By Stuart M. Alderman
Principal
Block 16 Architects and Urbanists
While you are praying about your facility you can ask the following questions when considering building a church.
Are you paying more than $5,000 rent every month?
- Is your lease monthly or short term?
Are you asking your congregation for “over and above” money to finish out leased space?
Are you nearing 80% capacity at your current location?
Does your facility seem to limit your ministry opportunities?
Is your current facility in the correct location in relation to your attenders?
Is your current facility in the correct location in relation to the people you would like to reach?
Are you a denomination that has been around a long time and your attenders are now in another location or there has been growth and there is no church of your denomination in the area?
Are you feeling the need to become established in a community in a way that is permanent and deep rooted?
If the answer to any or many of the above questions is YES, then it may be worthwhile for you to consider building for any one of several reasons.
Keep in mind that building is not for everyone. It is entirely appropriate that some churches are where they should be even if renting in a storefront.
We have seen churches choose to move miles from their congregations to start owning property to be good stewards of God’s resources. Others pay rent to stay connected to a particular community and the money is well spent for that time.
Our firm has helped many churches wade through these issues. The step that makes the most difference after asking these questions, is to pursue a program of definition of the nature of the church and it’s needs.
This can and usually does take the form of an intense “visioning” workshop where various stakeholders and leaders are present. We help you identify the main issues that needed to be clarified such as:
1. Vision
2. Mission clarification
3. Clarification of leadership/unification of vision
4. Identification of conflicting goals
5. Size and Character issues
6. Timing
7. Budgets
8. Ministry teams
9. Geographic determinents
10. Financing options
