In 2011, Jossie and I stood on a hillside near Horsetooth Reservoir and prayed, “God, let Your Kingdom come in Northern Colorado as it is in Heaven.” That prayer has shaped Mill City Church from the beginning—driving our mission to help people encounter Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did so that Northern Colorado looks more like Heaven.
During 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting in January 2022, we sensed God stirring something new. In faith, we launched the SO THAT…Building Initiative to begin preparing for a permanent home. Just one year later, God provided an incredible space—and we’re in awe of His provision and your generosity. WOW! Mill City has always been a mobile church. A building was never the goal—but it is a tool to help us go further, faster in the mission God has given us.
We named this initiative “SO THAT…” because we believe this building opens new doors—for ministry, outreach, and community impact. As we move forward, please keep praying and consider how you might give. We’re honored to serve God and Northern Colorado alongside you.
The best is yet to come!
Aaron Stern
Where are we now?
Grateful for the past. Building for the future.
We’re filled with gratitude as we begin transforming our building in the heart of Fort Collins into a permanent home for Mill City Church. This isn’t just about construction—it’s about creating a launchpad for life change and making Northern Colorado look more like Heaven.
Because giving is worship, we’re committed to integrity and transparency in every step. Our trustee board has provided oversight and budget approval from purchase through renovation. Built in 1981, the building is overdue for essential updates. This first phase addresses safety, code compliance, and long-deferred maintenance, while also refreshing the look and feel to reflect our culture and create inviting spaces. These upgrades lay the foundation for future projects that will help more people encounter Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did.
THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY OF MILL CITY CHURCH.
Below is a breakdown of the purchase, renovation plans, and vision for what’s ahead.
SO THAT... Giving Campaign
Amount Committed → $7,992,149.36
Committed Amount Received → $4,805,709.08
Amount Remaining → $3,186,440.28
Received
Remaining
Progress
Combined with savings, a portion of the So That… funds went toward the purchase of the property. The remaining funds are going toward the renovation.
Purchase
Our church bylaws state that we cannot spend more than 35% of our income on facilities, so that ministry is not hindered by facility costs. The trustees have taken this into consideration in determining what is sustainable.
We put $5.775M down and borrowed $7.5M at an interest rate of 6.6% for 20 years. Our monthly payments, along with all associated costs, fall under the 35% ceiling.
The appraised value of the property after renovation is $19.9M.
Renovation
This renovation project covers the main lobby, Mill City Kids check-in, bathrooms, hallways, auditorium, a multi-purpose room, and the building’s exterior.
Our square footage cost is $135 sq/ft. The current industry standard for business renovations of our type would be about $200 sq/ft.
We have acquired a line of credit to bridge the gap between payments due and SO THAT… commitments received. All line of credit payments will be paid by SO THAT… funds. No additional debt is currently anticipated to finish the renovation.
Total Renovation Budget - $5.75M
Future Projects
This renovation does not address every area of the building and property that needs repair and updating.
The outside amphitheater needs an overhaul. We see it as a beautiful place to pray, for weddings, and for outdoor events (see renderings below).
Axis International Academy is currently renting the classroom portion of the building. When their lease ends, we plan to make updates to this space that better support our Sunday and weekly ministry needs. (Without a tenant in place, our monthly payments and all associated costs remain under the 35% ceiling.)
We have a big vision for this property to be maximized as a Kingdom outpost in Northern Colorado AND we believe God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, so let’s pray in faith for generous provision, divine favor, and perfect timing.
What are our options?
OPTION 1
PURCHASE AND RENOVATE AN EXISTING PROPERTY
This seems like the most ideal and cost-effective option for us. Our hope is to find a central location within Fort Collins that allows us to easily maintain relationships with Lincoln Middle School, our mission partners, and CSU students.
OPTION 2
BUY LAND AND BUILD
Land in Northern Colorado comes at a premium, and the size of land we would need is typically only available on the outskirts of town. This option would provide more freedom when it comes to building design.
Using standard church size guidelines, we are looking for a building no smaller than 50,000 square feet. We are open to whatever option presents itself and how God leads us.
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3:2
How to get involved:
PRAY FOR GOD TO...
• Unify our hearts.
• Provide abundantly.
