The Effingham campus of Savannah Christian Church broke ground Sunday for a new student building.

The building will include space for both large group worship and small group meetings. The building will also have space for students to play games, hang out and study after school, and organize community service activities.

More than 9,000 people worship at Savannah Christian Church each week at locations in Effingham, Savannah and Statesboro. It’s one of the nation’s largest, fastest-growing churches.

The Rincon location on Fort Howard Road opened four years ago. Around 250 middle and high school students participate in the Effingham church’s ministry, and more than 1,000 adults and children total attend the local campus on weekends.

“Since we opened four years ago, this ministry has grown as students have invited their friends to come,” said student pastor Marcus Johnson. “Students quickly find their place here. They easily become a part of a very strong community of friends that’s almost like a family in how they watch out for and hold each other accountable. I think that’s what makes this ministry so attractive to both students and their parents.”

The new 15,000 square foot building is expected to open in just over a year.

For more information about the Effingham campus of Savannah Christian Church and its student ministry, go to SavannahChristian.com/Effingham.