Ministry:  Shiloh Community Church
Location:  Phoenix, AZ
Project:  Community Center
Story:  A connecting place for moms, a safe place for preschoolers, a cool place for students or an athletic place to let you relive your athletic victories...all of this in one location?  Yes! It's Shiloh Community Center.

Shiloh Community Church had a vision to achieve better visibility within their community.  In August 2004, they opened the doors of to a new gymnasium and community center.  According to Pastor Kevin Redding, Pastor of Administration and Adult Education, the new center has been the site of many events for both their community and for their congregation, ranging from weddings to open gym time to drama productions to children's programs.  "It has given us a real community focus and we've been able to touch many more people in our community because of it," explains Pastor Kevin.

ToT Town is a weekly time for preschoolers and their families to come in from the heat or just get away and play.  Kids can play while parents have a chance to connect with other parents.  This ministry was created specifically because of the Community Center, and has given parents and kids alike a cool place to run around for a couple of hours. 

Students that are looking for things to do or just a place to hang with their friends have also enjoyed the Community Center, especially during the Summer Program.  Vacation Bible School has also grown significantly with the addition of the gymnasium, reaching more kids from the community with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Both the Jr. and Sr. High Ministries moved to the Community Center for all their activities and regular times together of worship, Bible study and building relationships.  Jr. High Students have enjoyed many activities, including theme nights like "Banana Night."  Sr. Highers, have experienced community and fun on Wednesday nights with friends, as well as during the annual Dodge Ball tournament with other Sr. High Students from around the area.

Adults from the church and community are invited to come and join a game of volleyball or basketball.  The gym has proven to be a popular place during open gym times for anyone that wants to come out and have a great time.

The community center is not limited to children, teenagers and athletes.  Every ministry of the church has benefited from this addition to the church.  At Christmas last year, the Women's Christmas Luncheon transformed the gymnasium into a beautiful banquet hall and had over 350 in attendance! 

Clearly, this facility has been a place for people of all ages and interests to come together.  As Pastor Kevin says "We've seen people check out the church because they have been in the community center for some event."   Isn't that what a new church facility is about?  Having a vision for reaching out into the community is what Shiloh Community Church is all about.  At Christian Investors Foundation, we are delighted to participate with ministries to facilitate carrying out of God's plan for them.