We're launching a new gospel-centred church in downtown Edmonton—and breathing new life into one of the city's most iconic spaces.
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Vision | Process | Facility | Get Involved
1. The Vision: A New Church in the City’s Core
At Central, we believe in making disciples and multiplying churches. For over a century, we’ve been committed to planting and growing healthy congregations that help people find a place in community and grow in faith. In recent years, as we’ve grown into a multisite church with three locations, we’ve seen significant spiritual fruit—lives transformed, deepened community, and more people coming to know and follow Jesus. This opportunity flows directly from that vision.
God has opened a unique door for a new church to take root in the heart of Edmonton. Downtown Edmonton is spiritually vibrant but under-churched—a growing section of our city filled with students, newcomers, artists, professionals, and families in need of spiritual community. After a season of prayer, discernment, and strong congregational approval, Central is moving forward with the launch of a new site at McDougall United Church—a historic downtown building with over 115 years of ministry legacy. We are in the process of purchasing the facility, with a targeted possession date of September 1, 2025. We’re stepping into this opportunity with excitement, humility, and a deep sense of calling.
Our primary goal is to plant a new, gospel-centred congregation that reflects the heart of Central: Jesus-centred, relationally warm, Biblically-rooted, Spirit-led, Kingdom-minded, generous, joyful, and deeply connected to the city. But we also believe McDougall can become more than just a church gathering place. We envision it as a shared space that serves the wider city through:
Christian prayer and worship – a strategic spot in the heart of the city that we’ll open to believers across Edmonton who want to gather to pursue Jesus and bless the city
Music performance and education – continuing the facility’s legacy as a musical and cultural landmark
Partnerships and ministries – focused on serving newcomers to Canada and the next generation
2. The Process: How We’ll Start the Church
We’re launching McDougall step by step—learning as we go, but guided by a thoughtful, prayerful plan:
Stage 0: Prayer & Planning (Fall 2025). Preparing the space, praying, serving, and getting organized.
Stage 1: Core Group (Early 2026). Bi-weekly Sunday gatherings focused on relationships, vision, and meals—not full services yet.
Stage 2: Soft Launch (Fall 2026 or Winter 2027). Weekly Sunday afternoon services begin. Ministry teams start forming.
Stage 3: Public Launch (Fall 2027 or Winter 2028). We shift to Sunday mornings, invite the community, and fully launch ministries.
Staffing & Partnerships. Jeremy Putz (Lead Pastor) will guide the early stages. As momentum builds, a site pastor will be hired to lead forward with a team. We'll also be building meaningful partnerships with churches, ministries, and community leaders to help shape McDougall’s presence in the city.
Want to be part of it? Whether you’re curious, prayerful, or ready to jump in, we’d love to know. If you’d like to be part of the core group, join a future ministry team, or simply stay in the loop as things take shape—fill out the interest form below. We’ll keep you updated and let you know how you can be involved as this new church comes to life.
3. The Facility: How We’ll Update and Use the Space
The McDougall building is both beautiful and complex—an iconic, 25,000 sq ft facility that has served Edmonton for generations. While it remains structurally sound and actively used, thoughtful upgrades are needed to prepare it for long-term ministry.
Our approach will be phased, practical, and mission-focused:
Immediate Preparation (Beginning Fall 2025). Once we take possession, we’ll begin with essential cleaning, repairs, and safety updates. Key areas include exterior bricks, washrooms, basic A/V systems, and other high-priority fixes to ensure the building is safe and welcoming. We’ll host work days and invite volunteers to help get the space ready.
Functional Improvements (2025–2026). As gatherings begin, we’ll continue with targeted upgrades to support worship, kids ministry, hospitality, and events—while also stabilizing infrastructure like electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. These will be phased in based on need and funding.
Long-Term Upgrades (2026+). Over time, we’ll implement a long-term facilities plan shaped by growth and use.
We’ve engaged a wide range of professionals—architects, engineers, contractors, and heritage consultants—to ensure we steward this space wisely. McDougall’s historic designation means some projects will go through a review process, but it also opens the door to grant funding for restoration work.
Meanwhile, the facility will continue to serve the community through ongoing rentals and partnerships. Dozens of groups already use the space each year, and we’ll build on that momentum—welcoming choirs, ministries, artists, and organizations that align with our vision.
Even as we preserve and celebrate McDougall’s historic beauty, we’re preparing it for future gospel ministry—equipping it for new vision, new partnerships, and new life in the heart of the city.
4. Get Involved
Want to be part of the launch team?
If you're interested in helping plant this new church—or just want to stay in the loop—please fill out our Interest Form. Whether you're ready to jump in or just want to learn more, we’d love to connect with you.
Want to support the initiative financially?
Visit followingtogether.com/give and select “McDougall” from the giving options. Your generosity will help lay the foundation for a gospel-centred church in the heart of Edmonton. If you’re considering a larger gift or would like to discuss further, please reach out to Jeremy Putz (Lead Pastor) at jeremy@followingtogether.com.
Want to explore renting or partnering?
If you're part of a church, ministry, choir, or musical group interested in using the McDougall facility—or partnering with us long-term—please email mcdougall@followingtogether.com. We'd love to hear from you!