Metro Church Expands, Transforms

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The economy has most people looking to cut back, but one metro church, People's Church, is expanding.

Pastor Herbert Cooper has gone from preaching in his living room, to in a movie theatre to on stage in a new auditorium, big enough to seat 1,800 captive worshipers.

Vernon Deas has been coming to People's Church for five years.

"It's been a cool journey. I've been here since the Quail Springs Mall days in the movie theatre," said Deas.

He believes the church has grown because of the recession, with more people looking to God for answers.

"It was getting really cramped, the kids space was cramped, the hallways were cramped," Pastor Cooper said.

Instead of investing in the economy churchgoers are investing in their community. They added 44,000 square feet to the campus, from the auditorium, to the children's church.

"It was a little overwhelming at first. I almost got lost in the big sanctuary," said church member Keith Causey.

Now, the church has a sea of new faces all looking for answers and solutions to making it through trying times.

"I think during a down economy, down times, it's an opportunity for people to look towards God," Pastor Cooper said.

Pastor Cooper said this is only the beginning, plans to grow in other parts of the metro with multiple church locations.

"Our best days are definitely ahead of us," the church pastor said.