A new church with seating for almost 800 people has set a date for its first service.
Sanctuary Church posted to social media earlier this month to announce its first Sunday service in the new building would be held on August 3.
The church is prominently located near the southbound lanes of the Bruce Highway at 75 Tanawha Tourist Drive, Mons.
The new building will accommodate members of Life Church, which has outgrown its existing place of worship at Warana.
“We can’t wait to host you and your family and friends, here on the iconic Sunshine Coast location of the Sanctuary,” the post said.
“God has amazed us in his provision and providence in facilitating this miracle and we are so proud and exceedingly grateful for the world-class work of everyone in this next-generation home for our community.”
The development assessment report submitted with the original application for the church in 2020 provides more detail about the building.
It is located on a 5.56-hectare site and has a total gross floor area of 3922sqm. A total of 267 car parking spaces are provided.
The main components of the building include an auditorium capable of seating about 790 people, including adjoining amenities, training rooms and ancillary spaces.
It also includes an administration wing including a boardroom, office space, reception and foyer; a children’s wing with spaces for the church to operate its Life Kids program; and a gym and parent’s room.
The report says the site was formerly part of the Forest Glen Deer Sanctuary, which commenced operations around 1981 and closed in the late 1990s.
The site also has an approval for a tourist use in the form of a high ropes course, which was granted in 2014.
The report also provides more background about the congregation.
“Life Church is committed to assisting the Sunshine Coast community through benevolent activities, community support and programs that reach out to people from all walks of life,” it says.
“We support families, children, young people and retirees to build an inclusive community of people who reach beyond themselves and make a tangible difference in their world.
“Life Church began its journey in 1989 where pastors Ashley and Alison Goode, after working in many parts of Australia, choose to return home to Queensland. They were passionate to begin building a local church that would create benevolent outcomes and improve the quality of life for as many local Sunshine Coast residents as possible.
“From these humble beginnings, Life Church Queensland has continued to grow from strength to strength. It is now a significant church with a benevolent organisation with a reach across the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
“Current partnerships include (among others) women’s refuges, Queensland Police, mental health units, hospital family support workers, neighbourhood centres youth support agencies, domestic violence refuge, the Salvation Army, aged care facilities and OzHarvest food rescue.”
Sanctuary Church was contacted for comment.
