6 Key Priorities for a Successful Church Construction Process

Your church building matters to God.  It can be a sacred space that cultivates community, inspires worship, and tangibly demonstrates love to your neighbors.

Church building projects are defining moments in the life of a church.  They require an enormous investment of time, energy, and finances.  New church construction will set the trajectory for the future of your congregation.

Just like you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, you don’t get a second chance to work through a church construction project.

If you’re considering taking on a church building project, you likely have many questions. Where do you begin? What pitfalls should you avoid? What are the priorities you can’t compromise on?

Thankfully, you don’t have to learn these lessons the hard way.  With Catalyst Construction as your guide, you can lean on the expertise of a church construction company that helps over 45 churches get their construction project to the finish line – every year.

Ready to learn what you need to know about church construction planning?  Let’s get to it!

6 Foundational Priorities for a Church Construction Project

While children might construct a fort during the summer break for fun, churches should not follow suit! Instead, churches should only undertake the work of a church construction project to solve a meaningful problem.

Here are the six foundational priorities for successful church construction planning:

1. Identify the problem that a church building project solves
2. Implement a strategic communication plan
3. Create an inspiring, achievable budget
4. Enter the design phase
5. Maintain momentum during the construction phase
6. Celebrate the wins

Let’s take a look at each in more depth.

1. Identify the Problems Your Church Construction Project Solves

When a church construction project solves meaningful, missional problems, the sky is the limit.  However, not every problem requires a building project.  Further, not every perceived problem is an actual problem.

Some Problems won’t be Solved by a Building

Don’t begin the process of a church building project in an attempt to keep up with the Joneses.  Besides, “if you build it, they will come” only works in the movies.  It doesn’t guarantee a successful building project for churches.

If your church is having trouble retaining first-time guests, you may not have a building problem but a first impression problem.

If your church struggles to attract young families, the issue may be your ministry philosophy, not your facility.

Of course, the issue may be with your facilities.  Just be sure that’s the case before undertaking a church construction project.

Church Building Projects Can Provide Solutions to Missional Challenges

One of the most common reasons churches consider a construction project is because they are running out of space.  While this may be a problem, wise leaders will ask – why.

Why is having a jam-packed auditorium a problem?

Why is running multiple services a problem?

Why is it a problem to be out of space in the nursery?

Why?

Asking and answering “why” pushes the conversation to a deeper level.  Make sure to involve key leaders in this conversation.  It moves the needle from “functional” to “missional.”  This stirs up motivation and inspiration among the congregation and invites them to see how they can play a meaningful role in a larger story.

2. Implement a Strategic Communication Plan

A church construction project has many layers and interconnected pieces.  Everyone needs information – but not everyone needs all the information.  And certain people need specific information at different points in the process.

A strategic communication plan is not complicated, but it is critical.  Many church construction projects run into challenges simply because of communication.  Here are a few steps you can take to avoid unnecessary setbacks:

• Ensure that the right people receive the right information in the right order
• Be transparent – especially when the project experiences delays
• Give regular updates
• Utilize the agreed-upon church communication platforms
• Communicate gratitude

3. Create an Inspiring, Achievable Budget

Have you ever worked with a realtor to buy a house?  One of their first questions is: “What is your budget?”  The second thing they need to know is whether a bank will lend you the money.

You must take the same steps when engaging in a church construction project.  Architects and contractors need to know your goals and boundaries.

The goals are the problems a new church building will solve.  The boundaries are the budget you have to work with.

You can determine your church construction budget by addressing the following issues:

• Determine assets the church can liquidate
• Identify your church’s debt tolerance
• Implement a capital campaign goal

The total of those three components – assets, financing, and funding – will set an inspiring and achievable budget for your church construction project.

4. Enter the Design Phase of a Church Construction Process

Now things get moving!  Like clouds coalescing in the sky, you can begin to see your vision become reality.  The design phase is the behind-the-scenes work of drafting blueprints, securing contractors, determining timelines, and more.

The design phase is crucial for maximizing the long-term impact of your church construction project. At this point, you can intentionally integrate your church’s mission and values with the architect’s design plans.

For example, if one of your core values is “hospitality,” you can ensure that your church construction planning includes functionally and aesthetically hospitable spaces.

Or, when designing a new children’s ministry space, you can prioritize indoor playground equipment that could serve your community beyond Sunday services.

During the design phase, it’s wise to consider current trends in church construction.  The Covid pandemic changed the culture in ways a new church building can leverage to serve people better.

Many churches are incorporating coffee-shop-type gathering spaces in their buildings and outdoor seating for people to connect.

5. Maintain Momentum During the Construction Phase

Before the dirt is moved and walls are built, consider maximizing the momentum of your church’s construction.

A groundbreaking ceremony provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate a milestone in the life of your congregation.  Not only that, but you can capitalize on the moment by inviting your neighbors and community leaders to join the celebration.

The groundbreaking of Racine Lutheran Church

While construction is underway, progress is visible. People can see the foundation poured, walls being built, the roof getting assembled, and more.

Don’t miss this opportunity.  Communication is vital even when progress is visible.  Clarify exactly what’s happening with your building – and why.  Remember, the church construction process is about solving missional problems, not only building a structure. For example, when the children’s area is being constructed, you could communicate that to the congregation and make a point of praying for future generations.

Every construction crew that swings a hammer, hangs sheetrock, or installs plumbing comprises people you can pray for, care about, and demonstrate gratitude towards.  Sure, it’s their job, and they’re getting paid.  But couldn’t it make a wonderful impression if they were also thanked, prayed for, and treated with respect?

At every step in the construction process, you should have an opportunity to reinforce the values and mission of your church.

The cafe at Evolve Church

6. Celebrate the Wins of your Church Building Project

Getting to the finish line of a church construction project can feel like running a marathon.  But it doesn’t have to be arduous.  It can be joyful, missional, and celebratory.

Be intentional about celebrating the wins along the way.  There is an opportunity for celebration at every step in the church construction planning process.  Here are a few to keep an eye out for:

• Deepening Values: If your church’s values have taken such deep root that you must build a new facility, that’s a win!
• New Members: Have new people joined your congregation because of the building project? Will you create the space needed to care for new people?  These are wins to celebrate!
• People Progressing in Their Giving Journey: Everyone is at a different place in their journey of generosity. From first-time givers to fully surrendered givers, we should celebrate when people take another step in their giving journey.
• Construction Progress: Each completed phase is another win you can cheer for.
• Faithfulness Brought to Fruition: Celebrate God’s faithfulness in bringing your congregation to an exciting new place of ministry. And celebrate people’s faithfulness in giving and serving so extensively that you can enter this new season.

Once the building project is complete, you may consider hosting a grand opening party. A grand opening provides an opportunity to invite the community to tour your new facility and thank them for their patience during the construction process.

Get the Guidance Your Church Construction Planning Needs!

Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?  We do!  That’s why we are ready, willing, and able to help you draw up the plans you need for a successful church building project.

Since 2004, we’ve helped churches complete their building projects. We would be honored to join you on this exciting stage in your journey.

Church building projects are defining moments in a congregation’s life. You don’t have to go through this alone.  We have the experience and expertise you need!

Reach out today for a free consultation!