Pastor Promises 5-Star Church in Inner City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Over budget, but full of faith -- a metro minister is committed to bringing a 5-star church to the inner city. And he's not letting money stop him.

Reverend John Brooks has lead Macedonia Baptist Church for the past 12 years. His current church is located at 2455 Benton Blvd. in Kansas City, Mo.

Brooks' church has grown from less than 100 members to 2,700 members, causing the need for a larger church.

"We were very intent on staying in the inner city, our heart was for the city," said Brooks.

In July of 2007, the church broke ground on their new building. The site is at the corner of Linwood Boulevard and Woodland Avenue. The 49,000 square foot building had an initial budget of $3 million dollars.

"We're up to $7.8 million dollars. I wouldn't say it's over budget, it's just more than what we planned to spend," said Brooks.

Most developers would be a little stressed if they were $4.8 million dollars over the tentative budget. Brooks says his faith doesn't allow him to worry about money.

"Our whole thing was God's economy is not our economy. Let's trust god," said Brooks.

The new Macedonia Baptist Church is expected to open for its first worship service in January.