Christ Redeemer Church

THE CHALLENGE

Beginning as a gospel-centered church plant in 1999, Christ Redeemer Church in Hanover, New Hampshire, blesses the Upper Valley in a region where Christianity had long struggled to take root. Redeemer grew into a vibrant and deeply connected community, ministering to local families, Dartmouth students and medical professionals. The church’s reach extended beyond Hanover, as they planted new churches and trained young ministers to serve throughout New England. Despite its growth, Christ Redeemer faced a significant challenge — securing a permanent home. For nearly 20 years, the congregation worshiped in borrowed spaces, transforming a public high school each Sunday into a place of worship. When the church finally purchased nine acres of land in a prime location between Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, they faced restrictive zoning regulations that limited their ability to build. The church fought a prolonged legal battle, culminating in a landmark New Hampshire Supreme Court ruling that affirmed their right to construct a place of worship. Even after this victory, the challenge of funding the project remained.

THE VISION

This nomadic church community would finally have a true faith home. The new church would serve as a center for worship, fellowship and community outreach, continuing Christ Redeemer’s legacy. The facility would provide space for:

• Expanding youth programs, including its thriving summer camp and youth retreats.
• Hosting community service initiatives.
• Training and equipping ministers through a residency program, which regularly sends preachers to multiple churches in Northern New England.
• Strengthening outreach to Dartmouth students and faculty.

THE SOLUTION

Christ Redeemer Church partnered with Fellowship Development to develop a strategic capital campaign. Recognizing the unique challenge of engaging an external donor base, the campaign implemented a tailored approach, relying on the head pastor to lead the effort and enlisting a network grown through many ministry efforts. The historic effort leaned into the team of experts, including graphic design and data strategists among other support services to create the Flourish: Strengthening Roots. Extending Reach. Capital Campaign. Through these efforts, Christ Redeemer Church successfully raised 190% of the low-end projection, positioning the church to move forward with confidence on the next chapter for this community.