Surveys are a great way to determine what your congregation is thinking and feeling. They can help determine if a program's goals are achievable, or if the methods you use are effective. But a survey is only one step in a strategy. A survey needs to be part of a thought-out plan. Here are seven questions to answer before you begin to research your congregation.
Many of us who are active in churches, however, may have some hang-ups about asking these questions or pinning down the details. That's why, a few years ago, our church developed job descriptions for standing committees and individual tasks. Not everyone was immediately enthusiastic about writing up ...
Starting Out Right How to prepare for a successful building venture. Dan Ehrman
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"We shape our buildings," said Winston Churchill, "and afterwards, our buildings shape us." In most churches, the journey toward a new or updated facility is a once-a-generation opportunity. The efforts put forth in this process will define the scope of future ministries, and they will indirectly shape the experiences of a generation or more of those in your fellowship.
Do We Really Need to Build? Carefully assess your church’s needs and motives before diving into a building project. Thomas G. Dolan
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There are good reasons for building a new church. There are also not-so-good reasons. Sometimes the differences between the two are subtle. It's important to recognize when the situation is right for a building project, and when other actions are more appropriate.
Are We Maximizing Existing Space?
Lack of space is probably the number one reason to consider building. But be careful that you aren't just ...
Building On Your Beliefs The best church facilities connect the congregation’s identity and ministry focus. Thomas G. Dolan
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Every church has a "code," which is like the DNA in a living cell. This code consists of all the factors that make a church unique. When churches embark on a building project without a clear understanding of their code, the result is almost always a disconnect between the church building and the church's ministries. Here are the major areas where churches must be careful and build according to their ...
Shared Vision, Best Value To get the most for your money, build with both ministry and stewardship in mind. John Throop
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Churches needing to plan building projects can be stopped by the stress of deciding what to do next and how much it might cost. Fortunately, there is a clear way to overcome these growing pains.
Vision and Mission First
A disagreement about building design or project timing is really a symptom of a root problem. Church members argue about buildings because they don't agree on the church's vision, mission, ...
Research by the Cornerstone Knowledge Network and other thinkers has identified some features of contemporary society that churches should consider when planning new facilities:
A thirst for community. People crave connection, whether it's face-to-face or through websites such as MySpace and Facebook. Observe people's behavior in these areas and try to discern how they will respond to church, ministry, and issues of faith in their lives.
Building Blocks Select the right planners and stewards to head off trouble before it starts. David Wilkinson
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Churches encounter obstacles to planning building projects in two major categories: people and money. Here are ways to recognize and clear these hurdles.
People: Who's in Charge Here?
Don't stereotype—you might miss the leader you need. Don't assume the person best qualified to head your building committee is a male contractor. There may be men and women in your congregation that possess the right gifts to do the job.
Printer view of these results
