The Forward Initiative is more than funding a project–
you’re fueling our mission to equip Kingdom Investors.
Why Forward…Why Now?
You now live in one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama.
Everywhere we look in Cullman County, we see signs of rapid growth—bulldozers clearing land, new homes and apartments rising, families moving in. But behind the bricks and beams is something far more important: a growing number of people who need hope, purpose, and a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. And we are their neighbors.
What we’re witnessing isn’t just expansion; it’s the rebirth of a mission field. And Northbrook Baptist Church was made for a moment like this.
Back in 2004, when we moved to our current location, Northbrook stepped out in faith. We were led by visionary believers who saw more than a piece of property, they saw a place where the gospel could take root and thrive. Their boldness positioned us to grow into the church we are today.
Now, we believe God is calling us to step forward again.
As our community enters a new season of growth, we have a strategic opportunity to reintroduce Northbrook to the neighbors God is bringing to our doorstep. The Forward Initiative is our next bold step—an invitation to dream, to invest, and to reimagine how our church campus can serve as a spiritual home and gospel light for generations to come.
Let’s move Forward...By faith. On mission. Together.
The Forward Initiative Motion Passed. On November 9, Northbrook voted to affirm the Elder’s recommendation to take our next step forward by faith, on mission—together.
What’s the Scope of the Project?
Renovating the
Caring Center
The Caring Center is a front door to the community. Renovating this current space makes it more welcoming and effective, keeping it central, accessible, more affordable and ready to serve as a trusted gospel presence in Cullman.
Refreshing the Commons area & Worship Center
For 20 years, these spaces have shaped Sundays at Northbrook. Refreshing our commons and worship center prepares them for the next generation—welcoming guests, fostering connection, and creating beautiful spaces where people can encounter God and be changed forever.
Reimagining the
Main Entrance
Our main entrance is the first impression for thousands passing by on Highway 157. A new monument sign and extended canopy will clearly identify Northbrook, lift high the cross, and warmly invite our community to come and see what God is doing here.
What’s the Investment?
Project Estimate
The estimated cost is approximately:
$3.5 million
$250,000: Caring Center Renovations
$2.5M: Commons
$750,000: Main Entrance, Signage & Exterior
Giving/Pledge Goal
Our goal to raise is:
$3 Million
Debt Tolerance
The elders have approved a debt tolerance of up to $850,000 over 5-years, aligned with an existing but currently unused line item in our operating budget.
What are the Next Steps?
Pray
Pray for unity in our church as we process this initiative together, wisdom for our leaders as they work through project details, and guidance for your family as God calls you to trust him in this next season.
Prepare
Seek God and prepare your heart for what he might ask of you. Consider how he is calling you to invest your time, resources, and influence to move Forward. Pray with your family and think intentionally about your role in this journey.
Participate
Join us in casting the vision, encouraging others, praying boldly, giving sacrifically, and coming ready for Commitment Sunday on February 8.
Project timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The Forward Initiative includes renovations and construction to our Caring Center, Commons (including Worship Center), and our Main Entrance (including signage, roof & exterior repair). The total budget for the Forward Initiative is $3.5M:
Caring Center Renovations: $250,000
Commons: $2.5M
Main Entrance, Signage & Exterior: $750,000
-
The Atrium and Fireside Room are where we make first impressions, fellowship, and break bread together. They are environments that have served us well over the past 20 years, but they are beginning to show their age. We plan to replace flooring, paint, baseboards and the current furniture to better communicate to our guests and members each week that “we are expecting you, we want you here, and we’re giving you our best.”
-
The Worship Center is our next most-used room in our facility where we gather for worship each Sunday. It is also a place where we connect with our community through hosting concerts and conferences. We want to refresh this space with new carpet, new paint, and an extended worship platform that gives everyone a better line of sight for our worship gatherings. We also plan to install a lyric strip above the stage as an additional support for displaying lyrics to our congregation during our worship gatherings.
-
The exterior construction and renovations include a new main entrance that clearly marks the entrance to our building, a new monument sign at the front of our property, and exterior facade and roof repair.
-
Renovating our current facility enables us to keep this ministry located where it is positioned as a known entity and a “go and tell” ministry in the heart of Cullman. Renovating this leased space enables us to transform it into a warm and inviting facility at an estimated cost of $250,000, which is significantly less that what it would take to buy a building or build a new one. We have favor with the current owner who’s giving us a 10 year lease at a rate significantly lower that the market rate.
-
In February of 2026, we will have a commitment Sunday, where we invite our church to bring a first fruits gift as well as make commitments to raise $3M over the course of 3 years. We plan to start renovating the Caring Center in the Spring of 2026 and on our main campus in the Summer of 2027 to give us enough cash in hand to begin the project. We plan to utilize a construction loan to bridge the gap between what we have in hand at the time and pledges made for the remainder of the campaign. If necessary, we will roll the construction loan into a loan not to exceed $850,000 for 5 years, based on the debt tolerance built into our current budget and approved by Elders.
-
Because our initiative focuses on renovating our current spaces with minor construction to the exterior of our front entrance only, we plan to continue meeting in our worship center and classrooms as well as continue serving the community through the Caring Center throughout the project.