SouthPark’s “ski-slope church” to take cues from mall and add shops, restaurants

redefining the church experience

The Facts

– The church located right across the street from the SouthPark Mall will rebuild with restaurants, fitness facilities, retail and office space, maybe a performing arts center. And, oh yeah, churchy stuff, too.

– The landmark ski-slope roof will figure somehow into the construction. Even though the architecture is oddball, it’s old school Charlotte. We like!

The Quotes

–  “We think God has blessed us with this amazing location, and we want to share it with the community.” – Senior Pastor Kyle Thompson

– “I find it hard to believe that when one is sitting in a restaurant or shopping for lingerie across from the church that one is ‘suddenly’ compelled to become a member of said church. – CharlotteObserver.com commenter

C5’s Take

What Would Jesus Do? If the son of God swung by Sharon Meth, would he drop off his dry cleaning in between miracles? Face it, this is the American way. With Christianity on the decline, expect to see more of these creative solutions to bring more people to the word.

 Photo: Sharon United Methodist Church & Google Maps

This story was originally published December 1, 2014 at 6:11 AM with the headline "SouthPark’s “ski-slope church” to take cues from mall and add shops, restaurants."