An Announcement
Dear Grand Avenue Family,
I’m writing this with a heart full of gratitude, excitement, and overwhelming anticipation for all that God is doing in and through our church.
On Sunday evening, April 13, our church family gathered in unity and faith—and voted yes to move forward with purchasing 12.75 acres of land at 4401 Massard Road.
Let that sink in for a moment.
We just took a bold, beautiful step into the future. Together.
This moment is more than a real estate decision. It’s a declaration of faith. A statement that says we believe God has morein store for us—not just for today, but for the generations to come. It’s a step that honors the legacy of those who brought us this far and creates a foundation for our children and grandchildren to meet Jesus, grow in their faith, and be sent into the world on mission.
This land isn’t just dirt and trees—it’s future baptisms. It’s worship songs sung loud. It’s the laughter of kids in classrooms and the prayers of students in small groups. It’s the place where new families will find their church home and where people who’ve been far from God will come running back to Him.
Now that we’ve taken this step together, I want to ask you to prayerfully consider what your part might be in our Forward Campaign. This is our church-wide effort to fund the purchase of this land and invest in all that comes next. Whether you're able to give a little or a lot, your generosity moves the mission forward.
We’re not just buying land—we’re building a legacy. Every gift, every prayer, every step matters.
If you have questions or want to be part of the conversation as we move ahead, we’d love to talk. And if you’re already dreaming with us—pray. Pray boldly. Give generously. Invite others into the story.
This is only the beginning. And I couldn’t be more excited to walk this road with you.
With gratitude and vision,
Pastor Brad Lewter
Lead Pastor, Grand Avenue Baptist Church
I’m writing this with a heart full of gratitude, excitement, and overwhelming anticipation for all that God is doing in and through our church.
On Sunday evening, April 13, our church family gathered in unity and faith—and voted yes to move forward with purchasing 12.75 acres of land at 4401 Massard Road.
Let that sink in for a moment.
We just took a bold, beautiful step into the future. Together.
This moment is more than a real estate decision. It’s a declaration of faith. A statement that says we believe God has morein store for us—not just for today, but for the generations to come. It’s a step that honors the legacy of those who brought us this far and creates a foundation for our children and grandchildren to meet Jesus, grow in their faith, and be sent into the world on mission.
This land isn’t just dirt and trees—it’s future baptisms. It’s worship songs sung loud. It’s the laughter of kids in classrooms and the prayers of students in small groups. It’s the place where new families will find their church home and where people who’ve been far from God will come running back to Him.
Now that we’ve taken this step together, I want to ask you to prayerfully consider what your part might be in our Forward Campaign. This is our church-wide effort to fund the purchase of this land and invest in all that comes next. Whether you're able to give a little or a lot, your generosity moves the mission forward.
We’re not just buying land—we’re building a legacy. Every gift, every prayer, every step matters.
If you have questions or want to be part of the conversation as we move ahead, we’d love to talk. And if you’re already dreaming with us—pray. Pray boldly. Give generously. Invite others into the story.
This is only the beginning. And I couldn’t be more excited to walk this road with you.
With gratitude and vision,
Pastor Brad Lewter
Lead Pastor, Grand Avenue Baptist Church
A Word from our Pastor
Dear Church Family,
After much prayer and discussion, I want to share an important moment that stands before us—a moment that could shape the next generation of ministry at Grand Avenue.
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 5:00pm, we’ll hold a Called Church Conference to discuss and vote on the purchase of 12 acres of land at 4401 Massard Road in Fort Smith.
This opportunity is more than a land purchase—it’s a step of faith toward the future we believe God is calling us to build.
For more than a year, I’ve sat with our Board of Overseers, asking hard questions, praying honestly, and considering what’s next. In those conversations, one thing became unmistakably clear: the one thing Grand doesn’t have as we look to the future is land. We have a thriving church. We have growing ministries. We have vision. But we don’t have space to carry that vision forward into the next chapter.
After much prayer and discussion, I want to share an important moment that stands before us—a moment that could shape the next generation of ministry at Grand Avenue.
