New 'Life' for Runnels: Church has big plans for historic campus

July 25, 2011

The former Runnels Junior High has been undergoing renovations since 2008 when it was purchased by Life Church. Future plans include a family life center which will be open to the community. (HERALD photo/Amanda Moreno)

For several years the old Runnels Junior High building sat vacant, but now it has new life pouring in.

Big Spring Independent School District decided to sell the property a few years ago to Life Church, and in the process, the building found not only a new owner, but a renewed purpose.

The winning bid —which included 10 acres and all five buildings on the property – was awarded for $10,000.

“It was our story that got the bid for us. Once the school district heard what we were wanting to do with it, I think it really helped because we were not the highest bid,” Kami Collins, wife of Life Church Pastor Clint Collins, said.

Renovations on the building began in July 2008 with the old gymnasium. After the bid was awarded, the church had 13 weeks to get the building ready for use. Phase one of the renovations included creating office space, an infant nursery and a sanctuary.

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