All tasks involving change face a host of unique obstacles.  For a local community of believers, “change” is sure to create a level of controversy uncommon to the secular community. The mere mention of the words “building” or “relocating” …even the thought of changing the paint color in the ladies restroom… and controversy, predictably, is sure to follow. “What is wrong with the Pastor?   Why does he think we need a bigger church?  Ours has worked just fine for years, just as it is.” “We certainly don’t need a church building consultant.”

Recently I’ve been connected with an established church in North Carolina that has met at the same location and in the same building for about twenty years. The church is now enjoying significant growth and needs a larger worship center.   Their existing campus provides more than ample space to build in front of their existing facility, thereby providing great curb appeal. The demographics, their Needs Analysis and Feasibility Study, and financial condition all support the Pastor’s desire to move ahead.

Predictably, his viewpoint does not enjoy universal support within his church family.  Example: one building committee member said “I think we should just keep our money in the bank, get the interest on it, and build in a few years.” Regardless of her motivation, it is clear that she is not well-informed and/or she “just doesn’t get it”. She is convinced that the interest will more than offset the future cost of building, a viewpoint soundly refuted by historical reality. Further, her statement affirms her belief that ‘safety’ must take precedence over the proper role of the church in ministry.

The fact is that many congregations miss out on opportunities to enhance the growth of God’s earthly kingdom simply because ‘it’s safer to wait.”  Unfortunately, there are too many churches being closed, weekly, having adopted this short-sighted viewpoint. It’s time for churches like these to secure the services of a church consultant and possibly even an owner’s rep to get them to the next level of ministry.

Posted: by Dick White