A Perfect Storm: Rebuilding with a Purpose
- berga47
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Calvary Church in Muscatine, Iowa, is more than a building—it’s a powerful example of faith, resilience, and vision. Located in a town of just over 23,000, this multicultural, multi-service church had already outgrown its original facility when it made the bold decision to repurpose a former retail strip center into a new church home. That move alone was a demonstration of Calvary’s commitment to visibility, inclusion, and community connection.
But the most defining moment came on June 24, 2013, when an F1 tornado tore through their facility, causing $5 million in damage and displacing the congregation. The following Sunday, the people of Calvary gathered—not in a sanctuary, but in a tent in the parking lot, where 1,500 worshippers came together, more than ever before. What could have been a devastating blow turned into a moment of spiritual clarity and community strength.
"It stripped us of things we were relying on outside of Him," said Lead Pastor Ty Thomas. "We learned that the building helps us, but we can be the body of Christ anywhere."
From Rubble to Renewal
Brown Church Development Group had been working with Calvary on a master plan before the storm struck. In a providential twist, we were already scheduled to visit the day after the tornado. Instead of presenting designs, we rolled up our sleeves and helped assess the damage, stabilize the structure, and collaborate with insurance partners.
From there, the rebuild began - not just structurally, but strategically.
Phased Development: Using the knowledge from the pre-storm growth study, we re-sequenced the master plan to prioritize rebuilding usable space for the winter.
Reimagine Worship Spaces: The main worship center was redesigned with an open-span structure, removing columns to ensure clear sightlines and comfort.
Expanded Ministry Space: What was once a Rent-A-Center became a 20,000-square-foot connecting corridor for administration and small groups, linking the main worship area with a family life center.
A Facility That Matches the Vision
Calvary's revitalized campus now spans nearly two city blocks and includes:
A 900-seat worship center
A 300-seat multipurpose auditorium
Bright, themed children's spaces with 7x the national average of square footage per child
A spacious commons area complete with leather couches, a stone fireplace, and a coffee shop
A family life center serving youth, Liberian services, and community gatherings
Every design decision reflected Calvary's values: community, hospitality, diversity, and flexibility.
"Things are functional, spacious, and practical - that's the church's culture," shared Todd Brown.
Built for More Than Sundays
Today, Calvary Church stands tall not because of the walls that were rebuilt, but because of the mission that was re-ignited. This project reminds us all that a facility is not the finish line - it's a tool that enables the Church to serve, grow, and reach it's community.
"The biggest lesson we learned was to trust God," said Pastor Thomas. "The facility helps us achieve the mission, but the Church is us."
Ready to Start Your Church's Next Chapter?
Brown Church Development Group specializes in turning vision into ministry environments that serve generations. Contact us to talk about your next project.
