Dates are very much tentative at the moment and what we are aiming for is a decision in the coming weeks to explore costings and potential opening dates.

The costs are currently undetermined, and we are seeking the permission to explore the potential cost implications for the setup and general running costs.

Working five days a week during the day can provide a steady routine and consistent structure to the week. We think it is important to be consistently open and provide the space for all.

A transition plan would be essential, but here are workable solutions:

• Evenings remain fully open for Jr. Youth, adult groups, and Bible studies the play space can be closed off but the rooms and main cafe space are still usable.

• Flexible furniture (stackable chairs, portable tables, mobile dividers) allows the rooms to convert quickly from daytime play/café mode to evening and Sunday ministry mode.

The goal is not displacement but dual-use spaces that serve both ministries and outreach.

Training would likely include:

• Hospitality + evangelism basics
  (welcoming, listening, praying with people appropriately).

• Safety and child-interaction training
  (Plan to Protect, conflict de-escalation, etc.).

• A clear “ministry culture statement” so volunteers understand:

  • Our goal is presence, not pressure.

  • Every interaction is an opportunity to care relationally.

• A coordinator or pastoral lead who models the tone.

The space becomes outreach not through signage, but through consistent Christian presence and a culture of warmth and care.

Both approaches are possible:

By-Donation Model (Pros & Cons)

• ✔ Very ministry-forward, removes commercial tone

• ✔ Easier to manage spiritually/relationally

• ✘ Less predictable income

• ✘ Harder to cover operating costs & staffing

Business-Light Model (Pros & Cons)

• ✔ Helps fund staff, supplies, and cleaning

• ✔ More sustainable long-term

• ✔ Allows higher-quality equipment & service

• ✘ Requires proper bookkeeping and compliance

• ✘ Could feel commercial if not missionally framed

Many churches do a hybrid: low-cost + donation box + sponsorships.

The core question is:
Do we want the café to financially support the ministry?
If yes, a light business structure may be necessary.

A sustainable model would be:

• A full-time or part-time coordinator/host present most days (paid).

• Volunteers supplementing, not carrying the ministry alone.

• Shift options like:

  • 2-hour blocks

  • Specialized roles (greeting, making coffees, tidying, play-area oversight)

• Pastors would engage relationally when available but not be primary staff.

Healthy ministry requires clear roles, flexible scheduling, and reasonable expectations.

Yes. The current layout is conceptual, not final.
Potentially the team could look at:

• alternative layouts,

• cost-scaled options,

• phased approaches, and

• aesthetic designs

these can be produced before any decisions are made. This is a collaborative process, and more visualizations are expected.

GBC is uniquely positioned for several reasons:

• Geography: Silver Star Rd serves a high concentration of young families in East Vernon.

• Lack of competition: Vernon has no indoor play/sensory/co-working options.

• Existing community presence: GBC is known for being welcoming and family-oriented.

• Space: The footprint already exists therefore repurposing is cheaper than building new.

• Mission alignment: Hospitality + outreach is a natural extension of GBC’s identity.

• Weekday under-utilization: The building is largely unused 9–5; this makes ministry more accessible to the public.

In short: right demographics, right mission, right facility, right timing.