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 5:00pm, we’ll hold a Called Church Conference to discuss and vote on the purchase of 12 acres of land at 4401 Massard Road in Fort Smith.
This opportunity is more than a land purchase—it’s a step of faith toward the future we believe God is calling us to build.
For more than a year, I’ve sat with our Board of Overseers, asking hard questions, praying honestly, and considering what’s next. In those conversations, one thing became unmistakably clear: the one thing Grand doesn’t have as we look to the future is land. We have a thriving church. We have growing ministries. We have vision. But we don’t have space to carry that vision forward into the next chapter.
So, we began searching. Our search revealed multiple possibilities of land in different areas around our community. It raised questions and caused to us stop and seek several times. And then it happened. We were presented with this property. I remember the first time I drove past the land on Massard Road after it being presented as a possibility. I had driven by the land countless times, but this time, something was very different. I couldn’t shake the thought: This could be it. This could be the place where we raise up the next generation, where we send out missionaries, where we make space for families not yet here. It stirred something deep in my heart—and I believe it will in yours too.
So now, I’m inviting you into this moment.
Pray. Ask God to unite our hearts, guide our decision, and give us the faith to follow where He leads.
Give. Every gift, no matter the size, is an investment in what God will do through this church for years to come. Let’s be a people who step forward—not in fear, but in faith.
So now, I’m inviting you into this moment.
Pray. Ask God to unite our hearts, guide our decision, and give us the faith to follow where He leads.
Give. Every gift, no matter the size, is an investment in what God will do through this church for years to come. Let’s be a people who step forward—not in fear, but in faith.
Church family, this is our moment to say yes. Not just to land—but to legacy. Not just to buildings—but to the mission. The kind of mission that echoes into eternity.
Let’s take this step together—with hearts full of faith and eyes fixed on Jesus.
With hope and expectation,
Brad Lewter
Lead Pastor
Grand Avenue Baptist Church
Let’s take this step together—with hearts full of faith and eyes fixed on Jesus.
With hope and expectation,
Brad Lewter
Lead Pastor
Grand Avenue Baptist Church
The Location
4401 Massard Road Fort Smith, Ar 72903
Possible Future Construction Renderings
(Click on a picture to enlarge)
Frequently asked questions:
1. How was this site chosen?
Answer:
The pastor worked closely with the Board of Overseers and partnered with a commercial real estate group to locate and choose the site. This location was selected because it is centrally positioned in the city, maintains a Fort Smith address, and is conveniently located near new development while still being accessible to residents in the north and southern parts of the city. Multiple other properties were considered and discussed with the Board of Overseers before making the decision.
The pastor worked closely with the Board of Overseers and partnered with a commercial real estate group to locate and choose the site. This location was selected because it is centrally positioned in the city, maintains a Fort Smith address, and is conveniently located near new development while still being accessible to residents in the north and southern parts of the city. Multiple other properties were considered and discussed with the Board of Overseers before making the decision.
2. How big is the property?
The property located at 4401 Massard is 12.75 acres. For some reference, the land we currently sit on (at 3900 Grand Avenue) is close to 8 acres.
3. How much does it cost and how are we planning to pay for it?
Answer:
The total cost of the land purchase is $2.2 million. We already have a considerable amount of funds both pledged and received. The church plans to secure a loan and fulfill our commitment with the bank by continuing a capital campaign launched in the fall of 2024 called the Forward Campaign. Members will be invited to contribute both through prayer and financially.
The total cost of the land purchase is $2.2 million. We already have a considerable amount of funds both pledged and received. The church plans to secure a loan and fulfill our commitment with the bank by continuing a capital campaign launched in the fall of 2024 called the Forward Campaign. Members will be invited to contribute both through prayer and financially.
4. Does the church plan on moving there any time soon?
Answer:
Not necessarily. The land is intended for future development. There are no current plans to build immediately. The vision behind purchasing this property is to position Grand to move forward and develop its ministry for the future.
Not necessarily. The land is intended for future development. There are no current plans to build immediately. The vision behind purchasing this property is to position Grand to move forward and develop its ministry for the future.
