Design and Ministry Needs

The Vineyard serves a growing population in Columbus, Ohio: people in their 20s and 30s who might not otherwise be drawn to a ministry with “traditional church features.” So when Vineyard relocated to a new property on the northeast side of the city in the early 1990s, church leaders knew the space needed to be unique, flexible, and scalable. At the time, the church already had a thriving, vibrant congregation. Following the relocation, however, no one knew just how big it would become.

The Vineyard has worked with the McKnight Group for a total of five phases beginning in 1992, and as the church’s needs change, McKnight continues to be its primary planning, design, and construction partner.

Within four years of its initial move, attendance at The Vineyard grew from 400 to more than 1,000 and new needs were emerging. Multiple services including two on Saturday evening, and four on Sunday allowed this congregation to become the fastest growing congregation in Columbus. Focus on people in their 20s drove remodel objectives, and expansion requirements were defined by the need to educate hundreds of new believers at one time.

By 2001, The Vineyard hosted worship services of 3000. The need for office space grew in unusual proportion to worship space, so a large, multi-story office building for volunteer and pastoral staff was added to the campus. In all, The Vineyard facilities total approximately 215.000 square feet. And each week, members make a significant impact of the Kingdom.

Highlights

The property features a 3,000-seat worship center designed for corporate worship and teaching while also providing space for 800-seat banquets and community outreach events such as Valentine dinners and country line dancing. This space in complemented by a 15,000-square-foot lobby with an expanded cafe and an ultra-modern Christian bookstore. Visitors will find a separate children’s check in near the main entrance that provides easy access and added security.

The multi-story 45,000-square-foot office building houses not only the ministry staff but also the Vineyard Counseling Center and the Vineyard Leadership Institute staff. A large warehouse is also this building. (Does any church ever have enough storage?)

The 50,000 square foot community center completed in 2006 houses Fruit of the Vine (a medical and urban outreach) ministry, athletic facilities, youth game space, and children’s ministries including indoor and outdoor playlands.

Results

Few churches in the United States have seen the dramatic growth of The Vineyard. The McKnight Group has been its development partner every step of the way.

The Vineyard Columbus is one of the fastest growing congregations. Smart planning and great facilities are only part of the story, of course. Beyond all else, The Vineyard is a community of people committed to following Jesus Christ with their whole lives. It is a place where all are welcome: true believers along with the curious, the skeptical, the wounded and the disillusioned.