Your

Are they Helping orHindering Your Growth?

by Earl O. Myler

“Your Church Facilities:Are They Helping or Hindering Your Growth?”

Earl O. MylerCopyright 1997

First Printing - - December, 1996All rights reserved

BBBBBUILDING PRUILDING PRUILDING PRUILDING PRUILDING PROGRAM LIBRAROGRAM LIBRAROGRAM LIBRAROGRAM LIBRAROGRAM LIBRARYYYYY

Myler Publishers970 North Englewood DriveCrawfordsville, IN 47033

(765) 362-3353Fax: (765) 364-8211

About the Author

Earl Myler is the founder, President andChief Executive Officer of Myler, The ChurchBuilding People - - the nation’s leading churchfacilities specialists. Over the past 30 years, Earlhas helped more than 1,000 churches of various

denominations succeed in their church building program efforts. He wasthe first to develop a process that protects the ministries and people of theChurch from the dangers common to most commercial building projects.

A noted lecturer and seminar speaker, Mr. Myler has developed numer-ous educational materials regarding church growth and expansion. Heand his associates have instructed pastors and church leaders in numer-ous seminar workshops, conferences, ministerial associations, and Chris-tian colleges and seminaries, as well as on radio and television.

Currently, Earl spends the majority of his time assisting church leadersdevelop a greater understanding of how their church facilities and build-ing programs affect the people and the mission of the Church.

SectionTopics:

The Image of the Church at Large:The Impact of Facilities on Church Growth

A Church’s Exterior Image:Planning to be a Good Neighbor

A Church’s Interior Image:Making Your Building User-Friendly

A Church’s Aesthetics andComfort Level:Meeting the Public’s Expectations

A Church’s Opportunities:Making the Most of What You’ve Got

A Church’s Vision:Planning for the Future

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

SECTION 1The Image of the Church at Large:

The Impact of Facilities onChurch Growth

If YouBuildIt . . .Will theyCome?

1.1

Mission of the Church:

God wants us to GROW!God wants us to GROW!God wants us to GROW!God wants us to GROW!God wants us to GROW!

�Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.�Matthew 28:19

�Go out into the country lanes and out behind the hedges, and urgeanyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.�

Luke 14.23

As Christians, it is our responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission of JesusChrist. As Church leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that the specific mission andpurpose of our ministries properly reflects this.

Just where the church facility fits into this equation is relatively simple: it isanother tool for our use in ministry! We Christians don’t really need extravagant build-ings . . . we would be willing to meet in fields, caves or catacombs as those before us did!However, if we are to reach the unchurched and unsaved souls in our communities, ourchurch facilities must reasonably meet their expectations and perceptions of what achurch building should be!

Our Mission Field

40% (105.5 million): No Religious Affiliation31% (81.7 million): “Hatch, Match & Dispatch”

71% UnchurchedUnchurchedUnchurchedUnchurchedUnchurchedor Unsaved!or Unsaved!or Unsaved!or Unsaved!or Unsaved!

(187.2 million)

(1995 Census)

1.2

According to the most recent census, 40% of the people in America claim noparticular affiliation with any church or denomination, and attend church sporadically.Another 31% are what we call the “Hatch, Match and Dispatch” crowd. They go tochurch as infants for baptism or dedication, again when they marry, and finally . . . fortheir funeral. Together, these Americans compose 71% of our population! Organizedreligion in America has continued to decline since the 1995 census, even though indi-viduals continue to seek after spiritual things.

What we must recognize is that those of us who are still on this earth representa generation. When we die, our generation - - and the hope of their salvation - - dies withus!

1.3

Resourcesfor Accomplishing our Missionfor Accomplishing our Missionfor Accomplishing our Missionfor Accomplishing our Missionfor Accomplishing our Mission

PEOPLEMinistry Staffand Laypeople

PROGRAMSWorship,

Evangelism,Education, etc.

FACILITIESA Tool forMinistry

FINANCESTithes and Offerings

Church growth experts say there are four essential ingredients for establishingand sustaining growth in a church. First, it takes dedicated people with a zeal towardfulfilling the Great Commission. Secondly, it takes good programs designed to disciplethose who are saved, as well as specific programs that appeal to those who are notsaved. Thirdly, it takes money to pay staff salaries, purchase programs and curriculum,and keep the doors of the church facility open. And that church facility is the fourthingredient: an effective tool to house the other factors!

Every church has all four of these resources available to them in varyingdegrees. It’s what we choose to do with them that determines the degree of success wehave and the impact we will make on our generation!

1.4

Number of Churchesper 10,000 peopleper 10,000 peopleper 10,000 peopleper 10,000 peopleper 10,000 people

345,000 Churches in the U.S. ministeringto 263,800,000 people

Fewer Tools . . . and More Work!Fewer Tools . . . and More Work!Fewer Tools . . . and More Work!Fewer Tools . . . and More Work!Fewer Tools . . . and More Work!

1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 1990

At the turn of this century, there were approximately 32 churches for every10,000 people in America. With a constantly growing population, this ratio has steadilydeclined over the past ninety years to where we are today. Now, we have only 13churches for every 10,000 people!

