The document discusses several pitfalls to avoid when building a new church facility. It recommends completing a feasibility study that compares future facility needs to the current building [1]. This will provide clarity during construction and uncover issues like parking, accessibility, and environmental concerns [2]. It also warns against having the design done by someone without church building experience, and suggests working with a professional familiar with church needs and construction standards [3].

1. The excitement around the idea of a brand new church facility can be very attractive. Yet this
attractiveness can also be deceptive, as it negates the consideration of other options. Avoid
Pitfall #1 by knowing your church’s needs for the next 5-10 years by completing a feasibility
study that compares your future needs with your current facility. The clarification that the
feasibility study brings will provide you peace during the building process.
Churches are truly unique facilities. There are many issues that are challenging to churches when it
comes to meeting building codes. For example, planning for adequate parking, pedestrian traffic flow,
life-safety issues and ADA access.
Pitfall #2 occurs when your design solution is drawn by someone without church building experience.
Building homes and commercial facilities is not adequate experience for designing a church. Avoid
Pitfall #2 by working with a seasoned professional that recognizes the value of a baptistery AND soil
borings
Anyone can price the obvious. What price do you give to the unknown? It is obvious
that your new parking lot will require asphalt. Did you know that the cost to prepare the
parking lot site can far exceed the cost of asphalt? This is one simple example where
budgeting without church construction experience can be costly.
Moses sent Joshua to the Promised land; his mission was to conduct a feasibility study. You will need to
do the same as Moses. Can you answer these questions: Will this property meet your needs? What are
the physical obstacles to success? Flood plain proximity? Surface water management? Environmental
issues? Traffic issues such as ingress and egress? Will a conditional use permit be required? A
feasibility study conducted by an experienced construction manager will satisfy all these questions and
uncover other issues before they become pitfalls.
It is critically important to clarify your priorities and objectives before you begin the
budgeting process. Planning based on budget alone can make the church building
obsolete on the day of the dedication service. Not one construction dollar should be
spent until the design solution clearly meets the ministry need. Construction means
change. Change can be traumatic. Construction can create great excitement and in
some cases, significant resentment. Since church members will most likely be funding
the construction, they must feel a sense of ownership with the project. Church members
should have adequate opportunity to express their concerns and to hear a response.
Serious consideration should be given to the communication process with the
congregation through the entire construction project.
Maybe you have an architect as a church member? That’s great! If you think that all you need
now is a contractor, then you may be setting yourself up for conflicts down the road. Avoid
creating conflicting relationships by employing the design/build concept using a construction
manager. In the long run, a construction manager will eliminate building hassles, keep attention
on the priorities and save you money.