Frequently Asked Questions
…on our current exploration of new worship space.
If you were unable to attend or have not listened to the Town Hall presentations on October 19/20,
please listen here or read the transcript (abridged).
Why is Village pursuing a move?
We have been discerning what is next for Village for more than a year and a half. Our current facilities have proven inadequate for our growing congregation. Expanding our space on our current property is not possible because of Greenville County building /parking codes. In addition, the building itself isn’t structurally sustainable for our needs. We lack adequate seating, flow, parking, electrical, and plumbing capacity, and we do not have handicap accessible entrances or bathrooms. In recent months we have had to turn children away from children’s ministry due to overcrowding. Part of Christian hospitality is making sure there is space for everyone at the table
Where is Village looking at property?
Our Vestry has agreed that staying in our general neighborhood is a high priority. The property we are currently considering is located at 1505 Buncombe Road, just 0.7 miles away. This keeps us present to the same neighborhood we have grown to love and serve.
What will happen to our current property? Who owns it?
If we decide to purchase and build on the new site, it could be 2 years before it’s ready. We have an imagination for how our current space could be used even after it’s not our primary worship space (for example by blessing another church or serving the community). We can’t promise we will always own it, but for now we have no other plans. Village Church currently owns the 0.98 acres where we worship now with no debt on the property.
What will the new space look like?
We are working with local architect Ron Geyer of Good City. Ron has worked with us over the years trying to imagine solutions for our current space. He gets us. We are committed to a space that feels traditionally Anglican, not a remodeled bread factory. We are hoping for a sanctuary space with transepts, a large ‘chancel, plenty of natural night, a center aisle and maybe (hopefully) stained glass windows. Beauty, wonder and transcendence are fundamental to historic worship in the Church and the Anglican way. A committed green space for community and recreation is also part of our plan.
Right now, any specifics are honestly, “we don’t know yet”. If we move forward with construction, we will share conceptual drawings and plans as they develop.
How much will this cost? How will we pay for it?
The property is priced at $2.5 million for 2.5 acres, which is considered reasonable for the neighborhood (for reference, the land immediately south of this property sold last year for $8m for 5 acres). Initial estimates indicate that demolishing the existing structures will be about $250,000. We don’t yet know how much the new building will cost, but we estimate we can afford an additional $5-7 million for construction. We are working with Ron Geyer and Caldwell Constructors to determine these costs and phased approaches to steward our resources well.
We plan to pay for this with a combination of cash on hand, donated funds, grants, tax credits, and manageable debt. We are working with Tom Melzoni of Horizons to conduct a feasibility study to determine how much money we can reasonably expect to raise for this project. Our Vestry, as directed by our by-laws, is charged with determining how much debt we can wisely steward.
Will we reduce our generosity to our neighbors or giving to missions to fund this project?
No. Our bylaws set clear guardrails on debt service (including a 33% cap relative to average annual income), and our values compel us to keep practicing generosity. Our hope is that a well-designed space will increase hospitality and mission impact, not diminish it.
What is the timeline?
We are in a 90-day due dilligence period that began September 24, 2025 and ends in late December. At that point our Vestry will decide if we will move forward with the purchase of the property at 1505 Buncombe Rd. From that date we have 30 days to close on the property. Finalizing plans and construction is estimated to take 1.5 - 2 years.
Will Village still feel like Village?
Yes. Our worship, culture of hospitality, and Anglican identity remain the same. A new space serves those things; it doesn’t change them.
How can I/we help?
Pray - for clergy, staff, and Vestry; for wisdom and unity; for provision; and for clarity about your own part.
Participate - complete the survey we emailed to the whole congregation and share your perspective.
Ask - if you have additional questions not answered here or at the Town Halls (listen or read) submit them below.