Facility Planning for the

New Church

Key Questions to be Answered

What are the facility options for the new Church?

When is the right time to purchase and/or build?

What tools and resources are available?

6 Common Beliefs Regarding Facilities

1. An attractive facility will attract people to attend.

2. A nice facility will be a motivation for people to invite others.

3. A nice facility will lead the people to give more generously.

6 Common Beliefs Regarding Facilities (continued)

4. The facility will inspire the people to worship.

5. If we own our facilities, it will indicate to the local community that we are permanent.

6. People will take more pride in owning the facility.

Interim Facilities

1. Homes 2. Motels/Hotels 3. Club Rooms 4. Community Buildings

or Community Centers 5. Public Schools 6. Christian Schools 7. Lodges 8. Theatres

Interim Facilities (cont)

9. Storefronts 10. Church Buildings 11. Funeral Homes 12. Banks 13. Strip Shopping

Centers 14. Garages 15. Firehouse

Lease Considerations for the Interim Facility

1. Have a clear understanding of what you will and will not be responsible for in the maintenance of the facility.

2. Have a very clear understanding of the length of the lease and all terms (including utilities, deposits, ground care, etc.) Make sure there is no doubt as to who is responsible for what.

Lease Considerations for the Interim Facility (cont)

3. Visit the city and check out the zoning restrictions, parking codes, fire codes, signage codes, occupancy codes, etc. Check for special covenants, EPA problems, and the historical register.

4. Have renters and liability insurance, with a reliable insurance company,

When is the right time to purchase and/or build?

1. In God’s time (not ours).God created the Heavens and the

earth. He created all the resources and they are at His command.

God wants to use you and your church to reach the people in your unique ministry location/setting.

When is the right time to purchase and/or build?

2. Stay Focused on Ministry.What is your churches ministry plan?

3. Proper financial planning.Establish a Building Fund.Establish an Annual Budget.Project a 5 year of Budget.Do not hire an architect until the

financial capacity of the church has been established.

When is the right time to purchase and/or build?

4. The church has at least 25% cash of the total project costs.

AND 5. The church has sufficient

General Fund Income to support the required debt service.

6. Capital Campaign (optional)

Maintaining a Financial Balance

Leases$0.02

Ministries$0.05

Missions$0.10

Util/Ins.$0.08

Salaries$0.50

Debt Serv.$0.25

Project Costs

Develop a budget before looking at property and/or building.Borrowing CapacityCash on HandCapital Fund Raising Building Fund

Choosing a Site/Purchasing a Building

1. What and Who is in your mission field?

2. Obtain a demographic study from your State Convention or NAMB to assist in analyzing. This study will assist you in determining the proper area.

Choosing a Site/Purchasing a Building

3. Choosing a site. Three things to look for in choosing a site:A. Visibility (Can it be easily seen?)B. Accessibility (Is it easily

accessible?)C. Acceptability (Is it acceptable?)

Choosing a Site/Purchasing a Building

Rules of Thumb:1 acres of land per 100-125

in attendance.1 parking space for every

2.0-2.5 people in attendance (dual activities/services may require more parking)

Worship Center.15-17 square foot per person

Choosing a Site/Purchasing a Building

Rules of Thumb:Education Space:

Preschoolers = 35 square feet per child

Grades 1-6 = 25 square feet per child Youth and Adults = 12-15 square feet

Hallways in heavy trafficked areas and children areas should be at least 8-10 feet wide

Foyer/Lobby should be 15%-25% of Worship Center area.

Choosing a Site/Purchasing a Building

Other Considerations:Seek property that has good ingress

and egress. Is the neighborhood in transition or

stable? How will this affect the church in 5 years? 10 years?

Who are your neighbors or potential neighbors? Are they compatible to your ministry?

Are there other significant Evangelical churches in the area?

Tools Available

Church Finance MinistryDebt/Facility PlannerConstruction Resource GuideConsulting Services

Resources AvailableChurch Finance Ministrywww.churchfinanceministry.comYour State ConventionYour local AssociationLifeWay Architecturewww.lifeway.com/churcharchitectureOther

Question & Answers