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
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1. An attractive facility will
attract people to attend.
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2. A nice facility will be a
motivation for people to invite
others.
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3. A nice facility will lead the
people to give more
generously.
6 Common Beliefs Regarding
Facilities (continued)
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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.
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6. People will take more
pride in owning the facility.
Interim Facilities
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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)
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9. Storefronts
10. Church Buildings
11. Funeral Homes
12. Banks
13. Strip Shopping
Centers
14. Garages
15. Firehouse
Lease Considerations for the
Interim Facility

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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)
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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
Debt Serv.
$0.25
Util/Ins.
$0.08
Leases
$0.02
Missions
$0.10
Ministries
$0.05
Salaries
$0.50
Project Costs

Develop a budget before looking
at property and/or building.
Borrowing Capacity
 Cash on Hand
 Capital Fund Raising
 Building Fund

Choosing a Site/Purchasing
a Building

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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 Ministry
Debt/Facility Planner
 Construction Resource Guide
 Consulting Services

Resources Available
Church Finance Ministry
 www.churchfinanceministry.com
 Your State Convention
 Your local Association
 LifeWay Architecture
 www.lifeway.com/churcharchitecture
 Other
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Question & Answers