Our mission and purpose hasn’t changed. God hasn’t rescinded his GreatCommission to us to evangelize the world. Yet here we are, facing the turn of anothercentury, with fewer tools to do a greater work! That can seem like an overwhelming task,but keep in mind that Jesus himself worked with as little as 12 men . . . and they went outand turned their world upside down!

Annual

Church Growth Rates

96% of our Churches have lessthan 300 in Average Worship Atten-dance!

Average Church Growth Rate in America: under 3%

20% to 30%

13% to 17%

5% to 12%

3% to 5%

0 to 3%

Outstanding

Better

Good

Fair

Poor

1.5

The are a number of factors that affect church growth, the four mentionedearlier being major contributors. However, there are no magic formulas that will cause achurch to explode its attendance. What works in one area doesn’t always work well inanother. All things considered, it boils down to how well you utilize the resources youhave and how well you manage the changes that come your way. It’s been said thateither you will manage change . . . or change will manage you!

With an average growth rate of only 3% nationwide, it’s safe to presume thatmost churches in America don’t manage change or their resources very well! If we areto accomplish our mission, we must bring this figure up to a minimum of 10% growth peryear.

1.6

�Where there is no vision, the people perish.�Proverbs 29:18

� No Growth Goals

� No �Scoreboard�

� No Continuity

� No Business Plan

� No Clear Mission

� No Urgency

How profitable would a businessperson be if they simply decided one day toopen their doors without having clearly established a plan of action beforehand? Stud-ies done by the National Association of Small Businesses indicate that it takes about2.5 to 3 times longer than normal to reach profitability without a clearly defined goal andbusiness plan - - provided the business stays in business that long! Your church isreally no different.

Church leaders that take the time to write out the goals of their ministries, thenformulate a plan of action to achieve those goals generally succeed. Churches thatdon’t, don’t grow! Some churches grow cold. Some churches grow bold. The questionis: Where do you want your church to be?

1.7

SURRENDERGROWTH PROGRAMS

to Property and/or Facilitiesto Property and/or Facilitiesto Property and/or Facilitiesto Property and/or Facilitiesto Property and/or Facilities

Evangelism Ministries

DramaMinistries

Fellowship Ministries

�Badlands�Bill Ding-o

“The Scourge ofthe Ministry”

40% lack adequate property

60% lack surplus parking

80% lack adequate facilities

97% lack master plan

Perhaps the most telling affects of the church facility’s impact on growth are inthe statistics above. While these figures are staggering, they are completely logical. It’sfar easier and less expensive to limit a ministry or outreach program than it is to buildphysical space. Unfortunately, that mentality and attitude won’t go far in accomplish-ing our mission!

As always, God’s people will find a way. Even with the site and space limita-tions above, churches all across the country are finding ways to compensate for whatthey don’t have. By creatively using what they do have (see Section 5), they aremeeting the needs of their communities and “pressing on towards the mark of the prizeof the high calling of Jesus Christ”!

1.8

If you lack space . . .If you lack space . . .If you lack space . . .If you lack space . . .If you lack space . . .

Why Don�t You Build?Why Don�t You Build?Why Don�t You Build?Why Don�t You Build?Why Don�t You Build?

The No. 1 Reason:The No. 1 Reason:The No. 1 Reason:The No. 1 Reason:The No. 1 Reason:Not Enough

MONEY!� Only 10% (34,500churches) are in abuilding program atany given time!

� Only 40% of these(14,800) successfullycomplete theirbuilding projects!

�For which of you, intending to builda tower, does not first sit down

and count the cost . . .�Luke 14:28

Statistics show that less than 3% of the churches considering a building pro-gram already have enough cash on hand to complete their project when they need tobuild it. That means the vast majority of churches need to find additional money fromone source or another in order to build.

Some churches choose to conduct a Capital Funds Campaign and raise moneyin advance. Unfortunately, this means they must live with their limitations and effec-tively put their growth on hold for three years or longer before they have the money tobuild. Other churches opt to conduct a funding program to raise a sufficient amount ofadditional monthly giving to cover a new mortgage payment, and then borrow themoney they need to build now.

2.1

A Church’s Exterior Image:

Planning to be aPlanning to be aPlanning to be aPlanning to be aPlanning to be a

Good Neighbor

What werethey thinking?

SECTION 2

2.2

Important Impressions1on Prospective Church Members and Neighborson Prospective Church Members and Neighborson Prospective Church Members and Neighborson Prospective Church Members and Neighborson Prospective Church Members and Neighbors

87% VisualInfluenced by what they SEE

8% AuditoryInfluenced by what they HEAR

5% KineticInfluenced by what they TOUCH

st

If you study neurolinguistics, you’ll find that people are influenced by a num-ber of factors. However, there are very clear distinctions in how an individual perceivesand learns. Some people are “Auditory”, meaning they are able to listen to what is said,then visualize the desired outcome, solution, or response. A small percentage of peopleare “Kinetic” and need to physically touch or actually be in a situation before they fullycomprehend. By far, most people are “Visual” . . . they need to physically see andobserve in order to come to a conclusion.

Now think about your church building. Since the majority of your visitors andguests will base their decisions on what they see while they are in your church . . . whatdo you think their decision will be?

