FAQ's

Q: What is an extension campus?

A: The Webster dictionary defines extension as “a part forming or continuation or addition.” A church extension is basically just that, forming a continuation or addition of one church into a different location while the original one remains.

Q: Why is Faith Community starting an extension campus?

A: Faith Community United Methodist Church has been in West Chester Ohio for almost 40 years. During that time they have used their 6+ acres to its fullest capacity. There is no more room to reach new people who are looking for a healthy church. By creating an extension campus, we will take the healthy church to the people.

Q: Where will the extension campus be?

A: For several months, Pastor Jenn and members of the extension campus team spent time studying the communities surrounding Faith and participated in numerous prayer walks. After much discussion and discernment it was decided that the area of Mason would be the community for the new extension campus. We are waiting on God’s timing for the selection of a building and exact location.

Q: What will happen to Faith Community?

A: Faith Community will continue in its full ministry offerings at its current Cox Rd location. Water’s Edge will provide many similar yet unique ministry offerings in addition. This will provide more opportunities and more choices for residents of the West Chester Township, Liberty Township, Monroe and Mason Communities between Faith Community and Water’s Edge.

Q: What are the benefits of an extension campus?

A: Faith Community has an incredibly positive reputation in both the West Chester Township, Liberty Township and Mason communities and the extension campus will allow us to extend our positive “footprint” beyond our current geographical boundary.


Q: Who are the people that will start this extension campus?

A: Faith Community made a commitment to the extension campus project in the fall of 2004 when Pastor Jenn Lucas was asked to join our staff as Extension Campus Pastor. In January of 2005 Pastor Jenn began networking with members of Faith Community who had interest in the extension project and she has been building a team since that time. About 50% of those who will start the extension campus will come from Faith Community while the other 50% will come from outside its four walls.

Q: Do I have to leave Faith Community if I want to be a part of the extension campus mission?

A: No! Extension campus is about reaching out to a new community through a healthy church to help meet needs. Whether you help for 2 weeks as a greeter or two years as a worship leader, you are welcome and encouraged to help as God leads you. It is our hope that 85% of the membership of Faith Community will help in a “rent a member” type capacity to help with things such as greeting and hospitality as well as participating in worship and small groups.

Q: What will the extension campus be like?

A: Part of the benefit of a “daughter church” extension like Water’s Edge is that people who are familiar with the mother church or Faith Community will already have a sense of what the extension will be like. As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Water’s Edge will resemble its parent church but is will not mimic it. We invite you to participate in a worship experience or small group to learn first hand what Water’s Edge is like. We will have a variety of “taste and see” events to give you a taste of the style and flavor of Water’s Edge.

Q: How can we learn more about Water’s Edge?

A: There are several ways that you can learn more:
• You can e-mail us at info@watersedgeumc.net and let us know what information you need and we will get you the answers as soon as possible.
• You can come to one of the information meetings at Faith Community designed to help members and visitors of Faith understand the extension process.
• You can attend one of the neighborhood meetings in Mason to meet Pastor Jenn and her husband Troy and learn about Water’s Edge and how you might become part of this exciting ministry.
• You can visit our website often and subscribe to our e-newsletter “From the Boathouse at Water’s Edge” to have all the latest news and information sent to you.

Q: Is it too late to get involved with the extension campus project?

A: It is never too late to become part of this exciting ministry. Contact us today to learn more about Water’s Edge and how you can get involved in this wonderful extension ministry of Faith Community UMC.

Q: When will the extension campus church start?

A: There are three phases of the extension start up:

1) the preview stage – where people can get a taste of the style and flavor of Water’s
Edge

2) the exhibition season – where we are conducting worship and participating in small group experiences, the word of mouth is spreading and the entire community is invited to come and dive in at Water’s Edge

3) complete launch and celebration. The preview stage is scheduled to get underway after Easter.