• Expand our vision.
• Make Northern Colorado look more like heaven.
GIVE
As we renovate and prepare to relocate, will you consider giving in the following ways?
Increase:
If you are already contributing to So That… THANK YOU!
Would you consider increasing your commitment?
Begin:
• Make a commitment to give a specific amount over time.
• Contribute a one-time gift.
• Donate a non-cash asset (investments, crypto, real estate, personal property, etc.).
This will take all of us! No gift is too large or too small, and we hope for 100% participation. We invite you to ask God what He would have you contribute to SO THAT… You can give on Sundays or online.
Give
Ready to make a commitment?
This will take all of us, and no gift is too large or too small. Take time to ask God what he would have you give to SO THAT…
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions about SO THAT...
FAQS
Let's get you up to speed. Here are some FAQs about SO THAT.
All giving to SO THAT… should be above and beyond your normal tithe or regular giving. This will help ensure that we are able to continue to serve our church family and those in need as well throughout the giving initiative.
Commitments can be changed if necessary, allowing you to either increase or decrease your commitment as needed.
Giving can be set up online here.
While we know you may have multiple questions regarding building amenities, we do not have those details yet. And, sadly, no, we won’t have a petting zoo, but there’s lots of room in the parking lot for a game of pickleball!
If you have other questions, please email SoThat@millcitychurch.org.
“THE CHURCH IS TO BE A PLACE OF WELCOME AND LAUGHTER, OF HEALING AND HOPE, OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND OF JUSTICE AND NEW LIFE.”
N. T. WRIGHT
SO THAT...
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a lighthouse of hope to Northern Colorado.
Colorado is #8 on the list of states with the largest number of people who do not know Jesus… yet.
Since we began, over 1000 people have made a decision to follow Jesus at Mill City Church. Imagine the possibilities of increased capacity to host Alpha, At The Movies, MCYA nights, and holiday gatherings.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a place to call home.
As part of the “unchurched belt,” a recent study shows Colorado ranks among the bottom ten states for weekly church attendance.
Approximately 2,500 people call Mill City Church “home.” Typically, when a church moves from portable to permanent, it grows anywhere from 20 – 100%. We are almost at capacity on Sunday mornings and need more space for Connect, kids, students, trainings, and more. Imagine thousands more experiencing authentic, life-giving, Jesus-centered community.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a place for the next generation to grow in Jesus.
Nearly half of all Americans who decide to follow Jesus do so before the age of 13, and two out of three make that commitment before their 18th birthday.
We care deeply about young people establishing lasting faith in an increasingly secular culture. Our kids and student ministries are growing rapidly. Imagine if we are only scratching the surface of what is possible for our children.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a training ground for spiritual formation and leadership development.
“The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples – students, apprentices, practitioners – of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.” Dallas Willard
Having our own space will dramatically increase our ability to invest in our greatest resource…our people. Imagine a dedicated space for training our Lift Team and increased opportunities for City Groups and our Apprenticeship program.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a launching pad for serving those in need.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” Jesus (Matthew 25:40)
We can become a place where those in need can turn for care and support any day of the week. We want to express generous hospitality in a greater way to the poor and hurting. Imagine a meal served to Lincoln Middle School families in a wedding reception-type environment or a night out for single mothers.
Creative Giving Strategies
Deciding what and how much to give is a choice between you, God, and your family. Everything belongs to God, and he wants us to use wisely what he has given to us. Prayerfully consider what God would have you give. Our hope is that everyone participates in giving to SO THAT…
The following list may generate some creative ideas for giving:
Transfer ownership of stocks, bonds, real estate, automobiles, etc. Giving an asset to the church and allowing the church to sell it eliminates potential capital gains taxes and can increase the after-tax proceeds, providing significant tax savings.
Gift proceeds from the sale of major assets such as a house, car, land, or business.
Donate raises, bonuses, tax refunds, etc.
Contribute extra money made available by canceling subscriptions, skipping frequent trips for coffee, or scaling back on entertainment and dining out.
Give profits from marketable hobbies or skills, garage sales, or items sold on Facebook Marketplace.
Redirect additional revenue as debt is paid off.
Ask employer if they’ll match donations to local non-profits.