What to do When it is Time for Your Church to Build

By Raul Rivera

In a previous article, we addressed knowing when it is the right time for your church to build. Although we acknowledged that there is no surefire way of knowing exactly when the right time is, other than hearing directly from God, we did present three things to consider that will help you to be more confident in knowing when it is the right time for your church to build. 

Once you and your church are ready to take that step of faith and begin building, what should you do next? How do you raise the money needed in order to build the church? Also, how do you get everyone in the church on board?

These are just a few of the questions that will be circling around in your head when your church begins this process. Therefore, I want to use this article to address what you should do when the time to build approaches for you and your church.

I realize many of you reading this may have already mortgaged your own church building, and you might be getting ready to move on to some other task in your busy schedule. 

However, bear with me because some of the principles I will share also apply to a large renovation or remodeling project in your church.

The first thing to consider when building your church

So your church has reached a point for which it is time to begin building. There is most likely a plot of land you have in mind. You have been eyeing it for some time, and you know in your heart of hearts that this is where God wants you to build. 

We will not be delving too much into the topic of zoning, but this is a very important matter that you must consider. 

If you do not already know that the property you want to build on is properly zoned, the best thing to do is to contact your county’s planning and zoning department. You can also reach out to the real estate agent for the property, if there is one listed.

Next, we will take a look at 5 keys to help you lead a successful building campaign.

5 keys to leading a successful building campaign 

1. Do your homework.

Once you begin the process of building your church, things will start to move pretty fast. For this reason, you will want to do your homework and research in advance. 

By doing your homework, I mean doing the necessary due diligence.

For many of you, you may not be sure where to begin or how to get the ball rolling on a project like this. So seek help and advice from pastors who may have already led their churches through building campaigns. Be open and willing to hear what they have to say.

You may also want to consider doing some research on different organizations that consult and assist churches with running a capital campaign.

Such organizations will help you in cultivating a culture of generosity that will help your building campaign come to fruition. 

2. Set clear goals.

The only way to get where you want to go is to know where it is you are going. 

As it pertains to this article, your goal is to build a church building that serves as a place to hold worship services as well as a place of refuge for the lost in your community. What will it take to get there?

You already know that your main goal is to build your church building. In addition to establishing a goal of how much money to raise, I suggest that you set smaller goals along the way to reaching your larger goal. 

One thing you can do is establish a clear timeline of events as they should occur while in the midst of your building campaign.

This strategy will provide “little victories” along the way and will prove to be helpful during moments when a setback may occur.

3. Connect your building campaign back to your church’s mission and vision.

When your church enters into a building campaign, it can be easy for the main focus of the campaign to be about the building. While a new church building may be the outcome of your building campaign, it is important to remember the building is not the purpose.

My guess is that when you first entered the ministry and started your church, your reasoning had very little to do with building a church building.

Most likely your reasoning had to do with reaching and loving those who do not know Jesus. It was that calling which has influenced your church’s mission and vision.

Your church building campaign should directly reflect your church’s mission and vision and be viewed as a vessel to reach more people for Christ. 

4. Lead by example in giving.

Whenever your church goes through a building campaign, in essence, you will be asking your church members to give above and beyond their 10% tithe. Because of this, it is important that you, as the pastor, lead by example. 

Be forthright and open with your congregation about the sacrifices you and your spouse decided to make in order to give to and participate in the building campaign. If you feel comfortable enough, let them know how much you will be contributing.

You will also want to encourage your members by letting them know that any amount given or pledged is welcome. This will allow all givers to participate in the building campaign and feel a sense of ownership during the process.

5. Choose the right general contractor.

So you have done your homework, set your goals, and connected the building campaign back to your church’s mission, but who is going to actually build your new church facility?

You may already have someone or some company in mind, but what if you do not? How should you go about hiring someone who is reliable and trustworthy, and someone who will do a good job?

The Better Business Bureau* has some consumer tips for hiring a general contractor. I will not go over the details, but I will list the tips (a link to the article is provided below):

• Get multiple estimates.
• Check references.
• Never pay upfront.
• Get everything in writing.

When it comes to hiring a general contractor or construction company, due diligence is key.

Be a good steward of that with which God has blessed you

When I was pastoring, one of my ultimate goals was to be a good steward of God’s blessings. I did not just want to believe it myself, but I also wanted other people to recognize it as well. 

I am sure you have a desire to be a good steward of that with which God has blessed you and your church. 

There are several ways in which you can be a good steward. One such way is to ensure that your church is established on a solid legal foundation. Unfortunately, this aspect of stewardship is often overlooked by many pastors, but it does not have to be for you. 

I invite you to join us at one of our Ultimate Church Structure Conferences for a day of learning and growing. So what are you waiting for? Register today!

Recommended articles for you:

• “How to Become an Ordained Minister”
• “The Do’s and Don’ts of Counting Church Money”
• “5 Steps to Help You Master Church Payroll”

Sources:

“Hiring a Contractor,” https://www.bbb.org/boston/industry-tips/read/tip/hiring-a-contractor-67/

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