“We’re going to do this decently and in order.”
I can still hear Reverend Hubert Shepherd of the Greater Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia quoting this scripture from 1st Corinthians ten years after completing their new church building. I think that Reverend Shepherd put his finger on a very real problem that churches have had concerning building programs. Several important questions are often left unanswered in a rush for results. I believe that God has already given His church everything that she needs in order to grow. The first question then is to ask ourselves, “What is most hindering our growth now?” and the second one is: “What are the resources that we can commit to the correction?” Jesus spoke very little about construction but he did say that we should first sit down and count the cost. Our resources tell us that the average church project is 30% over budget at the time of bidding, this is not a 30% cost increase that occurs during construction but one that occurs during design. I’m sure you know someone that has paid an architect to design a building only to have the construction held up pending financing. With love and respect I must tell you that this problem is a result of poor planning and ignoring the command of our Lord to first sit down and count the cost. So let’s get this thing in order:
First, what do you need to build; additional parking, a new worship facility, a daycare? Do you have enough property to support your ministry objectives or do you need to relocate?
And second, what resources, money, time, talent, do we possess that we can allocate to this Project.
If you have answered these two questions then you are ready to discuss design development. We work with different architects in an effort to match the taste of the designer to the personality of the church. Basically, traditional churches should use a traditional architect and progressive churches should use someone who has designed buildings like the one that they picture themselves worshipping in. When you review church buildings that were designed by a particular Architect, and you should never select an architect unless you have actually been in their buildings, you should ask yourself the following three questions: Can I see our church worshipping in this building five years from now? Does the appearance of the building make a statement that is in line with our message to the community? Do I feel at home here?
Every church has its own unique DNA and you need to select a design team that can tap into who you are in order to really design a building that can meet your needs. Covenant may be who you are looking for. Why don’t you give us a call and let’s see if the Covenant Team can tap into your ministry vision?
770.787.6581
