“We’re here at Christ the King Lutheran Church a place with a rich history. In 2006 a group of Christians received a remarkable gift. God it seemed had a job for them. Nearly 45 acres and 150000 square feet of buildings were given to Christ the King for just two million dollars. This wasn’t just any property. It was the Michigan Regional Center a former state-owned facility for the mentally impaired.
This presented a massive challenge. The church about 1200 strong in the Detroit area faced a unique opportunity. They were growing financially secure but also needed space. The automotive industry downturn affected them. The temptation to maintain the status quo was strong. A hunker-down mentality seemed safer. But God had other plans.
Christ the King decided to take on this incredible project. They had eight buildings from the mid 1970s. Five were dormitories. One was a clinical building with a pool. There was also an administration building and a recreation building with classrooms and a gym.
Imagine the tours they gave shortly after the purchase. An hour-long walk through these enormous buildings. People shook their heads in disbelief. The sheer scale of the project was daunting. Yet it was a testament to their faith and ambition.
The first major task was renovating the fellowship center. Amazingly almost all the work was done by volunteers. The only professional help was for the gym floor. This gym is now used for school sports drama programs and community basketball camps. It’s also used for weekly worship.
The fellowship center is bustling. It hosts Bible Study Fellowship with over 200 participants. These participants meet in 17 smaller groups. Weekly worship services and Bible classes are held in the center. There is also an atrium an open area for additional study and meetings with seating for 125.
Next came the early childhood center. This was a former dorm transformed into a 13000-square-foot building. Volunteers tackled knocking down walls replacing outdated systems with efficient heating and cooling. The finished center has seven classrooms a resource room two outdoor play areas and indoor activity rooms.
The ultimate goal is the construction of a new sanctuary. This sanctuary will unite the fellowship center and future school building creating one central place for the congregation. It’s a testament to their commitment not only to their members but also to the wider community. They’re building this church for people they haven’t even met yet. This commitment shows the depth of faith at Christ the King Lutheran Church. It’s a story of faith resilience and community. A truly remarkable transformation.”