Peoples Church unveils expansion project

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Valley churches of different denominations have been positioning themselves for future growth.

Peoples Church in Northeast Fresno will take on a new look by the time Easter 2021 rolls around.

The chapel which bears the name of late Pastor GL Johnson will be picked up and moved closer to the front of the main church. That's expected to happen by Christmas.

Community Outreach Pastor Matt Markarian explained, "Just wanting to change the face of the church."

Markarian said the expansion project would result in the church's entrance no longer facing Herndon, "Opening the front door to Cedar Avenue."

A new two-story, 45,000 square foot building will be dedicated to the church's youngest members through the lobby will be available for community events.

Markarian said, "We are seeing just such explosive growth. People coming here that have never been on our campus. Young families and with the way it is sort of closed off right now, it's hard to navigate where you're supposed to be and get your children checked in."

Peoples Church has plenty of land to expand on this 40-acre parcel. Markarian considered this an important investment in the church's future. "In a day and age where we live where kids have so many options and so many things, the church being a place where they can come and be safe and hear the redemptive word of Christ."

Church members helped raise over $16 million of the $18 million needed for the project.