2.3

Your Church is like aYour Church is like aYour Church is like aYour Church is like aYour Church is like a

It makes a statement aboutyour Church’s values!

• Permanence • Refuge• Strength • Warmth

Welcome!

As mentioned before, we Christians can meet anywhere. We really don’t neednice looking facilities. On the other hand, the unchurched and unsaved souls in yourcommunity do! They have an image in mind of what a church should be: a refuge - - aplace of shelter and safety - - a source of inspiration and hope.

The exterior of your church facility says a lot to your community about what isinside, regardless of its age, size or shape. A building that has rusty metal, rotting wood,and chipped paint leaves a lasting impression, and unfortunately, it’s not a very favor-able one! For the sake of those you’re trying to reach, your church facility should reflectthe stability, security and permanence they’re looking for - - and the strength, comfortand warmth they hope to find inside!

2.4

A Good Neighbor is anAsset

• Attractive, well-maintained facilities

• Attractive grounds, nicely landscaped

• Complimentary style to community

• Ample on-site parking

• Adjacent property screens

As homeowners, we take pride in maintaining our domiciles and property. Wekeep the grass trimmed, weeds pulled, and generally try to keep our houses and landslooking good. Why? Because our homes are a reflection of us! The same is true forchurches. The appearance of your church speaks volumes about your image, ministryphilosophy, and programs. It also says a lot about what you think about your neighbor-hood.

Our churches represent the Creator of the Universe in the eyes of our neigh-bors. We ought to take the stance that if any building should look good . . . it should beGod’s house! Remember what God spoke through the prophet Haggai? “Is it time foryou to dwell in your paneled houses, and My house lies in waste?”

2.5

A Bad Neighbor is aLiability

• Facilities and grounds poorly maintained

• Insufficent on-site parking

• Design not compatible with community

• No screening for adjacent properties

• Unsatisfactory noise levels

Keeping your facilities well-maintained makes you a good neighbor . . . but youcan still be a liability to your neighbors without certain “extras” in place. Since thechurch is used by a large number of people in a variety of ways, it’s simple commoncourtesy to try to screen or buffer the noise level from surrounding properties. This canbe accomplished quite beautifully with natural berms, trees and landscaping, as well aswith privacy fencing and other man-made barriers.

Another important factor is parking, which will be discussed in greater detailshortly. For now, consider this: if your parking lot is constantly full, it is a liability toyour growth. A jam-packed parking lot tells your neighbors, guests and visitors thatyou have no room for them!

2.6

Improve Your Attendance with

�Curb Appeal�Attractive Entrances:

Entry GatesSignageLandscapingLighting

Attractive Grounds:LandscapingHard Surface ParkingLighting

Attractive Facilities:Well-maintainedDesign Unity360° ArchitectureLighting

þ

þ

þ

Have you ever driven past a building, noted its condition, and wondered aboutthe type of people who own or occupy it? The people of your community do the samething with your church building. It’s called “curb appeal”. It’s the reason why it’s soimportant to create a pleasant atmosphere starting at the front entrance to your prop-erty. The use of landscaping and external lighting can make your entrances and groundssay “Welcome!” to visitors and guests.

The practice of “360° Architecture” also helps. Make sure your buildings areequally appealing from all sides. Use shrubs and flowering plants near each entry, aswell as to hide air conditioning units and other external mechanical items.

2.7

• Parking - - Near all entrances

• Landscaping - - Beautifies; creates a senseof volume

• Parking Requirements - -2.5 to 3 persons per vehicle30% surplus parkingHard surface preferred

ConvenientParking

Paves the Way forEnhanced Growth!

What do you do when you pull into a restaurant and can’t find a parkingspace? If you’re like most people . . . you go to another restaurant! It doesn’t matterhow pleasant the atmosphere inside or how good the food is. If you can’t park reason-ably close, you go somewhere else. That’s why the smart businessperson providesmore parking than initially needed: to allow for growth!

Churches need to follow this example by providing approximately 30% moreparking than current needs dictate. It’s always best to provide hard surface parking withproper drainage. Grass or gravel parking may be more accessible and affordable, butlet’s face it. Nobody wants to dress up for Sunday morning worship only to scuff theirshoes in the gravel or go sloshing through the mud!

2.8

Use Exterior Lighting to

Light Up The World!

�Let your light so shine before men . . .�Matthew 5:16

Even though Jesus wasn’t referring to mercury vapor lights when He made thestatement above, it’s still an “illuminating” concept for many reasons! First, there areissues of safety and security, especially in many urban and inner city areas. The peoplewho attend your church can have all the faith and confidence possible . . . but they stillwant the assurance of being able to see and be seen in the dark corners of your parkinglot! Then there is the issue of identity. It’s both comforting and inspiring to see asteeple shining like a beacon against the night sky!

Finally, one last thought. We can light up a stadium to watch a sporting eventat night. Why don’t we shine a few extra lights on what really matters?

2.9

Finding the Way

Can you imagine trying to find your way around an unfamiliar neighborhoodwithout the benefit of street signs or house numbers? Now imagine what a first-timevisitor to your church feels like trying to find the right door to enter. There’s nothing soembarrassing for a guest of your church than to park were he thinks he ought, enterwhat he thinks is the back of the Sanctuary . . . and end up standing next to you on theplatform!

