The Aftermath of a Church Building Program: Six Keys to Success

I find great joy in hearing the stories of churches that had successful building programs. By “successful” I do not mean just the adequate funding and completion of the project. I mean that the church continues to have a momentum in ministry, outward focus, and internal unity.

Unfortunately, a number of churches complete a building program only to see more challenges than opportunities. They often become discouraged and disillusioned. The building program was perceived to be a significant answer to their needs. Instead the church finds itself with declining ministries and attendance, and with greater debt and facilities to underwrite.

So what is the difference between the successful and unsuccessful churches in building programs? Why do some thrive in the aftermath, while others hit difficult times? Allow me to offer six keys to successful programs.

Intensive and extensive prayer preceded the decision to build. I recently spoke to a pastor whose church went through a season of prayer culminating in a 24-hour prayer vigil. All of this prayer momentum took place before the church made any commitment to build.
The ministry need for the building was clear and articulated. Some churches are able to raise the money and build facilities. The people then get excited about the new facilities. But once the building program is complete, there is no focused purpose in the church. The facilities were ends, not means. Without a clear ministry focus, the aftermath of a building program is not pretty.
The church had a design/build firm that was a true partner in ministry. The building company was more than just an architect and builder; they helped discern and articulate the ministry need behind the new facilities. I am so impressed with the quality of some of these firms. And that quality is in both the physical facilities and the ministry partnership.
The pastor must be fully committed to the project. Yes, I have seen too many building programs where the pastor was convinced to get behind it because someone had a pet project to complete. But unless the pastor’s heart is truly in the process, the outcome is likely not good.
Key lay leaders must be on board. Church leaders often think of getting key lay leaders in the process so initial funding can be secured. But churches need more than their money. They need these lay leaders to grasp and own the ministry vision behind the project.
The vision is redundantly communicated. Churches with successful building programs remind the congregation of the ministry vision behind the project. Then they remind them again. And again. The congregation must never be lulled into thinking that the vision is the building; the people must be reminded redundantly there is a ministry vision behind the project.

A church building project is a huge investment of money, ministry, and time. The aftermath of such an endeavor can be new momentum in ministry and unity. Conversely, those churches that approach a building program poorly may see significant problems in the months that follow.

Let me hear from you about your experiences in church building programs. The readers of this blog have some really great insights. I hope to hear some of yours.

The post The Aftermath of a Church Building Program: Six Keys to Success appeared first on ThomRainer.com.