, the new locale will provide a cradle-to-grave community,
with a daycare center for preschoolers and a 90,000-square-foot assisted-living
center for the elderly. Individual homes and duplexes also will be built
for retirees.
Despite the distance, Harrup expects everyone in the congregation to
make the move. Many have invested a great deal of time, finances and
prayer to make the new complex a reality.
"We will not leave anybody behind," says Harrup, who recently
completed an eight-week series about community. Harrup has placed an
emphasis on the importance of traditional values and church history.
Newcomers participate in 12 weeks of orientation classes.
Under the direction of Ron Steen, minister of fine arts, Northland
Cathedral has a full, vibrant orchestra performing for worship services.
Many of the musicians have participated in the School of Music affiliated
with the church. Each week, 400 students take private lessons from 30
teachers who either have music degrees or are professional musicians.
The church meets needs of various groups, with Wednesday night electives
on topics such as "When Bad Things Happen to a Good Marriage"
and "Single Parent Empowerment."
"This will be an easy transition for the majority of the congregation,"
says Jerry Gunhus, church comptroller. "It will be easy to reach
because it will be surrounded by major highways."
Harrup came a dozen years ago when about 500 attended; now more than
1,800 make Northland their church home. The steady growth is due in
part to a weekly television program co-hosted by his wife, Carol. Life
Worth Living features a sermon by Harrup geared to the unchurched. Renovation
of the church six years ago also resulted in more attendees.
But growth is not the primary motivation for Northland in making the
move.
"God is wanting to do great things in Kansas City and our church,"
Harrup says.