Make sure you use appropriate signage near your driveways and parkingareas so those who visit for the first time can find their way around . . . and leave with adesire to come back!

SECTION 3A Church’s Interior Floor Plan:

Making Your Building

User-FriendlyUser-FriendlyUser-FriendlyUser-FriendlyUser-FriendlyExcuse me . . .

Can you point me tothe Church Office?

3.2

The �Hub� of Your Facility

The Main Entrance and Foyershould make your visitors andguests feel relaxed, important,and welcome!

A “Welcome Center” makes animmediate impression on visitors,guests, and prospective members.

While you may not need to use a uniformed doorman, it is a good idea to makethe main entrance to your church easily recognizable and obvious. Many churchestoday post Greeters or Ushers at all doors to give visitors, guests, and regular attendeesa warm welcome.

Another popular trend in recent years has been the use of Information Boothsand “Welcome Centers” in the main Foyer area. This should be a site where visitors andguests can get information about the ministries of your church, a site map of yourfacilities, and even a cup of coffee or juice before the morning worship service.

3.3

Traffic Flow

Administrative offices,Restrooms, Nurseriesand other high-useareas should beadjacent to orvisible from theFoyer.

High visibility doorsand entryways,carports, drives andporches all help tomake the entranceeasily found.

One of the most neglected and least thought of spaces in a church facility isalso perhaps the single most important space. It isn’t the Sanctuary, Nursery, orRestrooms. It’s the space that allows you to get there . . . the hallways!

In your design, it’s important to ensure that hallway space is sufficient enoughto avoid any potential “bottlenecks” that could hinder the smooth flow of internaltraffic. For example, you wouldn’t want to put your infant nursery at the end of a dead-end hallway, as it becomes difficult for parents to drop off and pick up their children. It’salso important that your traffic flow moves freely to and from your Foyer and/or mainentrance area, and that key areas of your facility (Church Office, Restrooms, Child care)are either visible or clearly marked from the Foyer.

3.4

For Those in Need:

Where is the Pastor?Where is the Pastor?Where is the Pastor?Where is the Pastor?Where is the Pastor?

Pastor?

Pastor?Pastor?

Pastor?Pastor?

Pastor? Pastor?

People come to your church for many reasons. They come to worship. Theycome for fellowship. And occasionally, they come because they’ve had a tragedy intheir life and need to talk to someone. In that event, it is critical that they are able toeasily find their way around the inside of your church as well.

Make sure that your administrative offices, Church Secretary and Pastors of-fices are clearly designated, along with other key areas of your building. If your Foyerspace allows, it isn’t a bad idea to post a directory map in a high visibility location . . . justlike the local shopping mall does to help you find restaurants, restrooms, and yourfavorite stores!

3.5

�As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.�

Small spaces causesmall thinking.

Large spaces birth

BIG IDEAS!

The next time your in the headquarters of a large corporation or business, askto see the C.E.O.’s office. Chances are, it will be the biggest office in the entire building.It’s like that not just because of the status or position of the occupant, but because wehumans generally think more clearly and creatively in large open spaces.

As the “C.E.O.” of your church, your Senior Pastor needs room to think andprocess the vision and direction that God gives him for your church. If you restrict andlimit the size of the Pastor’s Study . . . in effect, you’re limiting the growth potential ofyour church! So don’t put the Pastor in a room so small that he can’t change his mind. . . allow him to think big and dream great dreams for God!

Worship Seating

Configurations

3.6

Losing Popularity

Gaining Popularity

Remember the old country churches back in the days of the circuit-ridingpreacher? One door in the back, 2 columns of hardwood pews facing the pulpit, androom for a small choir. Over the years, this “shotgun” style of seating has lost popular-ity due to the distance from the pulpit to the back pew. Every public speaker wants tomake eye contact with as many people as possible. With this older style, it’s hard to tellif the folks in the back are praying or sleeping!

In recent years, octagonal and other multi-sided spaces have increased inpopularity, as they allow worship seating to be configured around the platform or pulpit.This reduces the distance between the speaker and the back row . . . so you can makesure they’re all awake!

Worship Seating

Configurations

3.7

Most Popular

The most popular seating arrangement in use today by churches across thenation is the fan-style configuration. Sloping floors and rising ceilings help make the“shell” design shown above extremely dramatic. But the real beauty of this fan-styleseating configuration is its flexibility. It can be adjusted and used in more simple squareand rectangular spaces as well.

In large spaces, there is the potential of “line of sight” restrictions due to polesand support beams. However, this affects a very small percentage of the total seatingcapacity. In small spaces, such as square rooms, this semi-circular, fan-type arrange-ment reduces the distance between the platform and back row, and allows greater in-volvement and participation between the speaker and his audience.

3.8

Single Story vs Multi-Story

Fire Safety and Handicap-Access lawsmean it�s no longer �cheaper to go up�!

