Success Stories

As the saying goes, ”Good things come to those who wait!” It took LifeChurch Southfield almost 11 years to find a permanent facility. Started by Pastors Alan and Marica Tumpkin as a church plant from LifeChurch Canton in 2011, LifeChurch Southfield had a lot of success in ministry —but not in finding a permanent facility. Throughout those years, LifeChurch Southfield continued to grow no matter where they landed. As a result, they were reluctant to invest in a building, feeling those resources could be better spent on ministry. Still the challenges of setting up and tearing down each Sunday, multiple moves, and limitations on expanding ministries in a temporary space led the church to feel it was not reaching its full potential. “We were growing and our ministry was bearing fruit, but often we were limited in what we could do and had no options for expanding,” said Pastor Alan.

In 2021, the church found an old bank building that was available for rent and would allow them to have full control over the entire space. The building was in their target area and would give the church some permanence and flexibility which other rental facilities had not previously provided. As the church and NCP evaluated the rental terms, it became clear that it was more cost effective to purchase the building. Owning the building would also allow them to make physical changes to meet their growing ministry needs.

In late 2021, the church elected to purchase the property with the seller providing financing. The facility was a more effective tool for the church’s ministry as well as providing them with studio space to support their and other local churches’ production of virtual services during the pandemic. They also were able to rent space to the Great Lakes Conference, which had lost its office space when their landlord sold the property.

By the middle of 2022, it became clear that the church was growing and needed to make changes to their facility. LifeChurch Southfield approached NCP about refinancing their loan so they could be in a position to get additional financing to help them to expand and renovate their facility. In January 2023, NCP refinanced their purchase loan and in May 2023, loaned them additional funds to complete several smaller projects, including improvements to their sanctuary and repairs to their roof.

By the middle of 2024, it became clear that the facility was having a major impact on their attendance as they were maxing out their 200-seat sanctuary at both Sunday services. After consulting with an architect, they determined it was possible to expand their sanctuary and double its size. They could also create a more effective welcoming/gathering area leading into the sanctuary.

The church engaged in a capital campaign which raised pledges to cover the cost of the project, but since those pledges were going to come in over 24 months, they again turned to NCP for a bridge loan to help them complete the work on a renovated 400-seat sanctuary. On December 22, 2024, both services were packed as the church celebrated its first worship service in the new sanctuary. Pastor Alan even joked they may need to think about starting a third service.

Pastors Alan and Marcia are already planning their next renovation project. During the December 2024, opening service, Pastor Alan shared that the church is planning for an update to their children’s area. At some level, NCP will be partnering with LifeChurch Southfield on this project as well. “NCP has been a great partner for LifeChurch. It is good to have a lender who understands that the goal is improving ministry, not improving the bottom line. When we are ready for the next project, we know that NCP will be standing right there next to us,” Pastor Alan said.