For 175 years, Salem Lutheran Church has been a cornerstone of the Tomball community, even before the town was named. Now, the church is taking bold steps to meet the needs of its growing congregation and the wider community through Salem NEXT, an ambitious expansion initiative.

“Salem NEXT is about boldly looking ahead while staying rooted in our community,” Executive Pastor Vince Parks said.



Salem NEXT project highlights

Salem NEXT is a multi-phase project with key updates and additions:

• K-8 school: Nearly 400 current students will move into a fully updated, self-contained facility, with room to add 100 more.
• Preschool: A new building will expand capacity by 50%.
• A 220-seat chapel will offer an intimate setting for weddings, memorials and special services.
• Outdoor areas: Patios and decks will provide safe, inviting spaces for gatherings, performances and socializing.

“This expansion isn’t just about Salem; it’s about the community,” Parks said. “We want spaces that serve our members on Sundays and the broader Tomball community during the week.”



Why the expansion was needed

As Tomball and Magnolia grow, Salem Lutheran Church’s congregation has rapidly expanded—over half of current attenders joined in the last five years. The existing facilities, rich in history, could no longer support the school, worship and community activities.

“Our K-8 program was nearing capacity, and our preschool was turning families away,” Parks said. “We needed spaces for more students and a safe, modern environment for learning and discipleship.”

Beyond the school, the campus had limitations. Relocating the school into a single, secure building opens up other campus areas for community use during the week, providing room for study groups, local organizations and special events.

The addition of a smaller chapel and outdoor gathering spaces addresses the need for more flexible, intimate venues for weddings, memorials, concerts and informal community activities.



Project logistics and phases

Salem NEXT is a five-phase expansion to improve the church’s facilities while keeping programs running smoothly.

The project starts in summer 2026 with converting the worship department and rehearsal hall into the new student ministry, renovating the worship center lobby and temporarily relocating the preschool. Subsequent phases include building a new preschool, renovating the worship center and adult ministry space, building a 220-seat chapel and developing outdoor patios and decks.

Originally planned as a larger project, the expansion was adjusted after Hurricane Harvey introduced new stormwater and development requirements, shifting most construction north of the worship center. The $28 million project is expected to take three to four years.

Funding and community support

The $28 million Salem NEXT project will be completed in phases as resources become available. “We’re moving forward as God provides,” Parks said, noting the congregation will raise a significant portion of the funds over time while responsibly managing any borrowing.

Community contribution options:

• Monetary donations: Give directly to the church to support expansion.
• Gifts in kind: Local businesses may offer materials or services.
• Prayer: Pick up a prayer bracelet at the church or pray from home.
• Daily devotionals: Subscribe via text to receive updates and stay connected with the Salem NEXT initiative by texting DEVO to 94000.

“This project benefits not just our church but the entire Tomball community, and every contribution—whether prayer, time or resources—helps make it possible,” Parks said.

Visit Salem Lutheran

Salem Lutheran Church invites the community to visit and see the Salem NEXT progress. Visitors can grab a prayer bracelet, explore the campus or meet Salem family members eager to connect.

“Whether you’re part of our congregation or just curious, we’d love to meet you and show you how this project is shaping our campus for the future,” Parks said.

For information about Salem NEXT, visit www.salem4u.com/next.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.