Working only with church clients through the years, I’ve seen the same missteps and mistaken thinking repeated all too often. BUT, because we learn more from mistakes than success, this is a great asset and I want to share it! Obviously, the mantra is always to get the most building for the least cost, and that’s exactly what we do. But considering the process and the big picture, listed below are 7 common mistakes that may serve as wisdom for any church beginning a building program.
1... Not Starting Soon Enough
Virtually 100% of churches that have completed building programs wish they had started the entire process earlier. By the time the need for more space has been agreed upon, it often takes another year or so before the building or space will be ready to use. Procrastinating the inevitable only strains the momentum of a dynamic, growing church. There are so many issues and decisions that can intimidate a building committee. But, if the church is absolutely committed to building, only one other decision is necessary to begin: Hiring the right professional consultant. An expert in church growth, planning and construction can guide you through every phase, consideration, and requirement. Every project decision can be made at the right time, prioritized according to the church goals and agenda. Momentum and excitement return!
2... Copying Other Church Buildings
It’s always a good idea to visit other churches and see what you like and don’t like. However, copying someone else’s solution to their unique problem is never a good idea. Each church Body and each church site is unique, which is why the most cost-effective and strategy-effective solutions are always custom designs. Even if the costs are the same, the value of space custom designed to fit each individual ministry is exponential when you consider it as part of a Master Plan for the life of the church.
3... Creating a Design That Doesn’t Match the Strategy of the Church
Unfortunately, the traditional tendency has been to let the building dictate the ministry, i.e., how services are done, Sunday School structure, youth organization, etc. Obviously, this is upside down. Instead, understand how your church is unique and how facilities could advance its vision and mission. Whom are you trying to reach? Church facilities should attract the surrounding community, reflecting the ministry of the church.
4... Not Having Budget Controls in Place
Should have a flexible, prioritized, technical process in place to control the inevitable “Budget Creep” (a phenomenon and an ugly monster). Budget control is a complicated expertise. An expert church consultant thoroughly understands cost overruns and how to proactively avoid them. This is fundamental to a successful church building program.
5... Not Considering Design & Construction as One Service
There are obvious advantages to hiring one firm to be responsible for both design and construction. Design & Construction Management is the most cost-effective construction delivery system in America. Consolidating the expertise and responsibility of a project to one single source offers the simplicity of liability and accountability, as well as the elimination of middle-men profit margins and consequently cheaper construction costs. A Design-CM firm can provide the most cutting-edge designs for the most competitive construction costs, which often makes the difference on whether a church can afford its building needs or not.
6... Not Recruiting the Right Decision-Makers
The smoothest building programs have a strong church leader with a clear role of authority. Sitting on the fence, deferring decisions to committees can intimidate forward movement.
The committee or group authorized for a building project should be comprised of the same type of positive, strong visionary leaders from the congregation. Also, input from staff and department heads is more important than input from a committee member with building experience.
7... Attempting DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Approach
You think you’re going to save thousands by using the talented and helpful members of your congregation. The nobility of this notion is far greater than its reality. Try to find churches that can testify to the success of this approach. Sure, many have tried it, but success stories are an endangered species. Obviously, every church dollar is sacred and must be managed and stretched to the greatest degree possible. With that being the goal, using the best construction professionals always renders the most building for the dollar. With the right professionals leading the project, the use of volunteer labor, donated materials, etc., can be easily incorporated into every church building program.