5. Will the purchase of this property affect the church budget?
Answer:
The purchase will not affect the ministries and staff. It is being handled separately from the operating budget, although we are positioned to manage the debt if necessary. We are ensuring our financial health by moving into an aggressive capital savings mode. A review of our annual budget (at the end of 2024) revealed funds that could be reallocated into our capital reserves, which has allowed us to create more savings each month than usual.
The purchase will not affect the ministries and staff. It is being handled separately from the operating budget, although we are positioned to manage the debt if necessary. We are ensuring our financial health by moving into an aggressive capital savings mode. A review of our annual budget (at the end of 2024) revealed funds that could be reallocated into our capital reserves, which has allowed us to create more savings each month than usual.
6. Who should I contact if I have other questions?
Answer:
For additional questions, please contact Pastor Brad at pastor@gabc.church or call the church office at 479-783-5161. A church conference will also be held on April 13 at 5:00pm for further discussion and to vote on the matter.
For additional questions, please contact Pastor Brad at pastor@gabc.church or call the church office at 479-783-5161. A church conference will also be held on April 13 at 5:00pm for further discussion and to vote on the matter.
7. Is the land in a flood zone?
Thankfully, it is not! Click below to look at the National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMette Map for our land.
Click Here
You can also take a look at a google earth image of our land in 2019 during the massive flooding in Fort Smith. Click below:
Click Here
Click Here
You can also take a look at a google earth image of our land in 2019 during the massive flooding in Fort Smith. Click below:
Click Here
8. What about the airport and plane engine noise?
We understand that we will need to take some added sound proofing for our new property when the time comes, but are not worried about the engine noise coming from the airport, etc. Our land will put us in the same "sound zone" as other buildings such as Best Buy, Target, Dicks Sporting Goods, etc. Our city/airport/military have put together steps for those building in and around the city to lessen the impact of any incoming noise additions.
You can read more about what requirements there are, view maps, and more by clicking the following link:
Click Here
You can read more about what requirements there are, view maps, and more by clicking the following link:
Click Here
9. We will have to neglect our current building in order to purchase land?
Not at all. We are deeply committed to stewarding both our current space and our future. The Forward Campaign is about preparing for what’s next without forgetting what God has already entrusted to us. Our current building remains essential to our ministry every single week, and we will continue to maintain and care for it with excellence.
Purchasing land is a step toward future growth—but it doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from the mission happening right here, right now.
Here are a few (of the many) LARGE projects that have been completed in the past 12 months with many others coming in the near future:
Newly renovated elevator - 2024
Stair Wells (across campus) repainted - 2024
Worship Center Video Systems Update - 2024
Newly renovated kids hangout space - 2024
Newly renovated worship center upstairs bathrooms - 2025
Newly renovated worship center downstairs bathrooms - 2025
New Fire/Safety systems Installed - 2025
Worship Center Main Audio Components Update - 2025
Worship Center & Kids Building Security System(s) Updates - (In process and to be completed ) - 2025
Purchasing land is a step toward future growth—but it doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from the mission happening right here, right now.
Here are a few (of the many) LARGE projects that have been completed in the past 12 months with many others coming in the near future:
Newly renovated elevator - 2024
Stair Wells (across campus) repainted - 2024
Worship Center Video Systems Update - 2024
Newly renovated kids hangout space - 2024
Newly renovated worship center upstairs bathrooms - 2025
Newly renovated worship center downstairs bathrooms - 2025
New Fire/Safety systems Installed - 2025
Worship Center Main Audio Components Update - 2025
Worship Center & Kids Building Security System(s) Updates - (In process and to be completed ) - 2025
- MY GIVING POTENTIAL -
WEEKLY
$5
$15
$25
$40
$50
$75
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$750
$1,000
$5
$15
$25
$40
$50
$75
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$750
$1,000
YEARLY
$260
$780
$1300
$2080
$2600
$3900
$5200
$10,400
$15,600
$20,800
$26,000
$39,000
$52,000
$260
$780
$1300
$2080
$2600
$3900
$5200
$10,400
$15,600
$20,800
$26,000
$39,000
$52,000
3 YEAR TOTAL
$780
$2,340
$3,900
$6,240
$7,800
$11700
$15,600
$31,200
$46,800
$62,400
$78,000
$117,000
$156,000
$780
$2,340
$3,900
$6,240
$7,800
$11700
$15,600
$31,200
$46,800
$62,400
$78,000
$117,000
$156,000
When you give to the Forward Campaign, you’re not just funding a project—you’re fueling a mission. You’re saying yes to reaching more people, loving more families, and creating more opportunities for the gospel to take root and flourish.
