Mega Church Expanding In Former Anoka Kmart Building
ANOKA, Minn. (WCCO) -- The fastest growing church in the Twin Cities is about to get even larger.
For the past 20 years, Eagle Brook Church has been extending its reach across the north and east metro. Currently, the mega church preaches to an estimated 22,000 members each Sunday at five campuses.
Now there's word that it plans to build a sixth campus in a former Anoka Kmart store.
"We're excited to have a permanent home and serve the community in Anoka as best we can and just reach people for Christ," Pastor Aaron Damjanovich said.
The doors closed on the Kmart over two years ago.
After an $18 million facelift, the doors will open to a 900-seat auditorium, with space for kids ministries, a cafe and a bookstore.
The large expansion is a move to relieve overcrowding at other Eagle Brook campuses in the north metro.
"We ran out of room, we had hundreds of people come to church at 11 a.m, and they had to sit in the lobby on folding chairs," Damjanovich said.
Eagle Brook's growth comes at a time when other churches are struggling.
Damjanovich says his church's teachings don't change, only the strategies to make them relevant.
"God is moving, and we're just trying to keep up," he said.
The 10-acre Kmart site has been an empty eyesore on Anoka's west end. It's one that residents say won't be missed.
The Anoka campus is slated to open next Easter. It is being built debt-free.