frequently asked questions

So what’s this about us acquiring land?

Yeah, isn’t it exciting?! We were able to get this deal done because of Jesus, COVID-19, and a dozen other factors...it’s truly a gift! The bullet point details are that this is A) A lease to purchase agreement. B) We’ve locked in the purchase price and can purchase it anytime. C) It’s a 100 year lease, but D) We will, Lord willing, purchase it around year four. The lease agreement (in the first four years) costs the same as paying interest only on the purchase price...if I’ve lost you by now, the thing to know is that it’s a great deal for us!

Why did we acquire land and not purchase a building to renovate?

Well the short answer is because this is what God provided. A little bit of a longer answer is that we’ve made offers on over a dozen buildings in Downtown over the years...and we would have taken anything God provided, but we are definitely most excited about being able to build ground up instead of trying to retrofit an existing building to fit the needs of a church.

Why is a permanent facility so essential to us?

Our own building is an efficient and effective tool for the mission to which God has called us. Over the long term it is better economic stewardship, but it also gives us a mission headquarters to disciple, equip, and train leaders. As a missional, sending, church-planting church, it increases our sending capacity—our ability to send out everyday missionaries into the city and to send out church planters, and church planting teams.

Additionally, for over 100 years, no new church has been planted in Downtown and stayed there; it either didn’t last or it moved out of Downtown. God has repeatedly confirmed to leaders and partners alike his call for us to be in Downtown Fort Worth. The church steeple used to be the highest point of a city, a symbol of God-centeredness and spiritual vitality in a place. Our own building Downtown is a symbol to the city that Fort Worth is not just growing economically, numerically, and culturally, but spiritually too. 

Further, it’s a way for us to put down roots in the city, a sign that we are here to stay, that we are for the city and not just using the city’s resources, that we are here to serve for the long term, for the Gospel renewal of Fort Worth.

And where is this land again?

It’s at 900 Belknap, on the corner of Henderson and Belknap, right across the street from the TCC Downtown campus, and right next to Panther Island.

Tell me more about what we are building. Give me the deets.

You got it. The structure will be around 27,000 sq ft. It will seat 800 (with plans for a future balcony that will seat 250 more). It will have about seven classrooms for the kiddos. It has a small space for staff offices. Parking will be on the North lot and we are in the process of signing a lease with TCC to use their parking garage as well.

What does that mean in terms of the children’s area and programming for the kids?

Perhaps the biggest help, practically speaking, this new building gives us is more space for the kiddos on Sundays. Having a dedicated and more defined space than we’ve had at the Van Cliburn Hall will only serve to make PRDX Kids safer, better, and more helpful for the kids, parents, and volunteers.

How does the new building change the way people are serving now?

Well, we won’t need to set-up and tear down every Sunday like we did at the Van Cliburn Hall! For our volunteer teams on Sundays things will change slightly and we will all need to learn the logistics of a new building. But we will definitely need a parking team to help direct folks and welcome them. Cleaning and maintenance of the building is our responsibility now. So some things will change and some things won’t.

Any other cool things about it we should know?

Definitely. The big thing is it lets us do more (and greater) Gospel ministry. Embrace Groups meet at our office; The NET meets weekly at our office. So much happens in our tiny office space that can now happen in our own home! As well, our people can get married at our own church building now! Also, we hope that the building will serve the city well, potentially having art shows, concerts, weddings, and other gatherings. 

When will our first Sunday be in the new place!?

We hope to break ground in April of 2021 and to be in before Easter of 2022!

Good deal. How can we be praying in regard to all this?

Pray for continued wisdom for leadership as we make these decisions. Pray for the hearts of The Paradox Church to be generous, to trust Jesus with everything, and to be faithful with this mission tool that He has given us. Pray for the Gospel renewal of Fort Worth!