Farmington Hills Campus Update

Update from Trustee + Committee Chair, David Londal: July 29, 2026

Over the past several months, Ward Church leadership has prayerfully evaluated the future of our Farmington Hills campus. While the campus has developed a strong and caring community, attendance and financial support have not reached the levels anticipated when it was launched.

After Hill City Church expressed interest in May, Session appointed a committee to evaluate whether a sale to Hill City would serve both congregations and align with Ward’s mission. The committee conducted due diligence, met with Hill City, and assessed the impact of a potential transaction.

Since that time, the committee has engaged in prayer, due diligence, conversations with Hill City Church, and listening sessions with members and attenders of the Farmington Hills campus. Throughout these conversations, we have been reminded of the deep appreciation people have for the community, relationships, ministry impact, and spiritual home that has developed at Farmington Hills.

Given the reality of limited resources and the challenge of sustaining this ministry at an appropriate level, we believe a transition to Hill City Church offers a responsible and hopeful path forward for continued Kingdom impact.

We are now pleased to share that Ward Church and Hill City Church have reached an agreement in principle to move forward with the sale of the Farmington Hills campus. While several details remain to be finalized and the transaction remains subject to final documentation and approval, both churches believe this path provides an opportunity for the property to continue serving as a place of Christian worship, discipleship, and outreach in the Farmington Hills community.

This has not been an easy process. We know the Farmington Hills campus is more than a building; it has been a place of worship, friendship, service, and spiritual growth. We remain committed to caring well for those who call Farmington Hills home and to communicating clearly as plans develop.

If the transaction proceeds as anticipated, we plan for a September transition that honors Ward’s ministry legacy and creates opportunities for continued Kingdom impact under Hill City’s leadership. We are encouraged by Hill City’s commitment to ministry in Farmington Hills and the possibility that the facility will continue advancing the gospel in the community.

We ask the congregation to continue praying:

· For wisdom and discernment, as final details are completed.

· For the people and ministries of the Farmington Hills campus.

· For the leadership and congregation of Hill City Church.

· For unity, grace, and encouragement during this transition.

We are grateful for the many ways God has used the Farmington Hills campus and will share more as the process moves toward completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this transition being considered?

After significant prayer, discernment, and conversations with leadership, it was decided to explore transitioning the Farmington Hills campus to a healthy and growing church plant already serving the Farmington Hills community. Leadership believes this partnership could continue advancing gospel ministry in this area in a meaningful way.

From the beginning, the progress and growth of the Farmington Hills campus has been regularly evaluated against the goals and metrics established when the campus launched. Conversations surrounding the long-term future of the campus and the possibility of transition have taken place periodically over the past two years. However, in the last two to three months, those discussions became more serious due to interest expressed by a specific outside church.

Has a final decision been made?
Official conversations and investigation into the transition are underway, but details are still being worked through.

What will happen to ministries at Farmington Hills?
The incoming church leadership would prayerfully evaluate which ministries continue moving forward. These conversations are ongoing and are being approached with care and humility.

What happens to the staff?
The goal is to care for staff members well throughout this process. Staff would potentially have opportunities at Ward Northville or with the incoming church.

Will I still be able to attend Ward Church?
Absolutely. Some may feel called to continue worshiping and serving at Ward Northville, while others may feel led to remain at the Farmington Hills campus under new leadership. Leadership has emphasized that both outcomes can honor God and advance His kingdom.

Why would Ward Church consider this?
Leadership believes the church is called to faithful stewardship, not ownership. After evaluating the future of the campus and ministry opportunities in the area, leaders concluded that empowering another gospel-centered church to continue reaching Farmington Hills may best serve the kingdom long-term.

Does this mean Ward is giving up on Farmington Hills?
No. Leadership views this not as giving up, but as a kingdom-minded decision rooted in stewardship, partnership, and trust that God continues building His church.

What should our church family do during this season?
Church members are encouraged to continue loving Jesus, serving people, remaining unified, and prayerfully seeking God’s guidance for the future.

If you have additional questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please reach out to Sean Carroll at sean.carroll@ward.church .