ONE STORY EDUCATION BUILDING2,700 sq.ft. Education Space

900 sq.ft. Service Area3,600 sq.ft. TOTAL BUILDING

TWO STORY EDUCATION BUILDING2,700 sq.ft. Education Space

2,700 sq.ft. Service Area4,900 sq.ft. TOTAL BUILDING

It used to be much more cost effective to build “up” rather than “out”. How-ever, due to recent federal guidelines for equal accessibility for all people, specificallythose who are in some way physically challenged, it is now actually less expensive inmost cases to build single story space, as shown in the example above.

But what do you do if you’re “land-locked” and have no other options? In thatcase, it may be time to relocate your ministry to a larger parcel in another part of town.In any event, the important thing is to press on! If it means the difference betweenmeeting the ministry needs of your community or stagnating in growth . . . invest themoney and build “up”.

3.9

Current Preferences

33.8 million Americans are33.8 million Americans are33.8 million Americans are33.8 million Americans are33.8 million Americans areover age 65!over age 65!over age 65!over age 65!over age 65!

An important factor in the “Single-story/Multi-story” equation is the affectyour building has on our “Seasoned Saints”. According to figures provided by theNational Association of Retired Persons, approximately 13% of our population is overretirement age. Many of them still take an active and vital role in our local ministries. Notmany of them like climbing stairs!

The book of Job says that wisdom and understanding come with age andlength of days (Job 12:12). These elder brothers and sisters in the Lord are to berespected and honored. Designing your church facility in a manner convenient for themis simply one way to express that respect.

4.1

A Church’s Asthetics and Comfort Level:

Meeting the Public’s

Expectations

Hey, Man!Wat�cha think about

our new Church,huh?

Yeah, that�sMY Church! It�s

a great placeto be!

Wow! Itlooks great! I

can�t wait to getin there!

SECTION 4

4.2

Visitors and GuestsLooking for a Church Home

• Comfortable Atmosphere(Colors, carpeting, wallpaper, etc.)

• Comfortable Environment(Heating, Air Conditioning, Lighting, etc.)

• Comfortable Seating

• Good Acoustics

• Neat, Clean and Easy to Find Nurseries

• Clean and Attractive Youth Areas

As pastors and church leaders, we like to think the reason people attend ourchurches is because of the inspirational preaching and teaching they receive. For themost part, this is probably true . . . if they’re already dedicated Christians! However, forthe unchurched, unsaved soul - - and those Christians who aren’t as dedicated asothers - - a few more tangible factors need to be in place.

It shouldn’t really surprise you that most of this points center around anindividual’s comfort level. For many people, deciding on a house of worship is not atask to be taken lightly, especially when children and youth are involved. Making themas comfortable and relaxed as possible goes a long way in that decision making process!

4.3

Interior Design

• Avoid “fad” or “trendy” colors; limit useto easily changeable areas: walls, trim,curtains.

• Use neutral colors for hard to replaceitems: sinks, partitions, floor or walltile.

• Consider durability and maintenance ofcolors, and their effect on people.

COOL WARMBlues and Greens Reds and Yellows

Times change. It’s awfully tempting for a church desirous to maintain a con-temporary image to use colors and textures in their interior decor that are, at the moment,the “in” thing. That’s fine . . . as long as you use those colors on items that are easy tochange!

The most important things to remember in your color selection are how thecolor responds to light, and how the color will affect the people of your church. Bluesand greens have a tendency to keep people active, and sometimes even edgy. Softerhues of reds and yellows can have a soothing and relaxing affect on people. Use bright,vibrant shades sparingly, mostly in high activity areas such as gymnasiums and youthrooms.

4.4

Impact of Facilitieson Church Membership

73% of new members say that theFacility had an impact ontheir decision.

DENOMINATIONALLOYALTY

GOOD FACILITIES

EXPECTATIONS

This statistic reflects a trend in church seekers. More and more, people acrossthe country seem to be moving away from their loyalty to a given church structure ordenomination. There are a number of reasons for this that don’t directly involve thechurch facility. However, recent studies indicate that when people move from onechurch to another, they have a tendency to more seriously consider the new church’sfacilities as they compare to their old church. In many cases, the new church selecteddid not belong to the same denomination as the old church. A contributing factor intheir decision: the new church had the ministries and programs desired and the facilitiesin which to house them! This by no means is an indication that people are no longerseeking denominational strength . . . but it is certainly a “wake up call” to the demand forbetter programming and facilities!

5.1

SECTION 5A Church’s Opportunities:

Making the Most ofMaking the Most ofMaking the Most ofMaking the Most ofMaking the Most ofWhat You�ve Got!What You�ve Got!What You�ve Got!What You�ve Got!What You�ve Got!

Maybe if Iwater this more . . .

5.2

First, we shape theBuilding to work

for us.

Worship

Education

Fellowship

Other Programs

Administration

It was Winston Churchill who coined the phrase “Form follows function”.This means simply that the appearance or form of a given thing is subject to its purposeor function. This is particularly true in architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright has been calleda design genius. But is a bedroom without closet or storage space really practical?

Church leaders need to exercise caution in the design of their facilities. It’svery easy to get caught up in the desire to build a “monument” to God’s greatness. Butpeople don’t live in monuments . . . they just visit, take some pictures, then leave! In theinitial design of your church, and in any rearranging of existing space, remember its formmust be adequate and practical for its intended function!