Your giving potential is about more than what you can give—it's about what God can do through us when we give together.
Every gift—every step of faith—moves us Forward.
Forward into new communities.
Forward onto future land.
Forward in training the next generation.
Forward in sending missionaries, planting churches, and seeing lives transformed by the power of Jesus.
What’s possible when we all bring what we have, and trust God to multiply it?
We’re not asking for equal gifts—but we are asking for equal sacrifice, equal faith, and a shared vision for what’s ahead.
Let’s lean in. Let’s step out. Let’s move Forward—together.
Your giving potential is about more than what you can give—it's about what God can do through us when we give together.
Every gift—every step of faith—moves us Forward.
Forward into new communities.
Forward onto future land.
Forward in training the next generation.
Forward in sending missionaries, planting churches, and seeing lives transformed by the power of Jesus.
What’s possible when we all bring what we have, and trust God to multiply it?
We’re not asking for equal gifts—but we are asking for equal sacrifice, equal faith, and a shared vision for what’s ahead.
Let’s lean in. Let’s step out. Let’s move Forward—together.
MY GIVING POTENTIAL
| Weekly | Yearly | 3 Year Total | ||
| $5.00 | $260.00 | $780.00 | ||
| $15.00 | $780.00 | $2,340.00 | ||
| $25.00 | $1300.00 | | $3,900.00 | |
| $40.00 | $2080.00 | | $6,240.00 | |
| $50.00 | $2600.00 | $7,800.00 | ||
| $75.00 | $3900.00 | $11700.00 | ||
| $10.00 | $5200.00 | $15,600.00 | ||
| $200.00 | $10,400.00 | $31,200.00 | ||
| $300.00 | $15,600.00 | $46,800.00 | ||
| $400.00 | $20,800.00 | $62,400.00 | ||
| $500.00 | $26,000.00 | $78,000.00 | ||
| $750.00 | $39,000.00 | $117,000.00 | ||
| $1,000.00 | $52,000.00 | | $156,000.00 |
When you give to the Forward Campaign, you’re not just funding a project—you’re fueling a mission. You’re saying yes to reaching more people, loving more families, and creating more opportunities for the gospel to take root and flourish.
Your giving potential is about more than what you can give—it's about what God can do through us when we give together.
Every gift—every step of faith—moves us Forward.
Forward into new communities.
Forward onto future land.
Forward in training the next generation.
Forward in sending missionaries, planting churches, and seeing lives transformed by the power of Jesus.
What’s possible when we all bring what we have, and trust God to multiply it?
We’re not asking for equal gifts—but we are asking for equal sacrifice, equal faith, and a shared vision for what’s ahead.
Let’s lean in. Let’s step out. Let’s move Forward—together.
Your giving potential is about more than what you can give—it's about what God can do through us when we give together.
Every gift—every step of faith—moves us Forward.
Forward into new communities.
Forward onto future land.
Forward in training the next generation.
Forward in sending missionaries, planting churches, and seeing lives transformed by the power of Jesus.
What’s possible when we all bring what we have, and trust God to multiply it?
We’re not asking for equal gifts—but we are asking for equal sacrifice, equal faith, and a shared vision for what’s ahead.
Let’s lean in. Let’s step out. Let’s move Forward—together.
WANT TO PARTNER?
If you're interested in partnering with our "Forward" capital campaign, we’d love to connect with you! Reach out to learn how you can support and be part of this exciting initiative to expand God’s work.