Exploring Future Locations
At Central, we believe in making disciples and multiplying churches. For over a century, we have been committed to planting and growing healthy congregations that help people find a place in community and grow in faith. In recent years, as we have grown into a multisite church with our current three locations, we have seen significant spiritual fruit—lives transformed, deepened community, and more people coming to know and follow Jesus.
As we seek the Lord’s direction, we are entering a new season of discernment until June, asking Him to guide us in possibly launching new locations.
CLICK HERE to read our “Why Multisite?” document.
In this time, we invite you to join us in prayer and in listening to God’s leading. Below are two opportunities we are exploring—each with potential to expand the reach of the gospel and create spaces where people can experience God’s love and truth.
The Beaumont Opportunity
For many years, one of our sister churches worked to establish a presence in Beaumont, a growing community southeast of Edmonton. Though the congregation closed in 2017, they had purchased four acres of land for a future church. Recently, a significant financial gift has been made available through the Alberta Baptist Association to support a new church plant in Beaumont.
We have been invited to consider leading this initiative, which would involve a long-term plan to develop a church presence in this community over the next several years. The land is in a developing area of Beaumont, where there is great opportunity to reach new families and build a church that serves this fast-growing city.
The McDougall Opportunity
Another opportunity that has emerged is the potential to establish a church presence in the heart of downtown Edmonton. McDougall United Church, a historic church near the city core, has been listed for sale. After months of prayer and conversation, we have arranged an exclusive four-month period to explore this opportunity—conducting feasibility assessments, seeking God’s guidance, and discerning together as a congregation.
This facility, with its rich history and strategic location, presents an incredible opportunity to plant a gospel-centred church in the heart of Edmonton. Our downtown is a place of influence, diversity, and deep need—home to young professionals, students, newcomers, and many searching for community and faith.
While the building is older and will require some work, we also see its potential. Should this move forward, we envision not only a worshiping church but a place that serves the city as a ministry hub, provides space for Christian worship and prayer, and supports initiatives to serve newcomers and the next generation.
How We’re Discerning & How You Can Help
We recognize that these are significant decisions, and we do not take them lightly. Our process involves patient prayer, wise counsel, and hearing from the Central family.
Ways you can participate:
Pray: Ask the Lord to make His will clear as we consider these opportunities.
Share What You’re Hearing: Click the button to share your thoughts, prayers, and any sense of direction you feel God is giving you.
Ask Questions: If you want to learn more or discuss any aspect of these possibilities, reach out to our staff team.
Attend an Info Meeting: We will be hosting a gathering to share more details and answer questions—date to be announced soon.
If, after careful prayer and evaluation, our Discernment Team and Ministry Council believe we should proceed with either of these opportunities, the final decision will be brought to the congregation for a vote in June before moving forward. This could include approving both, one or neither of these opportunities.
We are committed to following Jesus together, and that means making decisions with prayerful hearts and open hands. As we move toward June, we will continue to seek His leading and update you on the journey. Thank you for walking with us in this season of discernment!
Jeremy Putz (Lead Pastor) and Eric Kolkman (Ministry Council Chair)
Our discernment team is Allyson Bonkowski, Aaron Giebelhaus, Lavern Liske, Sheri Scheel, Brett Taylor, and Jeremy Putz (Lead Pastor).