5.3

Then the BuildingShapes us!

WorshipEducation

Administration

FellowshipOther Programs

Even after you’ve properly allocated space in your facility following the “formfollows function” mandate, eventually the building you’ve shaped begins to shapeyou. On a positive note, the building serves its purpose as a tool for ministry andshapes our spiritual growth. On the other hand, as time passes and growth occurs, itsshape becomes restrictive and prohibitive.

There is only one way to compensate for this cycle, and that is to make certainthat the leadership of the church is in a constant state of strategic planning. It maysound quaint, yet the Boy Scouts of America have a very good point: Always BePrepared!

5.4

1. Traditionalism

2. Always done it

this way

3. Fear of Change

ReasonsWhyBuildingsShape Us

Many churches are restricted in the form and function of their church facili-ties by the traditions of their denomination or affiliation. Others won’t try anything newor different because they don’t want to “rock the boat”.

How many times have you heard someone say, “But this is what we’ve alwaysdone! Why do we have to change now?!” Behavioral analysts say that nearly 70% ofthe population is resistant to change and will go to great lengths to avoid conflict withothers. That’s because, by nature, we are “traditional” beings that seek security andstability. It’s one of the reasons people go to church in the first place. Isn’t it ironic? It’salso one of the reasons our church facilities can shape and limit our growth!

5.5

Making Buildings Work

for us!• Clarify the Vision

• Communicate the Limitations

• Recommend SolutionsBe creative and bold

• InitiatePlan your work and work your plan

Use Fellowship space for Community Activities!Use Fellowship space for Community Activities!Use Fellowship space for Community Activities!Use Fellowship space for Community Activities!Use Fellowship space for Community Activities!Multiple Worship Services!Multiple Worship Services!Multiple Worship Services!Multiple Worship Services!Multiple Worship Services!

Dual Sunday Schools!Dual Sunday Schools!Dual Sunday Schools!Dual Sunday Schools!Dual Sunday Schools!Parking Shuttles!Parking Shuttles!Parking Shuttles!Parking Shuttles!Parking Shuttles!

If lots of money and acres of land were always readily available to us, ourchurch facilities would never really hinder our growth. Unfortunately, things don’talways work like that in the real world. We have to learn to live with what we have untilwe can upgrade and improve . . . and that usually means getting bold and creative in thesolutions to our space limitations.

No matter how creative you are in making your facilities work for you mosteffectively, the single most important key in this endeavor is the frequency and clarity ofyour communication with the people of your church. You must keep your vision in frontof them always, constantly relating the effect your space limitations have on yourgrowth, and how your solutions will encourage growth!

5.6

When to Build?

• Worship 80% of seating capacity

• Education 80% of student capacity

• Fellowship 70% of worship attendance(Family Life Centers: AWA 500 - 600)

• AdministrationWhen space is cramped or personnelrequirements change

• Parking 70% of capacity exceeded

• Relocate When site capacity is lessthan growth requirements

Take a quick inventory of your current situation in each of the major areaslisted above. If you’re at capacity levels in all of these areas, you definitely need to buildsomething soon! If only one or two areas are nearing capacity, you may want to dosome strategic planning for the near future, although it may not necessarily including anew building project. Your problems may be solvable by reallocating some space.

One thing is certain in determining when to build a new church facility. Itshould never be based by a specific date or time. It’s not like buying a car, which somepeople do every one or two years. Entering a building program because you’ve beenwhere you are for longer than you wanted to be is just . . . wrong!

5.7

Program Space Requirementsper person

Foyer/Narthex:3.0 sq.ft.

Administration:2.0 sq.ft.

Mechanical: 1.15 sq.ft.

Restrooms: 1.15 sq.ft.

Fellowship: 13.0 sq.ft.

Hallways: 10.0 sq.ft.

Education: 18.0 sq.ft.

Worship: 12.5 sq.ft.

Storage: 1.15 sq.ft.

Average: 52 sq.ft. per personPreferred: 60 sq.ft. per person

The figures shown above are based upon the amount of space required for anaverage at any given time. For example, the average person needs about 3 square feet inwhich to stand and move comfortably . . . such as in the Foyer of your church wherepeople greet one another. Less space is required where you sit down to work (such asAdministrative office space), and more space is required where movement is greater(such as Fellowship, Education, and Worship space).

Again, these are averages and should be used to allocate space for to meetbasic comfort levels. The more space you can provide, the more comfortable yourpeople will be.

5.8

Property SpaceRequirements

125± people per acre at anyone given time

300± square feet for eachparking space

ü

ü

As a general rule of thumb in most geographic areas, you should plan onobtaining about one acre of useable land for every 125± people on site at any one giventime. The key word here is “useable”. If you’ve got a 10 acre parcel, and 3 of those acresare swampland - - you really have a 7 acre parcel of useable building site, and adjust-ments will need to be made as to the number of people on site at one time!

As far as parking goes, plan on about 300± square feet per parking space . . .and don’t forget to provide 30% more than you currently need! If you need space for100 cars, make room for 130 cars on hard surface parking. To do that, you’d need 39,000square feet of land, or just less than one acre.

