INDIANAPOLIS—Hoosier Thom Hord’s ministry began on the basketball court, in casual conversations about God while playing hoops with friends. Now a pastor at Community Church of Greenwood, Hord continues to minister through sports in the newly opened 82,000-square-foot, multi-million-dollar recreational facility at the church.
Hord told the Indianapolis Star, "There's a large contingent of people who play sports but don't have Christ in their life. This is an outreach building. We want to make a bridge to the community. With this, we feel like we can."
The facility, called The Gathering Place, has 18 basketball goals, an indoor soccer field, a weight room with cardiovascular equipment, a racquetball court, a stage area that can seat up to 4,300 people, a multipurpose room and a lounge area for fellowship.
The church is planning many programs and activities for the facility, including baseball, softball and golf camps; aerobics; gymnastics; indoor soccer; and football.
The facility is designed for both church members and non-church members, Hord said.
"I have such a passion for saving souls," he said. "I know a lot of people who play sports who need Christ in their lives. This is a life-changing building."
