The approach to construction called the “big box” — purchasing and renovating an existing building to meet a church’s expansion plans — was a passing thought five years ago that now is a highly viable option, with more boxes available than ever.
Churches often complain about the noisiness of their existing multipurpose spaces.
Church leaders are turning back to inner cities and building urban churches with missional zeal.
Established in 1964, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Atlanta, GA, consisted of 250 families that gathered to worship in the cafeteria of a local high school in what was once suburban Atlanta. Within a few years, property was purchased and a temporary worship facility was built.
With church facilities under construction, you want to ensure that your money is wisely spent, while at the same time being viewed by your contractor as a cooperative business partner. Fulfilling your financial oversight responsibilities while fostering smooth working relations is a diplomatic endeavor.
Is this the time for a church to be building? Jobs are being lost and families are rethinking their pledges to their church’s budget. Even as many are having difficulty with their own home mortgage much less be financing their church’s new home, one person in the building trades says the present time is “an incredible opportunity for the faith-based building sector.”
Inspiration for innovation can come from unexpected places. For a South Korean congregation, the spark for innovation was fueled by leading American churches’ missional architecture.
There’s a trend towards people moving back to denser urban areas that provides an opportunity for the church to reclaim an anchor position in the heart of the community. The repatriation of downtown cores and the development of new transit-oriented urban centers is a trend that’s expected to continue for at least the next 15 years.
Taking on a building project of any kind just now, in this recession, be it new construction, expansion or refurbishment of an existing space, brings added scrutiny from all parties involved — pastors and staff, volunteer leadership and congregations at large.
Churches around the country have benefitted from choosing sustainable products and processes, whether they are purchasing paper or renovating or building a religious facility. Many church leaders have discovered that going green enhances their integrity and connection with their communities, while also providing healthier environments for their staffs and congregations.
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