By Tim Cool

“But we need space for our ministry.  Let’s just go build a building” is the well intended but misguided mantra of far too many pastors and ministry leaders.  Faced with God’s blessing of growing ministries, many groups think that the answer to their facility woes is to build a structure.  While expanded, renovated or relocated facilities may indeed be the end result, there are some critical steps that must be taken for the venture to be successful.

PRAY: This may sound obvious, but this step in building a ministry facility is far too often overlooked.  Has the Leadership really prayed about this venture?  Are you convinced this is the direction the Lord is leading?  If not, STOP!  Wait on the Lord and His leading.  It may be that He has another plan for your ministry.  Or there may be another way to resolve your space needs such as reallocating current space, converting areas to “multi use”, or using technology (i.e. video venues).  In many cases, there is more than one way to solve space/facility needs that does not require the construction of a new facility.

PLAN:  I have worked with dozens of ministries that did not properly plan and have either found themselves with a set of plans that they could not afford or a building that did not meet their needs and vision.  Time and printable space will not afford us the opportunity to explain this issue as deeply as is necessary.  We could spend hours discussing all of the planning that is necessary before you draw the first line on a set of plans or undertake the building of a structure.  However, allow me to briefly highlight some key areas of Planning:

• What is our vision?
• What is our “real” reason for a new building?
• If we have seen great growth, can we sustain this growth?
• What “Delivery Method” should we consider?
• What is the Initial “Cost” vs. long-term Value?
• What can we afford?
• How much space do we need now and for future ministry needs?
• Do we have enough land to support our facilities’ needs?
• Do we have adequate site infrastructure? (i.e. water, sewer, etc.)
• What codes and regulatory agencies will have a “say” in our project?

Again, this is only a sample of the list of items that needs to be considered prior to launching a project.  In reality, it is relatively easy to Build a project.  However, almost all of the major decisions that will impact the cost and value of a project are made during this planning stage. I encourage you to Pray fervently and Plan diligently.

About the Author
Tim Cool is the Southeast District Manager of Cogun, Inc.  He has been assisting ministries plan and construct ministry facilities for over 17 years.  He can be reached at 1-800-775-1671 or tlc@cogun.com.