Total cost for all expansion and renovations is projected at $2,425,000.

The expansion will add a 3,000 sq ft addition, a 1,000 sq ft corridor, and 7,100 sq ft will be remodeled. 

The 3,000 sq ft addition includes removing the deteriorating south portico, enhancing the entrance, adding a larger lobby that can double as a meeting space, adding new restrooms, and a cafe area. There will also be a 1,000 sq ft addition to the west side of the building to connect to the new lobby. Lastly, there will be a 7,100 sq ft remodel of the existing lobby, worship center, and balcony to add more seating, improve acoustics, and update mechanical systems.

Prairie Lakes Church will pay around 30% down in cash for the project. We also have a pledge goal of $700,000, which will be collected over a 3-year period through April 2029. The balance will be financed through a 20-year loan.

At the end of 2025, Fort Dodge had less than $30,000 in debt. Over the past two years, Fort Dodge has had a cumulative cash surplus of $125,000. (This was used to reduce Fort Dodge debt.) Based on the trend for the last two years and our 2026 budget, cash flow is continuing to increase.

For 11 years in Fort Dodge, we’ve wrestled with whether our current facility—traditional in style and limited in function—should be temporary or long-term. In the past 24 months, God has blessed us with growth in both attendance and finances, but our space and flow limitations are increasingly holding us back.

Through prayer, we believe it’s time to take a bold step and establish a long-term home on our current property next to Iowa Central Community College. We have plans to expand in a way that removes key barriers, accelerates ministry momentum, and balances bold faith with wise stewardship.

Right now, guests encounter deteriorating entry features, no real lobby space, no ADA-compliant restrooms, and insufficient capacity overall. Our children’s ministry lacks proper flow, there’s no dedicated food service area, seating is maxed out, and the balcony is outdated and underutilized. Despite these challenges, we’re growing—but we believe the potential is far greater with a facility that supports our mission.

We envision a 3,000 square foot welcoming lobby designed for connection, a remodeled balcony adding 100 seats, updated acoustics and lighting, a dedicated children’s hallway, and a space that aligns with the Prairie Lakes standard for ministry across Iowa.

If you have questions about the project, you can reach out to Nathan Lawrence, our Fort Dodge Campus Pastor, at nathan@prairielakes.org.

For any questions related to giving or finances, our team would be glad to help at finance@prairielakes.org.