Eight Key Procedures Leading to a Successful Church Building Campaign

There are many reasons for the church to decide to build. The community is growing, the church is growing, or church space is saturated. Whatever the reason the following process will help you develop and conduct a successful building program.

1. Writing A Statement Of Mission

Writing a statement of mission is a very important first step in the process of planning your new facility. The purchase of land, the master planning, and the design of the facility are all related to and dependent upon the mission of your church. The church should plan what it’s going to do in the building as an expression of faith, and in obedience to God’s call and the mission He has given. When the church knows why they are here as a congregation, what they are going to do, and how they do it, then a church can plan adequately for the space and equipment needed to help do their work and express their faith. Your statement of mission should include present ministry and outreach, as well as plans for the future.

2. Timing

When is the best time to build? When the church reaches 85% of its worship capacity for the first time. While the “85%capacity” rule of thumb is sound and proven, the more important thing is upon reaching it for the first time.

Growth patterns, whether positive or negative, tend to feed on themselves. If you enlarge your facilities as you approach saturation, you permit growth to continue. If you don’t permit enlargement you impose an upper limit on that growth and upon reaching your “facility saturation point” the growth rate slows and eventually stops. Frequently decline sets in and the church begins a “roller coaster” growth curve.

3. Understanding the building as part of a process

A church building project is a major experience in the life of an individual and a congregation. To a great many people this experience has opened new spiritual horizons and led to a deeper and closer walk with God. To some it has been a source of bitter disappointment, frustration, and deteriorated spiritual life. The difference in outcome does not just happen, it happens because of the attitude, concept, and administration of the entire project. You should view the building effort as a “process’ in the continuing life of your church. A new building is the current milestone in your growth, and that growth is intended to continue on until Christ returns. So, while doing the necessary thinking and planning for the building, you must allocate time and resources not only for current responsibilities, but also growth opportunities for your future.

4. Develop a work calendar

A key step toward a thrilling church building project is to be sure the work of each committee or study group is clearly defined and they see their particular work in rela­tionship to other groups and the program as a whole.  Organize your meetings, specifying the results you hope to achieve by a certain time. This calendar should be specific and written down. The function is necessary so as to establish benchmarks to know where you are in each phase of your building goals.

5. Base your Master Plan on your philosophy of ministry

 Before an architect is authorized to begin work on design or plans it is imperative the congregation produce a written church building program which in­cludes: What they believe; how the church carry out those beliefs in worship, education, fellowship, evangelism, recreation, community involvement, etc.; how they conduct wor­ship service; what constitutes their program of Christian education, including the space needs of all age groups; how a church plans for fellowship experiences and the equipment needed; what work areas are needed for pastor, church staff and teachers; needs for sanitary facilities and other matters to insure the comfort and safety of those who will use the building.

By thinking on all these matters, the major aspects of a building project can be established well before the building itself is designed. Your major goals will be established, while allowing flexibility in creating the details of your churches design.

6. A building that reflects its people

To be a happy experience, the building must be an ex­pression of the whole congregation and not the vision of one person, or a small group. To ac­complish this it is necessary to involve as many people as possible in the study groups and in writing the church building program. Design your building to reflect your churches personality, goals, age, income, beliefs, hopes, wishes and desires. What the members of a congregation believe, and how they practice those beliefs - in worship, fellowship, education, evangelism, recreation, community involve­ment, etc. - really should determine the shape, size and style of building they build. Being able to communicate this to your architect will help make the design of the building welcoming to both members and seekers.

7. A building that says welcome

Let the building say to your neighbors “This is a friendly place. We want you to come in and join our fellowship. Let us help meet your needs. We care about you.” If parking is readily accessible, the entrance is easily seen, there are few steps to climb, and the building is warm and friendly, then a new person sees the welcome signs they are looking for. Decide now to make it easy for new people to visit your church.

8. Spend your money wisely

Don’t overspend. It is very easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm of building. Staying focused on your goals and within your budget will insure a successful building program. The general rule of thumb for how much building you can safely build and pay for is three times your annual income, less any debt you have. This will vary depending on circumstances, but it is a good place to begin. One important thing to remember is not to start construction until you have secured your financing. Nothing will kill enthusiasm in a program faster than running out of money before the job is done.

While it is assumed that the church will seek God’s wise counsel through His word, do not underestimate the power of prayer and meditation. We like to say that the devil will show up in every building project, as he hates when God’s Kingdom and God’s people are growing. A solemn responsibility rests on the pastor and church leaders to use the occasion of a church building project to inspire, uplift, and solidify the congregation and to make it a more vital and useful force for God.

Glen Trematore
Principal, Church Development Services LLC.
Providing Affordable Pre-Designed, Custom Designed, and Turnkey Solutions for Church and Church Related Building Programs
Website www.churchdevelopment.com
Can be reached via email at glen@churchdevelopment.com