Frequently Asked Questions

The name “For Austin” reflects our desire to shift the focus of the church from what we are against to what we are for. We want to be known as a church that is for people, for our community, and for the next generation. While we will be based in Leander, “Austin” represents more than just the city limits—it’s about the entire Greater Austin area, which includes five counties and 22 cities. We believe this building project will enable us to better serve not only our local community but the broader region of Greater Austin. By building this new facility, we can extend our reach and impact, living out our mission in ways we’ve never been able to before. This building will be a place where people, no matter where they live in the area, will experience purpose, growth, and a sense of belonging. That’s why we’re calling it “For Austin.”

Breakdown:
$500,000: Tenant Improvements (TI) to tailor the space to our needs.

$500,000: Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE) for the expanded building.

$500,000: Pre-development expenses, including architects, engineers, planning, and permits.

The $1.5 million we need to raise will fund the necessary improvements for our new building. The $500,000 allocated for TI will ensure the space is customized to meet our needs and create a welcoming environment. Another $500,000 will go toward FFE, essential as the new building is 65% larger, requiring new furnishings while reusing what we can.Lastly, the $500,000 for pre-development covers the expenses we’ve incurred over the last 18 months, including architects, permits, and other planning costs. This campaign will replenish those funds to ensure we maintain financial flexibility as we move forward.

TOPO is a real estate developer based in Austin, TX, and we are entering into a joint venture with them for our new building as part of the “Leander Union” project. The church is contributing land and some capital, while TOPO provides additional capital, brings in investors, and manages the development, including financing, construction, and permits.

As a joint venture owner, the church will receive revenue distributions that will significantly offset our rent, keeping our lease rate comparable to what we currently pay, even though the new building will be 65% larger.

This partnership supports our mission and vision, maximizing the long-term impact of the new building while ensuring financial responsibility.

We finalized our partnership with TOPO in October 2023, and after 18 months of pre-development work, we are ready to break ground within the next 30 days. Construction will prioritize our building and parking lots. We expect the shell of our building to be completed between September and October 2025, with the internal build-out wrapping up by March 2026. We anticipate moving in and holding our first service by April 2026. While some construction on the remaining buildings may continue, parking will be available for our services.

Our current building, which we moved into in 2015, has served us well, but by 2017, we began feeling the strain of being at capacity. Despite the impact of COVID, we’ve experienced remarkable growth across kids, students, adults, and small groups, now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Every Sunday, our space is stretched, requiring overflow seating and offsite space for small groups.

The new building will provide the room we need for growth and expanded ministries. Through our Marketplace Ministry, we will also explore subsidizing mental health, educational, and medical services. This facility will be a catalyst for deeper connection and outreach, serving both our church and the community in unprecedented ways.

 In 2018, the For Austin campaign raised just shy of $3 million to purchase land, cover pre-development costs, and begin building a new facility. With a term sheet from the bank and city permits in hand, we were ready to move forward—until COVID hit, and the bank backed out. This forced us to pause and rethink our strategy.

Looking back, this setback became a blessing. The land we purchased more than doubled in value, positioning us for a much more impactful opportunity with TOPO. What we couldn’t see in 2018 became clear over time—this journey has brought us to a stronger position as a church that aligns perfectly with our strategy of being For Austin.

Because of the 2018 campaign, we are now poised to move forward with a project that will create an even greater impact on our church and the community we serve. 

When you give to this building campaign, you’re not just supporting a physical space—you’re investing in life transformation and a lasting legacy. Generosity leads to joy, purpose, and fulfillment, aligning your heart with God’s mission and impacting others.

Your gift creates a place where people—kids, students, families—can encounter Jesus, grow, find purpose and belong. It shifts our focus from ourselves to something greater, deepens our faith, and leaves an eternal impact. This campaign is about building people, community, and your own sense of purpose in God’s plan.

We’re not asking for a specific amount from each person or family. Instead, we encourage everyone to prayerfully consider what God might be asking you to give. Generosity looks different for each of us, but what’s important is that your giving reflects both your heart and your ability. This campaign is about everyone participating together—whether that’s a large gift or a small one, each contribution matters and helps move us closer to our goal.

The key is to give in a way that stretches your faith and reflects your desire to invest in the future of our church and community. Your gift, regardless of size, will play a vital role in providing the space and resources needed to impact lives and further our mission in Greater Austin.

If we don’t raise at least $1 million, this project could be in jeopardy, and we may need to consider alternate plans. While raising the full $1.5 million is essential for completing construction, preparing the facility for move-in, and replenishing the operating funds used to kick off this project, we remain committed to moving forward. However, delays or adjustments may occur without adequate funding, impacting the overall readiness of the building.

Our long-term strategy is to create destination-based locations throughout Greater Austin, starting with Leander Union as the proof of concept. These hubs will not only feature restaurants, retail, coffee shops, and fun spaces that draw people in but also offer essential services like mental health care, education, and medical services. By weaving these strategic areas into a lively environment, we will engage the community in new, impactful ways.

Revenue from these projects will allow us to subsidize many of these services, making them affordable and accessible. This model reflects our commitment to being for people, for the community, and for the next generation—living out what it truly means to be For Austin. By replicating these hubs across the city, we’ll make Jesus relevant to Greater Austin, providing both spiritual and practical support that transforms lives and communities.

The best place to stay up to date on all things related to our For Austin building campaign is at ForAustin.com. There, you’ll find progress updates, pictures, answers to frequently asked questions, and the latest news on the campaign. We’ll be regularly posting new content to keep everyone informed.

As always, if you have any specific questions or want to connect with us personally, feel free to reach out to our staff at npaustin.com. We’d love to hear from you and help in any way we can!