StoneBridge Millard

A New Bridge Into A Neighboring Community

Here at StoneBridge, we launched a multisite strategy over eight years ago. We’re excited to launch our Multisite Story Series, looking at each of our campus locations! We are starting with StoneBridge Millard, our very first multisite campus!

In 2014, we had maxed out our space at the StoneBridge Omaha campus, but we weren’t ready to build a new auditorium. If we wanted to continue growing - and we did - we’d need to make more room for people who wanted to attend. So our leadership team embarked on a mission to learn more about the multisite movement, which had steadily been growing in popularity. 

As we worked to learn how we could explore multisite and what that might look like, we made a map of every household in our congregation. We found that pockets of StoneBridge members lived in Millard, Benson, and Fremont, among other communities outside of Omaha. After some deliberation, StoneBridge decided to pursue purchasing commercial property in Millard in 2015. 

Over the many years since StoneBridge began, we’ve been on a mission to put the church to work for our surrounding communities while also bringing people closer to one another and to Jesus. Part of the appeal of launching a multisite plan was the fact that it’s easier to invite people to something that’s near your neighborhood. We hoped that, by launching StoneBridge Millard, we could begin expanding the church through local community outreach. 

The Bridge Campaign: Our First Multisite Leap of Faith 

To fund the new campus, we launched The Bridge Campaign, a capital campaign that helped to raise money for purchase, construction, and renovation of a portion of the Millard property. StoneBridge members rallied together to help us expand our mission and reach. All in all, the church pledged over $1.5 million, which went toward the purchase, renovations, and architectural design. 

Once the Millard campus was funded, we purchased a former Hallmark store and Wonder Bread factory. The 10,000 square-foot building happened to be in the parking lot of Amazing Pizza Machine, a well-known kids’ attraction in Millard. That location alone made it easy to describe exactly where the new campus would be. It would not only be an easy place for locals to find; it would also be positioned to draw families with kids to StoneBridge. 

Next began the remodel that would transform the property into the building we have today.

“We took the existing structure and completely remodeled it, designing the space with an auditorium, lobby, coffee bar, and four kids’ classrooms,” Executive Pastor Mitch Chitwood says. “By adding garage doors in the lobby, we opened up a multipurpose, indoor-outdoor space that could be used for a variety of activities.” 

While the building was being prepped, we built the teams that would be leading the ministries at Millard. Along with selecting pastors to oversee the campus, worship services, and kids’ ministry, we began building a launch team. We asked members at Omaha to commit to helping launch the Millard campus by moving their attendance there.

Ultimately, our launch team consisted of about 100 adults and 30 to 40 kids. They organized and held community events to draw attention to the upcoming campus. We held memorable events like the Millard Days Parade, carwashes, prayer nights at the building during construction, and a community block party in the parking lot. 

“We thought we were going to be in the new building by Christmas,” says Mitch, “but we had some construction delays. We opted to have our first Millard services at Russell Middle School on Christmas Eve as a community outreach.”

Millard soft-launched in January 2016, with a grand opening on January 31st. Within three years, the campus was financially self-sufficient. Now, after six years, we’ve grown significantly and are so excited for continued ministry there. 

“Millard was a risky move for us,” Mitch says. “We had the Commons venue in our building, but this was really proof of concept for us as we look forward to the future. If it hadn’t worked, we probably wouldn’t have launched other campuses.” 

Meet the Nass Family

Jason and Leigh Nass, along with their children, were some of Millard’s founding members. They jumped on our vision for the campus right away, bringing their four kids on the journey. Now, they’re an integral part of campus life, with Jason playing drums in the band and Leigh singing on the worship team. Their kids are actively involved in kids and youth ministries too.

Leigh and Jason were members of the Fort Street Christian Church, which later became StoneBridge. Jason had grown up in Millard, only a few blocks from the new campus. It was also a similar drive to Millard versus Omaha, since the family lives in between. 

“We were familiar with that area of town, and we have a heart for that part of Omaha,” Leigh says. “When StoneBridge asked for volunteers, it wasn’t too big of a deal for us. We knew we could try.” 

According to Leigh, the prospect of being part of a smaller, more closely-knit community was appealing. “I was intrigued by the idea of a smaller setting,” Leigh says. “I’ve seen the benefit for our family, with the closer connections to people, the intimate setting, and the ability to be more plugged in.

“When we visit the other campuses, we know faces, but Millard has definitely become like home to us, and that smaller feel is something I really enjoy.”  

A Bright Future for Millard 

In the years since its opening, Millard has seen its share of bumpy roads and growing pains. From staffing changes to COVID lockdowns, plus many of the typical challenges small churches face, the campus has had a lot to overcome. Still, the campus is thriving. 

For families who may be considering a move to a multisite location, or who might want to help launch one in the future, Leigh says the commitment is high, but the rewards are, too. 

“You’ll be really plugged in,” she says, “and you’ll need to be committed to serving and doing a lot of different things. But if you stick it out and get to know the people you’re serving with, that becomes beneficial for your family in the long run.”