“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
— Isaiah 43:19
This is the promise we are holding onto in this season. God is moving, and we believe He is preparing something new right here, in our church, in our community, and in the lives of people who have yet to walk through our doors.
In 1968, a group of believers felt called to plant a church in the northern suburbs of Syracuse. They had a vision to share the gospel, make disciples, and serve the community around them. That step of faith became the beginning of the story of Northside Church.
Through every season, God has been faithful. We’ve seen lives transformed, families strengthened, and generations impacted by the gospel. As we look to the future, we believe He is calling us to make room for what comes next.
Made for More is a church-wide journey to respond to God’s leading with faith, generosity, and purpose. It is about creating space for what God is doing now and for those He is bringing in the future.
Why Now?
Over the years, we’ve seen God work in powerful ways across our ministries. People have come to faith, kids and students are being discipled, families are finding hope, and missions partners are being resourced to reach people around the world.
But we’ve also seen areas where our current resources and spaces have become stretched and limited. As we look to the future, we know God is preparing us to grow, not just in number, but in depth, reach, and impact.
Made for More is about preparing for that future together. We’re taking this step to:
- Expand and improve key ministry spaces, especially for kids and students
- Create more room for connection, hospitality, and community
- Equip our teams and volunteers to lead well
- Increase our support for local outreach and global missions
- Invite every person in our church family into a journey of deeper trust and generosity
Northside’s Next Chapter
What is Made for More? It’s the next chapter in a story God has been writing for decades. We believe He is calling us to make space for continued growth, deeper discipleship, and broader impact.
Each week, our worship gatherings are reaching capacity. The sanctuary seats 700, but more than 1,300 people gather across services. On holidays and special weekends, we often exceed the space we have, making it difficult for guests to find seats or connect meaningfully.
In our children’s ministry, the current layout creates real challenges. The nursery is separated from the kids’ wing, making transitions harder for parents and volunteers. Classrooms are at capacity. The space limits how we care for and disciple the next generation.
Our Upward Sports ministry continues to reach hundreds of families each year through basketball, soccer, cheer, and flag football. But due to gym limitations, many children are placed on waiting lists. We are turning away families who are seeking connection.
Throughout the week, nearly every ministry uses every available space. Classes, groups, and events are often scheduled around what’s free rather than what’s ideal. The building is busy, but space is limited.
We also recognize the need that is coming. With the Micron development expected to bring tens of thousands of new residents to Central New York, the opportunity to reach more families with the hope of Jesus is only growing. We want to be ready to welcome those God is bringing.
What We’re Building
Made for More is a step of preparation. We are making room for what God is already doing and what we believe He is preparing to do next.
The plan includes:
- A new worship center that seats 1,400, allowing us to gather without space barriers
- A fully connected and redesigned children’s wing with improved safety and function
- An expanded gym to increase capacity for Upward Sports and other outreach events
- Additional multi-use spaces to support discipleship, care, and community ministry throughout the week
This vision is centered on people. These updates will allow us to serve families with excellence, warmly welcome newcomers, and continue growing into the mission God has given us.
How We Move Forward
We are walking through this season as a church family, asking God how He is leading each of us to respond. To help us focus, we’ve created a 21-Day Devotional to guide prayer, reflection, and conversation.
We believe God has already provided the vision. Now we are trusting Him for the provision. Through prayer, generosity, and unity, we can step into this next chapter with confidence.
So, what is Made for More?
It is a step of obedience. It is a response to God’s faithfulness. It is a commitment to remove every barrier that stands between people and the life-changing message of Jesus.
We are ready to move forward.
We are made for more.
Learn more about our Made for More campaign, make a financial contribution to the campaign, or get in touch with our team.
