buildchurch@ecbf.org	SMART and NOT So Smart Things to Do When Planning to Build. SMART: Expect to get more than a building out of the process. A successful building program can produce far more than a fine building. A sound planning process can produce clear mission, a growing congregation, more resources, and better stewardship. NOT: Convince yourself that without the building your ministry is on hold. Real estate is never a prerequisite for ministry. When space and funds are limited, design outside the usual paradigm: rent, re-schedule. The 80% rule does not apply in the 21st Century. SMART: Use people’s time well. The meeting process should respect the dignity of every human being. Begin and end on time. Assign volunteers within their area of expertise. Use a clear decision making process. Disband subcommittees when the task is completed. NOT: Ignore financial reality until the last. Avoid the temptation to envision free of financial constraints. Planning beyond your means results in feelings of disappointment and failure. SMART: Plan buildings for tomorrow, not yesterday. A well planned building is not obsolete the moment the cement is dry. A flexible building supports the ministries you are engaged in today and can accommodate, at low cost, changes for new needs in years to come. NOT: Think that because you are a warm, loving group of people, you will have no trouble making decisions. Expect conflict. Clarify HOW you will decide well before the first decision needs to be made. Know what constitutes a concensus, how to handle minority opinions, and when you will know it is time to make a decision. SMART: Begin with the problem, not the solution. Problems stated in the language of ministry produce easy agreement and energy. Even good solutions are divisive. NOT: Build expecting that new members will pay for it. Those involved in the decision to build will be the primary funders. Plan a budget based on what current members can afford. SMART: Treat people with respect and demand respect from one another. Change, money, and decision making form a fertile ground for conflict. Announce the rules of conduct and accept nothing less. Clarify how decisions will be made and how threats and blackmail will be received. NOT: Design the building, then hire the architect. Unless you are expert, leave design to the pro. The planning committee's irreplaceable role is to set the budget and articulate the ministries the building will need to support. SMART: Call the ECBF 1-800-334-7626, ext. 6004 will connect you to personal assistance with your building project. NOT: Make the first priority of a new congregation acquiring a site and building. He was a carpenter, yet He didn't build a church building - He built a church. The first goal of ministry is not real estate. GO TO TOP