New Sanctuary Update: CFC’s Progress in May 2026

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More than 4,700 families have helped bring Community Family Church's new sanctuary toward completion in Independence, Kentucky. It will serve communities across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. As Pastor Tommy Bates and Executive Pastor Eric Bates share the progress, we hear gratitude for the people who gave and praise for the God Who moved on their hearts.

The cameras are going in, the space is taking shape, and preparations are underway to welcome the community. Behind it all is a church that hasn't forgotten its humble beginnings.

Key Takeaways

• Community Family Church's new sanctuary in Independence, Kentucky, was nearing completion in May 2026, with cameras and broadcast equipment being installed.
• More than 4,700 families have helped support the project, alongside local businesses and community members.
• The planned community open house will include free food and information about the church's ministries, small groups, and Bible studies.
• The pastors connect the sanctuary and broadcast equipment to the church's mission of sharing the gospel and thank God for the people who gave.

A New Sanctuary Taking Shape

Construction on Community Family Church's new sanctuary began in 2023. In the May 2026 update, Pastor Tommy and Eric describe CFC's new sanctuary as nearing completion, with broadcast equipment being installed and cameras going into place.

Their excitement is easy to understand. Thousands of families have come together to help make this possible, and the pastors repeatedly return to giving God the praise.

Their gratitude comes through in the way they talk about the building. They recognize the work, the expense, and the people behind it, while also seeing the Lord's hand in bringing those people together.

Welcoming the Community Through an Open House

The plans include a community open house with free food and information about the church's different ministries. Neighbors can come inside to learn about the church's outreach and ministries. They can ask about small groups and Bible studies, or speak with a small group leader about ways to grow in faith and strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

Visitors can ask about CFC4, Vida Nueva, and the church's work with the Hispanic community. They can also learn about CFC Kids, United Young Adults, Men Fight Club, and School of Ministry.

Eric also explains that the open house will be advertised in Independence Magazine, which reaches 14,000 homes.

Local support means a great deal to Pastor Bates. He speaks with appreciation about businesses and people in the community who have contributed to the project. Alongside gifts from other states and nations, neighbors have helped move the work forward.

We don't want to pass over that. The pastors are thankful for every family, every business, and every person who has come alongside the vision.

Humble Beginnings That Won’t Be Forgotten

A chicken house. A barn. A basement.

Those are some of the places Pastor Bates names as he remembers the church's early years. He also recalls Brother Rowland living in a small trailer outside the church. These are the beginnings he says they must never forget.

The church's ministry history records another milestone: on September 9, 1959, the congregation moved out of the basement and into the sanctuary upstairs.

The Roots of Annual Homecoming

Pastor Bates explains that the annual homecoming reaches back to the 1950s. The church's first pastor suffered a fatal heart attack while cutting the grass, and that loss became part of the history behind the September gathering.

He also looks back over 73 years of ministry along Route 16. He makes a distinction here: the church has served in that area throughout those years, rather than occupying the same exact location the entire time.

We can be thankful for a new sanctuary while remembering the people and places that came before it. That is the heart behind his words, "Look what the Lord has done."

More Than 4,700 Families Have Helped

Pastor Bates describes support reaching across the United States and into many nations. He names Germany, England, Norway, South Africa, and Australia among the places where people have joined in.

Eric thanks the more than 4,700 families who have helped bring the project this far, including the church family and people whose connection to the ministry reaches well beyond the church building.

Their gratitude is personal. They know the sanctuary has come together because people believed in the message and responded with generosity.

A Large Space That Feels Like Home

Garrison, who was recording the update, had spent time sitting in the sanctuary and looking around. His reaction stayed with Eric:

"It just feels so big," yet "it feels so like you're at home."

That observation says something about the space they are preparing. The size is noticeable, but so is the feeling of being at home.

We hear the pastors' excitement about both. They are thankful for room to receive people and for a sanctuary that already feels welcoming.

Technology for People Watching Around the World

The update includes progress on cameras and other broadcast equipment. A large jib camera will capture wide views of the sanctuary and crowds, and the team is installing additional cameras.

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Pastor Bates describes the technology as a major expense. He says the system is compatible with major television networks, including ABC and NBC. Its purpose is to bring viewers a high-quality presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He also explains who that investment is for. People inside the sanctuary can take part in the service with or without broadcast equipment. The technology carries the message of Jesus to people watching elsewhere.

The broadcast carries the church's mission beyond the sanctuary, while WOW Missions is part of its wider outreach. A mission trip can be a short-term commitment for people who want to serve in person.

That is why the pastors connect the equipment to the people who gave. Supporters want the message to reach around the world.

What Motivated People to Give

Pastor Bates identifies three things behind that generosity: God's prompting, love, and belief in the message.

He believes the Lord moved on people's hearts. They responded in love and gave because they wanted others to hear the gospel preached through this ministry.

Eric also invites those who haven't participated to help complete the project. The appeal remains connected to that shared purpose of carrying the message farther.

Prayer for Spirit, Soul, and Body

Even while discussing a building project, the pastors return to the work of the Holy Spirit.

We share their belief that the gifts of the Spirit remain active. Pastor Bates explains that the Holy Spirit can work at any time. The church doesn't know in advance when He will manifest a particular gift.

He also describes a dedicated season of prayer during Sunday evening worship. People receive prayer and the laying on of hands for needs in spirit, soul, and body, with faith that they will recover.

Small groups and Bible studies offer more settings for fellowship and learning. Men Fight Club and School of Ministry also support spiritual growth.

The update closes with that same dependence on God. Pastor Bates gives thanks for the people who responded in love and prays for the sanctuary project to reach a completely debt-free position.

His prayer includes these words:

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."

Frequently Asked Questions

How many families have helped with the new sanctuary?

More than 4,700 families have helped bring the project toward completion. The support includes people connected to the church and people whose connection reaches beyond the church building.

What will happen at the community open house?

Visitors can enjoy free food and get information about the church's ministries. They can ask about small groups and Bible studies or speak with a small group leader about growing in faith.

How can visitors learn about small groups?

Visitors can ask about small groups during the open house. A small group leader can talk with them about ways to grow in faith and strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

What is the broadcast equipment for?

The cameras and other equipment will help present the gospel to people watching beyond the sanctuary. Pastor Bates says the system is compatible with major television networks, including ABC and NBC.

Giving God the Praise

As the sanctuary moves toward completion, we join in thanking God for the families and community members who have helped make it possible. The pastors' gratitude reaches beyond the building to the people whose love and faith brought them alongside the work.

Their prayer remains for a debt-free sanctuary and a message that continues reaching people around the world.

Through every part of the update, the praise returns to the Lord: look what He has done.