Three black congregations are not only moving to new quarters in November, but also are tripling their combined seating capacity from 580 to more than 1,800.

“These congregations are poised for significant growth and greater service,” explained George King, vice president for black ministries in the Southeastern California Conference.

They will also gain much-needed space for ministry—two gymnasiums with full-size basketball courts, two chapels, two commercial kitchens, and multiple classrooms and offices.

The Mt. Rubidoux church in Riverside, which seats 380, is relocating to a 1,200-seat sanctuary. The 145-member Del Rosa church is renovating a sanctuary for 500 in San Bernardino. And the Imani Praise Fellowship Company is expanding a private home into a worship center in Moreno Valley to accommodate 100.

Each congregation has faced obstacles that reshaped their plans and tested their faith. But, as Wesley Knight, new pastor at Mt. Rubidoux says, “We plan, we pray, and we ask God to honor our faith.”

Imani Praise Fellowship

Moreno Valley ’s population has exploded since 1990, making it the second largest city in Riverside County. More than 15 percent are African-Americans. Fifteen years ago, the black ministries department targeted the area for evangelism and raised up the Imani Praise Fellowship Company. Church members bought a house as a meeting place.

Getting permission to transform a house into a church isn’t easy. Before the house could be touched, the city required extensive site preparations. It took most of 2005 to install curbs and sidewalks at the street, connect electricity and other utilities deep underground, and build a well-lighted parking lot.

Only then could Ken Jones, SECC construction superintendent, and his crew gut the house. Little is left of the original except its “footprint,” studs, rafters, and some ceilings. Enhancements bring the building to 5,000 square feet and include a raised roof line, new entry, restrooms that meet disability standards, and an enclosed patio. The total cost for land and renovations is $700,000.

Within sight—and sound!—of March Air Reserve Base, the church is also near a large public school complex and several new housing developments. The land has escalated in value to $1 million. Best of all, the site has 4.6 acres—there is plenty of room to grow.

Del Rosa

When the Valley Fellowship Church moved to Rialto several years ago, some members chose to stay in San Bernardino’s Del Rosa area. For a time, they affiliated with the Victoria church. Later they bought a rudimentary building on Tippecanoe Street and looked for land.

Then, a teenager told his mother he’d seen a church for sale. Located at 1696 North G Street, the sprawling facility was listed at $1.9 million. Del Rosa negotiated for $1.275 million. Constructed in the 1950s, the buildings were sound but well worn.

“What we’re doing is mostly cosmetic,” said Michael Mupfawa, pastor. Fresh paint and carpet, refinished pews, new windows, air-conditioning units, and a sound system are making the 23,000 square-foot facility bright and attractive. Along with Sabbath school rooms, a multi-purpose gymnasium, two kitchens, and an attractive chapel for 100, two rooms are devoted to the ministry for which the church is most known—its steel orchestra. Most of the 20-member band is from the Caribbean.

“Every month we bring music and the spoken Word to religious and community groups,” says Mupfawa, originally from Zimbabwe. “It’s a unique opportunity to witness.” Recently, the band performed in Jamaica at the invitation of an Anglican church.

Mt. Rubidoux

Members of the Kansas Avenue church and two of their pastors, Gerald Penick and Steve Patterson, organized evangelistic meetings that culminated in establishing the Mt. Rubidoux congregation more than 20 years ago.

Subsequently, James Dew, Cleveland Hobdy and Marc Woodson became pastors of the vibrant, active group. Among today’s 776 members are many young adults with professional careers. Even with two Sabbath services, the 380-seat church is cramped.

“What we needed for our ministry might take eight or nine years to build and cost $14 million,” explained Knight, senior pastor. Fortunately, a realtor discovered a church for sale on Victoria Avenue, one of Riverside ’s historic streets. Well-kept and surrounded by million-dollar houses, the Grove church was available for $8 million.

The 55,000 square-foot complex is set on 4.3 acres. In addition to a 1,200-seat sanctuary it includes a chapel/fellowship hall that seats 300, a large gymnasium, 17 classrooms, 14 offices, and a commercial kitchen. Along with Loma Linda University church, Azure Hills and Campus Hill, it will be one of the largest church facilities in SECC.

“It’s a lot of money, it’s a bargain, and it’s a great opportunity for ministry,” Knight said. The financial plan includes selling the current Mt. Rubidoux church for $1.9 million, renting space at the new site to other groups, and continuing to raise money. On one Sabbath, Mt. Rubidoux members pledged $600,000. “We are on target. The money is coming in,” Knight said.

To grow, churches need a healthy blend of vision, commitment, hard work and faith. The three congregations have already demonstrated an expansive vision, deep commitment and sacrifice. Now, they are praying that God will honor their faith and lead them into fruitful ministries.