Sermon Series: Anchored
Featured
After prayerful discernment, Ward Church leadership has begun exploring the possibility of transitioning the Farmington Hills campus to a growing, gospel-centered church plant in the area. While conversations are still in the very early stages and no decisions have been made, leadership wanted the church family to hear about this process from the beginning.
The heart behind these discussions is faithful stewardship, continued ministry impact, and reaching the community well. We know this brings many emotions and questions, and we ask for grace and prayer as ideas are thoughtfully processed and refined. A timeline will become available as this process becomes clearer. Throughout every step, our commitment remains the same: to care well for our congregation, stay unified, love Jesus, and trust God with the future.
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.
Who is the church considering for the transition?
At this time, the church’s name is not being shared publicly because they have not yet communicated this news with their own congregation.
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, with the incoming church, or receive severance support.
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 .
