New King's Chapel set to open doors: “It's got God's fingerprints on it,” pastor says

The long journey of a Wasilla church to its new sanctuary is coming to an end. But that end also marks a significant beginning for King’s Chapel, which is hosting its grand opening with Sunday services this weekend at its expansive new digs. The new King’s Chapel has been under construction since 2019, on the bluff above the Parks Highway and the old Sears building at the southern end of Wasilla. There were numerous obstacles to overcome from the start, including Covid delays, said Pastor Dan Bracken, who has led the congregation since 2006. He said the spacious new building is a testament to the power of Christian commitment to the community.

“There were obstacles that moved as we persevered,” he said. “It’s faith. Sometimes you just have to imagine it.”

That imagining began about a decade ago. By 2012, it was becoming clear that the tiny congregation Bracken inherited a few years earlier had grown to the point that the old church, at the corner of Lucille and Spruce, was approaching capacity. That’s when the current lot – the church’s original location when Bracken arrived – was back on the market.

“Ten years after we sold it, it was for sale again,” he said. “It would be cool to have our first property back.” But the price tag at the time was intimidating, Bracken said. So was the expense of construction and relocating. But through a series of small donations over time, and with the commitment of people who wanted to help the community, King’s Chapel is ready to expand its ministry.

“It’s got God’s fingerprints on it,” he said. “The whole thing is a miracle.”

The new building, put up by Shiloh Construction, is a massive 73,000 square feet, which more than quintuples the space of the Lucille Street church. The sanctuary, with full audio-visual capability and large screens behind the raised stage, holds 1,575 worshipers. There is also a studio for audio and video production, lots of classroom and conference space, and an airy lobby that can hold another 1,000 people in a building that was engineered to withstand a 9.0-magnitude earthquake.

“God forbid we have some kind of tragedy here, but that building could help,” Bracken said.

He said there is great excitement about the new church among the congregation.

“It’s electric,” he said. “The place is on fire.”

That electricity and fire have fueled the church’s growth over the years.

“We teach and preach from God’s word. Lives get changed,” he said.

Part of that life-changing capacity comes from social services offered by King’s Chapel. To that end, the church will retain the Lucille Street property for its already functioning prison ministry and outreach to addicts and others with life-controlling challenges.

“We do a lot of different things in the community,” Bracken said. “It takes a lot of different bait to catch different fish.”

Sunday’s grand opening at King’s Chapel will feature national-profile guest speakers. Televangelist John Hagee, founder of John Hagee Ministries and senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, will offer a message, as will James Marocco, global senior pastor of King’s Chapel.

Services begin Sunday morning at 9 and 11 a.m., with an evening service at 6 p.m.

“The church is not like people think it is anymore,” Bracken said. “It’s a place to experience the blessed life.”