Why are we pursuing a campus in Mesa and launching a new congregation there?

We believe God has provided an opportunity to solve our weekend seating capacity issues in Gilbert while extending our mission into a new area of the East Valley. This is both a practical provision and a Kingdom opportunity.

How will we know if we should move forward?

We’re prayerfully looking for three confirmations:

1. That the building is in a suitable condition during the inspection period.

2. That the Lord provides the financial resources needed to purchase the facility, launch the congregation, and continue ministry momentum across all congregations.

3. That God stirs the hearts of people—especially from our Gilbert congregation—to go and be part of the Mesa launch.

How many people need to commit to Mesa?

To truly relieve the pressure in Gilbert, we’re praying that 1,500–2,000 people will be led by God to transition to Mesa. We’re also inviting people from other congregations to consider joining.

Why aren’t we moving everyone to Mesa?

God has established a strong gospel presence in Gilbert/Chandler, and we believe he wants us to maintain that. We remain committed to have a gospel outpost that reaches into the far southeast valley. The Mesa opportunity is not a replacement—but an extension—of our mission.

What happens to our current facility in Gilbert (GTS)?

We want to carefully respond to the implications of this pivot. We are committed to careful consideration of the space needs and the financial implications of the facility in Gilbert. We have paused plans to expand the facility. We’re evaluating how much space our Gilbert congregation will need moving forward. We plan to continue leasing the theater and are pursuing tenants for other areas of the campus that may no longer be needed. We need time to determine a long-term plan and strategy for facility in Gilbert Town Square.

What is the purchase price of the Mesa campus?

The total purchase price is $18.25M, with a $250,000 credit at closing, bringing our effective cost to $18M. This includes the full 15-acre campus and all furnishings, fixtures, and equipment.

How will we fund the purchase?

Our lender—who also helped finance the Gilbert facility—has approved a $13.75M loan. We plan to make a $4.5M down payment, of which $2.75M is already available thanks to past generosity and careful stewardship. We are asking the Lord to provide the remaining $1.75M from our church family over the next six weeks.

Is this a financial risk?

Every mission-driven step involves some level of risk, but this move is measured and prayerful. Even after the down payment, our reserves remain in a healthy place. At the same time, this is also a powerful opportunity to deepen our faith and commitment through regular, sacrificial giving—fueling Kingdom impact across our city and around the world.

When will we close on the Mesa campus?

We anticipate closing between June 30 and July 22.

When will the Mesa congregation launch?

Our goal is to launch Sunday, September 7—right after Labor Day.

Will there still be a Saturday service in Gilbert?

We hope so, especially for those who can’t gather on Sundays. However, we don’t yet have all the necessary information to make a final decision.

Who will preach on Saturdays in Gilbert?

The preaching plan is not set in stone, but the plan would be for the same pastor to preach all services on the weekend in Gilbert.

Will there be a Saturday service in Mesa?

We hope to offer a Saturday service in Mesa, but it will depend on two key factors: a strong Sunday attendance in two gatherings and a healthy number of serving team members and leaders. Once both are in place, we plan to launch a Saturday gathering as part of our ongoing ministry in Mesa.

What’s happening with the Gilbert pastoral team?

When the Mesa congregation launches, Pastor Jared Torres will step into the role of Gilbert Congregation Lead Pastor. Pastor Adam Bailie will continue to serve as the Senior Lead Pastor but will also serve as the Congregation Lead Pastor in Mesa.

Gilbert Pastors: Jared Torres, Torrey Jaspers, Seth Beer

Mesa Pastors: Adam Bailie, Jeff Carlson, Terry Horne, Kirk VanMaanen, Adam Frazier, Josh Rogers

What about other Gilbert leaders and staff?

We’re actively working with our deacons, community group leaders, ministry teams, and staff to ensure both congregations are well-supported and well-led.

Who will preach in Gilbert?

As the congregation lead pastor, Pastor Jared Torres will carry a significant preaching responsibility in Gilbert. The preaching team, made up of other pastors at Christ Church, will also preach throughout the year. In the next ministry year, Pastor Adam Bailie plans to preach in-person in Gilbert 6–8 times.

Who will preach in Mesa?

As the senior lead pastor and the congregation lead pastor in Mesa, Pastor Adam Bailie will preach the majority of weekends in Mesa. On weekends where Pastor Adam is preaching in another one of our congregations or is traveling, the sermon will be preached by another member of our preaching team.

How often will there be video preaching?

In this next ministry year, up to 25% of our weekend services across all congregations will feature video preaching—primarily from Pastor Adam Bailie. This connects our church family across locations and frees lead pastors to shepherd in other vital ways.

Even on those weekends, all worship, fellowship, communion, and pastoral care will remain live and in-person.

Will we open a City Hope Center in Mesa?

Yes, Lord willing. Timing is still uncertain. We currently have two centers in Gilbert and believe it’s wise to wait until we can relocate one (not the one in GTS). We also need time to plan and build a strategic location on the Mesa campus.

Can we still serve the Mesa community before that?

Absolutely. As we’ve done in Peoria, we will find creative and meaningful ways to bring help and hope in Jesus’ name. Mike Juve, our executive director of City Hope, will be working alongside Pastor Kirk VanMaanen, our pastor who will initially be leading our community engagement, to ensure we meaningfully and effectively serve the community around the Mesa campus.

Will there be a Spanish service in Mesa?

Yes. We are prayerfully planning to launch Spanish-speaking services the same weekend as our English services.

What happens to the Spanish service in Gilbert?

We will no longer offer Spanish services in Gilbert in this season. We’re inviting the Spanish-speaking community to gather with us in Mesa.

Will there be more ministry for Spanish speakers beyond the service?

Yes. Our goal is to form a full Spanish-speaking congregation at the Mesa campus—Christ Church’s fifth congregation. Like our other congregations, it will have pastoral leadership, discipleship groups, and ministry opportunities.

We’re working closely with our current Spanish leaders to make this a reality.