5.9

How Much to Build?

• Build enough space for7 to 10 years of growth

• Double your Worship Space

The question of when to build has already been answered. But how muchspace should you build at one time. It’s pretty safe to say that you should build only asmuch as you can comfortably afford. However, the real consideration is the amount ofgrowth you want to achieve. You should attempt to build sufficient space to allow forgrowth to continue without interruption or hindrance for 7 to 10 years.

Another important consideration is your worship space. Basically, you shouldtry to double your available worship space when building a new Sanctuary.

6.1

Planning for the Future!

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SECTION 6A Church’s Vision:

6.2

Set Growth Goals!

Churches are where they are todayChurches are where they are todayChurches are where they are todayChurches are where they are todayChurches are where they are todaybecause they planned to bebecause they planned to bebecause they planned to bebecause they planned to bebecause they planned to be

nowhere else!nowhere else!nowhere else!nowhere else!nowhere else!

2,500

1,500

1,200

850

650

400

250

Attendance

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Projected

Actual

Growth for many churches is like the story of the man who got caught forspeeding. When asked by police officer why he was going so fast, the man replied,“Nowhere, really . . . I just didn’t want to be late!” Now you might chuckle at theabsurdity of such a statement, but that is exactly how many churches deal with plan-ning. They have no idea where they’re going . . . they just don’t want to be left behind!

It’s been said many times by many different people: If you fail to plan, you’replanning to fail! Set your growth goals. Aim high! Make it challenging, yet realistic. It’snot as hard as you may think. For example, if everyone in your church brought oneperson for just one Sunday, you’d double your attendance!

6.3

Growth Goals Should Be . . .Growth Goals Should Be . . .Growth Goals Should Be . . .Growth Goals Should Be . . .Growth Goals Should Be . . .

�We should make plans . . . counting on Godto direct us.�

Proverbs 16:9

Measurable Measurable Measurable Measurable Measurable

Realistic Realistic Realistic Realistic Realistic

Time FrameTime FrameTime FrameTime FrameTime Frame

ü

ü

ü

The vast majority of people are not goal-oriented. They don’t understand thedifference between a “goal” and an “objective”. This causes a lot of frustration anddisappointment when goals are not accomplished, because 9 times out of 10, the goalwas never really established.

Let’s say you wanted to lose some weight. If you say, “I’m going to loseweight this year”, you have just stated an objective. To make that objective a goal, youmust put a measure and time limit on it. “I’m going to lose 20 pounds by August 3rd”makes the objective of losing weight a measurable and realistic goal.

6.4

CommunicatingGrowth Goals

1. Keep the vision beforethe eyes of your people!

2. Keep score! 3. Keep the peopleexcited & focused!

It is unrealistic to expect the people of your church to accept something theydon’t understand. In order for them to understand your vision and the growth goalsyou’ve established, they must have the vision and goals in front of them constantly. Inaddition, your people must see the progress being made toward the goal and accom-plishment of the vision on a regular basis.

How enjoyable would a basketball game be if everyone had to keep score forthemselves? That’s why huge scoreboards are posted - - so the fans can see the scoreright before their eyes and concentrate on the action! Now you may not want to use anelectronic scoreboard, but you do need to keep track of your progress in a graphic andvisible format . . . right before their eyes!

6.5

Action PlansFOR GROWTH

üDevelop ownership of your visionwithin each person in the Church.

LEADERSHIP

CONGREGATION

COMMUNICATION & CONSENSUS

Communicating with your congregation is the only way to achieve unity andagreement in accomplishing the vision and mission God has ordained for your church.Some pastors and church leaders feel that information about their building programsand ministries are on a “need to know” basis . . . and they’re right! The congregationneeds to know what’s expected of them and how they can be involved in the success ofyour project.

If you study Old Testament events, you’ll find one common factor: God spoketo the leader, and the leader related what God said to the people. It worked with Abraham,Moses, Joshua, David, and Elijah . . . and it will work for you!

6.6

Action PlansFOR GROWTH

ü Establish a Church Growth Committeeand prepare a plan of action.

• Know your market: Unchurched and Unsaved in your community.

• Develop programs and newsletters to reach the Unchurched and Unsaved.

Write a BusinessPlan for growthconsideringPrograms,Personnel,Finances andFacilities.

•

The reason 97% of the churches in America aren’t growing is because theyhaven’t planned to grow. They don’t think about growth, they don’t talk about growth,they don’t develop the ways and means for growth. So how do you change this?Simple: start talking about growth!

Select 4 to 5 forward-thinking, visionary people from your leadership and con-gregation and form a Church Growth Committee. Let them brainstorm and think of newideas and ways to attract people to your church. Let them dream great dreams and listthem all. Then, form a plan of action to implement some of the more practical andattainable ideas right away. Don’t throw any idea away . . . just set it aside until growthoccurs and then look at them again.

6.7

Prepare to Grow!

Identify limiting factors in . . .

PEOPLE Ministry Staff and Laypeople

PROGRAMS Worship, Evangelism, Education, etc.

