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Can't we plant more campuses or do more services?
• Yes, we can, and as the Lord leads us, we are open to these possibilities. However, new weekend services in rented facilities are likely to add more pressure to the mid-week space crunch at The Met.
• Rental sites for church plants can work, but they are not ideal long-term solutions, as West Village has found. When we rent from other churches, we both need the space at significant times (Sunday mornings, Christmas Eve services, Easter services, etc.). When we rent from schools, we need the space mid-week to operate, which makes mid-week ministry much more challenging.
• The primary issue with more services is that it places strain on staff, volunteers, and families. Even though it allows for more seating, the three services will likely not be evenly attended, and the 10:30am service will tend to be the fullest. Adding multiple services only buys us time for a few years.
• With all these factors considered, expanding where we are now is the most responsible and mission-aligned path forward.
Why don't we try to help struggling churches in Ottawa instead of developing our campus?
• This is not an either/or question. We will continue to look for opportunities to come alongside other churches in partnership to reach our city.
• We regularly send pastors and interns to preach in other churches as requested.
• The question assumes that other churches want our help and this is not always the case.
• We should also define what “help” means. Is it finances that help other churches stay afloat? Is it teaching and using our sermons? Many churches don’t love some of our theological nuances. Or is it congregants? Sending Met members in mass to other churches doesn’t seem to be a reasonable solution.
• We are ready and willing to assist churches that ask for help, but responding to requests for help is much different than showing up to offer unsolicited help, and of course, we continue to pray for sister churches in our community either way!
How does 31 Auriga solve mid-week room issues?
• Our needs analysis process has identified a range of space needs for our various ministries. 31 Auriga Drive adds 30,000 square feet to our space. As we determine how to best accommodate the needs of our growing congregation through both Auriga and Prince of Wales buildings, we will look to prioritize foyer and community spaces that facilitate opportunities for connection and hospitality. We envision it to serve as a hub for fellowship and discipleship.
Why do we need to look Beyond 100?
• As we look back on the first century of ministry at The Met, we see how the Lord has blessed and provided for us in incredible ways. Approaching our 100th anniversary in 2031 as a church is a fitting opportunity for us to consider together what the next century of ministry (and beyond) might look like.
• The people who started The Met were constantly looking into the future as they planned, purchased, and built. We reap the rewards of their foresight and vision. We also want to look forward to the ministry needs of the next generation. If the Lord tarries, there is much work yet to be done in Ottawa. We are not only building for us today – we are building for generations to come, including the kids and grandkids in our church family! It is wise for us to faithfully consider our future as a church, to think about more than our immediate needs for the next month, the next year, and the next decade.
When can we start using 31 Auriga?
• We take ownership of 31 Auriga starting December 2025, but the current tenants plan to rent out office space and parking spots until their new Costco Headquarters is completed. The tentative plan is to take possession of the building in June 2026.
How will the expansion affect our operating expenses and budget?
• The annual budget will still reflect the needs of the various ministries. While there would be added costs around maintenance and utilities in the new building, and possible debt services for a small amount of debt if it’s necessary, our hope is that ministry and missions budgets would not only stay the same, but grow.
• How will these budgets grow with the cost of a new building? While it sounds very corporate, the reality is that an expanded campus with more space provides the opportunity for more people to call The Met home and become deeply rooted disciples of Jesus. More disciples who give generously means a larger operating budget to do the things we’re really excited about – like discipleship, evangelism, missions, and leadership development.
What's the vision behind acquiring a new building and developing The Met campus? What is the practical need?
• The bottom line is this: we want to reach more people in this city for Christ and we believe that developing our centrally located campus will help us do this well. We want to set The Met up for the next century of effective ministry. We need a strong “home base” from which we multiply outward. Our current building is pretty well maxed out 7 days a week (particularly the parking lot, the sanctuary, and children’s ministry areas). Our ministries have grown steadily and new people keep coming. We want to have a place prepared to welcome them.
How does a campus development help with building community?
• In moving offices over to 31 Auriga, it will relieve space pressure at 2176 Prince of Wales, providing more community and foyer spaces for congregational fellowship.
• More multi-purpose rooms can be used by smaller groups and mid-week meetings, which can foster connection and relationship-building.
How can I stay informed?
• We will be sharing regular updates through Sunday announcements, email communications, and our website. Stay connected by subscribing to emails from The Met. If you have any other questions, they can be emailed to [email protected].