Early Learning Center (ELC)

We’re exploring the possibility of starting an ELC at Trevecca Community Church!

A discernment process has been taking place over the last several months, and this page is in effort to inform, clarify, and encourage you throughout the process. Prayerful listening is one of our missional practices, and that means we lean in to hear the voice of God in each other, so we thank you for your participation in the process of discernment with church leadership.

On this page, you’ll find an excerpt from Pastor Shawna’s letter to the church, giving some background context on this idea and the proposed partnership.

Scrolling down, you’ll find some FAQ’s that come from the questions you submitted during our Town Hall about the ELC.

Finally, there’s a link to the video recording to the Town Hall meeting where you can hear the presentation and conversation.

Exploring an Early Learning Center at Trevecca Community Church

This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and pray together about this exciting possibility. We will not be taking a congregation vote; you elect board members to make those kinds of decisions. But your board voted to move forward exploring the ELC only after you, the congregation had an opportunity to learn more about it. No contracts have been signed, but we are hopeful that is the direction we are headed.

Why an Early Learning Center?

Long before I became your pastor, I dreamed of seeing an Early Learning Center at Trevecca Community Church. When our family moved to Nashville, our children were just two and three years old. Like many young parents, we were looking for quality childcare close to where we lived and worked. I remember wishing there had been a place here on campus where our children could learn and grow while remaining connected to the community where we served. Since then, I have discovered that many families in our neighborhood share that same desire. Recently, I mentioned this possibility to one of our partners at Napier Kitchen Table, who leads a group for neighborhood moms. Her immediate response was, "I can't wait to tell the moms, they’re going to be so excited!" An Early Learning Center would not simply be another program in our building. It would be an opportunity to welcome young families, invest in children during some of the most formative years of life, and deepen our ministry in the neighborhood God has called us to love.

Why Now?

In the past, I have never seriously pursued this dream because starting and operating a school requires enormous expertise, staffing, legal oversight, and financial investment. Over the past several months, however, we have been in conversation with Noble Education Initiative (NEI), an organization that specializes in launching and operating high-quality early learning centers in partnership with non-profits. Rather than asking our church staff or volunteers to become childcare experts, the proposed partnership would allow NEI to manage the day-to-day operation of the school while allowing our congregation to focus on what we do best: living out our mission and providing spiritual oversight.

How Would the Partnership Work?

The proposal before us includes creating a separate LLC that would own and operate the Early Learning Center. Trevecca Community Church would own that LLC, while NEI would be contracted to manage the daily operations of the school.

Under this arrangement:

• NEI would oversee the day-to-day administration of the Early Learning Center.

• The LLC would lease space from the church, providing approximately $10,000 per month ($120,000 annually) in facility income.

• The church, as owner of the LLC, would retain authority over major decisions such as approving curriculum, selecting the director, and ensuring the ministry remains aligned with our mission and values.

• The church would not be responsible for the daily management of the school. This structure allows us to remain faithful stewards of the ministry while partnering with experienced educators who understand the complexities of operating an early learning center.

Mission Before Money

Some have understandably asked whether this proposal is primarily about finances. The answer is no. While the lease income would strengthen the church's long-term sustainability, that is not the reason to pursue this opportunity. Our staff already invests countless hours hosting conferences and outside groups that generate income but have little connection to our mission. An Early Learning Center is different. It is a ministry that serves children and families, builds relationships in our neighborhood, and creates opportunities for discipleship while also providing a sustainable source of revenue. In other words, this is not simply about earning income—it is about aligning our resources with our calling.

A Thoughtful Beginning

If we move forward, the current proposal is to open in January 2027 with a limited number of students. Rather than immediately operating at full capacity, this would allow for a "soft launch." During the spring semester, NEI and the church could establish rhythms, make adjustments, and learn together before welcoming a larger number of students in the fall. Starting carefully gives us the opportunity to build something healthy and sustainable.

A Partnership Built on Listening

No partnership is perfect, and we know there will be questions still to answer if we move forward. One thing that has encouraged us throughout this process is NEI's willingness to listen. They have taken time to learn about our neighborhood, understand our mission, and shape a proposal that reflects the unique calling of Trevecca Community Church. They have even pursued grant funding to help offset startup costs, reducing the financial burden on our congregation. As we continue discerning together, we hope to extend the same spirit of grace, patience, and collaboration that they have shown us.

Discerning Together

Throughout Scripture, when God calls His people into something new, He also provides the people and gifts needed for that work. It has been encouraging to see members of our own congregation—including Maddie Harris, David Caldwell, and many others—step forward with passion, wisdom, and leadership as this vision has taken shape. This is not simply a staff initiative. It is an opportunity that has emerged from the body of Christ at Trevecca Community Church.

Peace and grace,

Pastor Shawna