FINANCES Tithes and Offerings

FACILITIES Site and Space Requirements

It’s one thing to talk about growth . . . it’s another thing to do what is necessaryto ensure that growth occurs! The first step in that process is admitting that a growthproblem exists and identifying the limiting factors in the resources you currently have.

Do you have a sufficient number of ministry staff and volunteers . . . and havethey all bought into the vision and mission of your church? Are your current programsand ministries meeting the needs and demands of your congregation and community?What percentage of your congregation are regular tithers and financial supporters ofyour church? Once those issues have been answered and resolved, you can moveahead confidently and tackle the issues of site and space limitations.

6.8

Limiting Factors for Facilities and Site

Checkl

ist

1. Inspect your facilities and site.

2. List items hindering your growth:� aesthetics� user-friendliness� good neighbor

3. Identify and list program areasrequiring space for growth.

4. Determine your current sitecapacity.

5. Evaluate adequacy of parkingareas.

The worst thing you can do at this point is compare your church with thechurch down the road. This is no time for a “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude!Walk through and inspect your facility objectively and honestly as if you were seeing itfor the first time. Make a list, based on the knowledge you’ve gained from this booklet,of the areas that are hindering and adversely affecting your growth. This is just the start. . . you can’t make any changes effectively until you identify what specific programareas require more or less space.

As you think about solutions to these problems, keep in mind the total capac-ity of your present site and the condition of your parking areas! Remember the oldChinese philosophy: A long journey is made up of many small steps!

6.9

Master Planningyour Facilitiesfor GROWTH!

Project growth and determinespace and site requirements

Develop a Written Master Plan

Develop a Visual Master Plan

Display these for everyone tosee

1.

2.3.4.

It’s amazing how many church building committees want to start drawing upfloor plans and blueprints as the first order of business! In reality, this first thing youneed to do is decide how much growth you anticipate in the years to come, and whattype and how much space you’ll need to accommodate that growth. This process iscalled Master Planning.

Master planning deals with how you intend to use your site. Blueprints dealwith the specific buildings on your site. It is important not to skip over this step asmany churches do and start drawing up blueprints to show your congregation. Oncethe people of your church see something, they’re going to expect you to build it. Makesure you take the proper first step: Master Plan your site!

6.10

Written Master PlanWhen Morning Worship attendance reaches 80 in one service - -Build 7.500 sq. ft. facility to seat 250 (effective capacity: 200).

Notes to the Written Master Plan

Add parking as needed, always providing30% more than current need to allow forcontinued growth. A “parking surplus”indicates to visitors and the people in ourcommunity that there is room for them inour facility.

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

STAGE 4When Morning Worship attendance reaches 400 in one service - -Go to dual morning worship services and build 4.000 sq.ft.Education space with Restrooms, Storage, etc.

When Morning Worship attendance reaches 200 in one service - -Build a new 6.500 sq. ft. Sanctuary seating 480 (effective capacity: 400)with connecting Foyer and Restrooms. Convert existingSanctuary and Foyer to Fellowship/Education/Kitchen space.Convert adjacent Education space to Administrative space asneeded. Convert Area 1 Fellowship space to fixed classroom space.

When Morning Worship attendance reaches 130 in one service - -Build 1,500 sq. ft. Education space.

The most important type of Master Plan is the written version, which helpskeep you on track over many years of growth. The Written Master Plan identifies thetype and size of space to build, and when to build it based on growth and not just thepassage of time. This will also help build your congregation’s confidence in yourleadership through the entire building program process.

While the Written Master Plan is actually more text than blueprint, it shouldstill be prepared in a graphic format and prominently displayed for everyone to see. Thiskeeps the people of your church looking ahead toward the next step of growth, and goesa long way in fighting complacency and procrastination!

6.11

Visual Master Plan

The Visual Master Plan is more of a picture of your entire building site. Itvisualizes where each specific building, structure, and improvement to the land will beplaced. This is many times referred to as a “footprint”. Because of its size and scope, itdoesn’t contain all the details of a blueprint . . . yet it is no less important.

Again, this should be prepared and displayed in full color for everyone to see.While the Written Master Plan helps keep you on track over the years, the Visual MasterPlan helps generate the excitement you want in your congregation during the buildingprogram. It shows them where the programs and ministries of your church will takeplace on your building site. This “footprint” really helps them put some “feet” to their“faith”!

A Simple Formula

Focusing on Growth produces . . .

6.12

Nothing God does is ever by accident or coincident. There is a reason andpurpose for everything, and a well-designed plan to keep it all in order. Church growthis certainly no exception!

The more you and the leaders of your church focus on growth and whatcauses growth to occur, the more people become attracted to your church. Thesepeople, under your discipleship, become faithful Christians. Faithful Christians don’tusually leave their wallets and purses home on Sunday morning! They bring their tithesand offerings, which you use to maintain and expand your programming, staff andfacilities . . . which, in turn, will all work together to attract more people, who becomefaithful Christians who tithe. Get the picture?

GOD

GROW!

PEOPLE

FAITHFULCHRISTIANS

PERSONNELPROGRAMSFACILITIES

FINANCES

wants us to

WHICH PRODUCE

TO EXPAND WHICH PRODUCE

TO ATTRACT