the decision one of the worst leadership mistakes of his ministry, recognizing that churches are better served focusing on ministry while experienced professionals manage construction. After reengaging trusted builders— Goff Companies— the church completed its facility and moved in at the end of 2019— only weeks before the COVID-19 shutdowns. Despite financial strain, Rock Creek reopened in person in May 2020, becoming the first church in Prosper to do so. The risky decision introduced many newcomers and proved to be a catalytic turning point. In the years that followed, intentional next-generation ministry, modern worship, strong biblical preaching, and cultural relevance fueled rapid growth. By 2023, attendance reached 3,500 across four services, leading to construction of the aforementioned 42,000-squarefoot expansion with increased seating, expanded children’ s space, and significantly more parking. Even before opening the new facility, leaders were planning future expansion that could include a 1,600-seat auditorium and additional ministry space by 2030. Reflecting on the journey, Wilkerson emphasizes perseverance, faithful stewardship, and the importance of trusting qualified partners— lessons that now position Rock Creek Church in a season of growth and harvest.
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4: BRANDON TEACHEY + OVERFLOW CHURCH: Beyond bands, budgets & buildings
By RaeAnn Slaybaugh
These factors led leaders to pursue a new facility aligning the church’ s physical space with its spiritual vision.“ We want the look to match the vision,” Teachey explains. Overflow selected Churches by Daniels as design-build partner and AE Global Media for audio, video and lighting integration, valuing shared ministry focus, professionalism, and financial stewardship. Both partners committed to realistic, budgetconscious planning with flexibility for future growth. Phase one of expansion adds more than 25,000 square feet, including an 800-seat sanctuary, gathering areas with children’ s space and a coffee bar, and safer paved parking. The larger worship center will reduce service counts and reunite the congregation. Teachey views the scale symbolically:“ We serve a big God, and we don’ t want to put Him in a box.” Enhanced A / V / L systems will support excellence in worship while remaining accessible to volunteers, minimizing distractions and extending gospel reach. Redesigned lobby spaces emphasize fellowship and connection, while safety improvements reflect care for members and guests. A future phase will renovate offices, continuing campus transformation. Throughout the project, unity with ministry-minded partners has been essential. Ultimately, Teachey stresses the mission behind every decision:“ It’ s bigger than just bands and budgets and buildings. The end goal is reaching the lost for Jesus and souls.” Overflow’ s story reveals how unexpected calling, authentic community, and faithful stewardship can position a historic church for a vibrant future.
# 5: TECHNOLOGY FUELING MOMENTUM IN SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION
The use of ChMS to prevent child sexual abuse
By Gregory Love & Kimberlee Norris Pastor Brandon Teachey never expected to lead Overflow Church in Angier, N. C.— especially at age 26. Initially reluctant to interview in 2016, he viewed the 94-year-old congregation as too traditional for his leadership style. Yet after agreeing months later to preach, his perspective shifted. Sitting in the parking lot beforehand, he prayed he would give his best effort“ but I’ m not going to pastor this church.” Instead, meeting a congregation eager to grow and change“ grabbed his heart,” and after several interviews, he accepted the role, later reflecting,“ I also learned never to tell God what you’ re not going to do.” Growth came quickly. Within 18 months, Overflow expanded to two services, then three by 2022, and now four weekly services. Teachey jokes that preaching four times“ sounds awesome, but it doesn’ t feel awesome.” Expansion has occurred despite challenges, including unsafe parking across a busy highway and aging facilities dating back decades. Still, Overflow’ s location in rapidly growing Johnston County and a strong sense of spiritual authenticity have fueled momentum. Visitors often sense“ a tangible presence” of the Holy Spirit, and Teachey believes the church’ s life-giving culture meets deep community hunger:“ People are hungry for the real deal.”
Child sexual abuse remains a serious concern for churches and ministries, yet new partnerships and technologies are helping leaders respond with greater clarity, confidence and effectiveness. Historically, many churches relied on limited prevention strategies— such as“ stranger danger” messaging or child check-in systems— that proved insufficient. Today, education and comprehensive safety systems are driving meaningful change, particularly through collaboration between MinistrySafe and leading Church Management Software( ChMS) providers. MinistrySafe, led by sexual abuse attorneys and prevention experts Gregory Love & Kimberlee Norris, equips churches with a 5-Part Safety System that includes awareness training, skillful screening, background checks, policies and procedures, and ongoing monitoring
24 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JAN / FEB 2026