(ChurchLeaders) While most U.S. churches are anticipating the end of the current pandemic, a congregation in North Carolina is thinking ahead to the next one. To prepare for future outbreaks that might necessitate outdoor worship—and to provide a community resource—City Church in Gastonia plans to add an amphitheater to its main campus. Fundraising is underway for the half-million-dollar project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.
“It’s going to happen,” says Pastor Dickie Spargo about the next public health scare. “There’s going to be a COVID-32, a COVID-45. That’s just the way it works. It’s called a virus.” Although there’s “nothing we can do” about the current COVID-19 situation, the pastor adds, “we can…adjust” for the future.