When I was growing up in a pastor’s home, I remember the building fund appeals and public declarations of how much we had raised for the new sanctuary. I remember watching the magic of construction progress over the next few years.
Behind the scenes, however, there were meetings with bankers, bond brokers, and large donors — but all of that was invisible to me. I just thought we raised all the money and then built a building.
Simple! Right?
National Manager, Religious Institution Banking
Bank of the West
Fast forward some 30 years, and most of your congregation probably has a similar view of the construction process: raise funds, build the building. While it has never been that simple, the reality today is that even the “normal” processes of the past won’t be sufficient for the future.
Tomorrow’s church will be energized — or restricted — by the facility decisions you’re making today. If you choose to build a single, large structure with long-term financing today, you’re setting up a direction for the future of your church. Conversely, if you opt for smaller or more varied incremental projects, you’re also setting a direction.
What’s happening now
As we look to the facility and financing trends of 2023, four obvious signs are emerging:
#1: Single, large rooms limit options
The days of 5,000-seat auditoriums being built as the final of four onsite phases of expansion on a 50-acre site seem to be behind us. Instead we’re seeing churches build more 500– to 1,000-seat auditoriums for multiple campuses.
Multi-use has been on the rise for a long time, and the past few years have accelerated the trend. Today, churches like to be able to add or remove chairs, change the room format, and use facilities for a broader set of ministry and community activities.
Tomorrow’s church will be energized — or restricted — by the facility decisions you’re making today. If you choose to build a single, large structure with long-term financing today, you’re setting up a direction for the future of your church. Conversely, if you opt for smaller or more varied incremental projects, you’re also setting a direction.
#2: Flexibility and technology are key
While ornate design hasn’t been popular in a long time, the trend in facility investment has definitely moved increasingly towards flexibility and a heavier investment in technology, video, and sound and broadcast quality.
#3: Financial stewardship is still important
Good financial management has always been valuable for the Church; it’s essential if you want to sustain long-term church growth and effectiveness.
Having good financial leadership in the church is just as important as finding a good financial partner outside the church to work with on projects and ongoing needs. To this end …
#4: People matter — staff included!
While there are still churches which benefit from the single financing transaction, the number of churches which can benefit from a comprehensive financial plan and strategic banking relationship with seasoned experts is growing.
Gone are the days where the local bank can meet every need for a ministry that’s rapidly expanding and meeting community needs. Like any “industry,” there are a few seasoned veterans in the church finance space who can add value and help take a ministry further, faster.
In the end, the Church will thrive if we involve the right experts and push hard to reach people in new and creative ways, while never forgetting that we have the Hope the world is searching for.
