Lansing Mall church spends thousands for debut

DELTA TOWNSHIP -- A church that's spent thousands of dollars to retrofit a space inside Lansing Mall is a step closer to opening. 

Impact Church is expected to have a "soft opening" in a few weeks, followed by an official opening sometime in September, its pastor said Friday. 

Specific dates for both openings will depend on how quickly it can get approval of its building plans from the Delta Township Fire Department and other local entities. 

“We’re making big strides," said Tiny Moore, the church's pastor. "But we can’t quite nail it down to a particular day yet.”

Moore estimates the church has spent at least $20,000 to transform a former Finish Line sports apparel store into a place of worship. 

Church members have been busy this summer promoting Impact Church's plans and brand at community events and on Facebook. 

The church put up a tent inside the Lansing Mall's parking lot on July 3 and offered free hot dogs, chips and drinks during Delta Township's fireworks event, north of West Mall Drive at Sharp Park. 

"The response has been very positive," Moore said of people he's met in the community. "A lot of people have been excited, asking when we're opening." 

Impact Church posts on its Facebook page that "church doesn't have to be boring" and has a goal of attracting at least 100 people to the mall each Sunday morning.

Moore told the State Journal in April he's eager to cross-promote with other mall tenants. 

"Come to church and a movie," Moore said. "Come to church and have a beer. We don’t care!"

Eric Lacy is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at 517-377-1206 or elacy@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricLacy.