Congregation funds $600K parking lot makeover at Cranberry Twp. church
Lifeway Baptist Church opened in Cranberry Township in 2012 as a portable congregation, floating from location to location for several years before securing a permanent property in 2018.
After a series of major financial contributions, church officials paid off the mortgage on that building in less than four years.
But as the church community underwent rapid growth and a need for more parking, church members once again came together to complete a significant expansion that included a $600,000 parking lot project that was funded entirely by the congregation’s donations.
“The current building was a great space for us, but the parking, we knew, was inadequate,” said founding pastor Nathan Snode. “We launched into it, and it’s amazing how really God has provided everything that’s needed. We’ve had beautiful weather for it. Everything has gone smoothly. The project was not just on schedule, but ahead of schedule.”
The parking lot was completed in about two months, with engineering by Herbert, Rowland & Grubic and construction by Precision Lawn Care & Maintenance.
Since the church is one of the county’s polling precincts, some members of the community had the opportunity to check out the new space for the first time on Election Day.
Lifeway Baptist will host an open house Nov. 24, at 28 Rolling Road to celebrate the expansion. Attendees can enjoy coffee and pastries at 10:30 a.m. before the morning worship service begins at 11 a.m. A ribbon cutting will follow at noon, symbolizing the church’s growth and gratitude for the support that made it possible.
Officials from Lifeway Baptist Church, which is known for its traditional services focused on biblical teachings, said they are eager to welcome new members into the fold.
“We’re a very vibrant community of believers who always want to be looking for new people who have spiritual needs,” Snode said. “This was a big step for us to make space and make it known to our community that we’re doing this for you and not just for us. We’re very excited about those upcoming possibilities.”
