Your Questions Answered

  • Why do we need a new Sanctuary and how will this help us to reach more people for Jesus?

    We currently hold two full Sunday services to accommodate the crowds and at the advice of several consultants in Church growth, once a church reaches 70 - 80% capacity growth is limited and people tend to consider other options due to crowding. This new Sanctuary will help Great Life Church (Spring Hill) to enable more growth, hosting greater numbers of people for Sunday Worship, Conferences and concerts. We are a forward thinking Church, anticipating even greater growth through our soul winning programs and natural growth in our community. Our current Sanctuary has served us well up until now, but cannot carry us into the vision God has given us. It is outdated, and limited in many ways and we have maximized its potential, however, it will not go unused. Our current Sanctuary will be converted into a 7,000 square foot Family Ministries Center for newborn through 5th grade ministries.

  • How much money will this new expansion for Great Life Church cost and is this the right time to build?

    We are blessed here at Great Life Church with some of the finest men and women with gifted skills in building trades, budgeting and cost efficiency. Together, they work very hard to design and build with cost effectiveness in mind, while at the same time, building a House for the Lord that will be a beautiful place to worship.


    Great Life Church has hired a company that estimates the cost of the entire expansion project will be about $9 million. Our land is paid in full and we have additional real estate that will be sold to help contribute to the new project. This cost is what in the building trade is called “Turn Key” simply meaning that price includes everything up to the time they had us the keys.

    We have seen the hand of God supernaturally provide for this ministry that began with nothing but a vision twelve years ago. We have projected this expansion project based on current building rates and interest rates for financing, but it is our prayer that as we take this step of faith, that the Lord will work through your heart and the hearts of many others to join with us to see this miracle happen.

  • Will Great Life Church need to borrow money to build?

    That is a great question. Normally, a Church will secure a building loan, which enables the project to move forward uninhibited so that there are no delays. In the construction industry, delay means extra cost, so yes, we will have a construction loan to get the project started and keep it moving along as quickly as possible. At the end of the project, whatever balance is owing, is converted into a mortgage.


    A supernatural financial miracle can change all that, and also, all of us working and giving together. When we purchased our original building, we borrowed money and God has enabled us to manage this very well over the years. We have always placed the priority of winning souls and we truly believe we are blessed because we have put the Lords house first.

  • What will the seating capacity of the new sanctuary be?

    Our current architectural drawings will more than double the seating capacity of our current sanctuary, however our goal for seating is to be no less that 1,200 seats up to a possible 1,500 seats, but our design allows us to expand seating to up to 2,000. Final seating numbers are still being calculated through our seating company.


    Our plan is to have theater style fixed seating and this requires our seating company to measure to come to an exact number.

  • Will there be enough parking?

    Yes! A couple of years ago, Great Life Church took a step of faith and purchased more acreage to the west of our current building. This additional land will enable us to build a 47,000 square foot addition with all the necessary parking, plus additional parking expansion should we require it.


    We own almost 11 acres of land on Highway 50 which our civil engineers tell us will be more than enough to expand, and park all the necessary vehicles for our sanctuary space.

  • When do we expect to begin the building program and when will our first service be in the new sanctuary?

    We have just signed the agreement with our builder, and have hired our Project Manager, so we are already on the way, however, we are at the mercy of permitting. Once permits are approved, we will break ground and the project will begin. You will see some land clearing taking place even as early as the fall of 2024, however, the official start of the project is the day permits are approved to build here in Hernando County. Once construction begins, we anticipate the project taking 15 - 18 months to complete pending supplies, weather and no other issues slowing it down.

  • What can we as the congregation and friends and partners of the ministry do to help?

    Another great question. We covet your prayers during this exciting project, but we also need your help financially. We will be presenting to every person, a Vision Plan showing where you can commit to an amount over the next two years, helping us to build this new sanctuary debt free if possible.


    There will be one specific link for giving that can be used by all to sow as God provides on a systematic Faith Promise Plan, but also additional gifts as God provides.

    It will also enable people to put this project in their personal wills, annuities and also to give digital currency, all working together to help build God’s House.

Future Home Of Great Life

Our Vision

Great Life Church was established in 2013 by Pastors Stephen & Ellen Bilsborough. After moving their family from Toronto, Canada, the Bilsborough family felt led of the Lord to plant a church in Hernando County, Florida. After hosting preliminary services and interest meetings in local high school gymnasiums, Great Life purchased property on Highway 50 and Cortez Boulevard, taking over an outdated Elk's Lodge. Over the past decade, Great Life has completely renovated its home base and purchased property surrounding the church to make room for further expansion. When the church was first beginning, God spoke to our Senior Pastor that He would establish a church in a strategic area. Today, Great Life Spring Hill sits in one of the most high-traffic areas in the city. Great Life Spring Hill is located 30 minutes North of Tampa, directly off the Suncoast Parkway. We are in the beginning phases of our New Sanctuary project and making room for the expansion of Life Preparatory School, Family Ministries wing, and more in the next two years. Watch our video to see a glimpse of what is coming to Great Life.