Katy-area Bear Creek Baptist Church is in the design phase of an estimated $1 million expansion to better serve its Hispanic congregation, officials said.

What we know

Ivan Garcia, head pastor of the church's Spanish ministry, has been leading sermons inside a converted auditorium for the past six years, according to a news release from the church. The sports space, which is set up and torn down each week for worship, has a capacity of around 350 people—but services have grown to over that amount of attendees since 2018.

To allow for the ministry to continue its growth, the church will expand the space by 3,000 square feet and increase its capacity to between 650-700 people. This remodel would also include a permanent stage area, per the release.

Bear Creek officials said in an email they expect the project to be completed by 2025.


Quote of note

Bear Creek boasts a diverse congregation, with attendees representing 20 different Hispanic countries, according to the release. Garcia said in a statement he believes the church's strategic Houston-area location allows the ministry to reach people from all around the world.

“Our goal is not to just fill this room with people but to go outside of these walls and share Christ with others where they are," Garcia said in the release. "Eventually we want to provide multiple Spanish worship services, not just one.”