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Building A Ministry While Building a Building

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Tim_D, Nov 18, 2008.

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  1. Tim_D

    Tim_D New Member

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    Anyone ever been here? I am just asking those who have ever been through a building program due to a loss of a building (fire, flood, lease) and have had to find the balance between repairing the people's emotions and yet move them forward to continue serving God and planning for the future.

    It is NOT easy to find that balance. If you have NOT been there...please, respectfully refrain from commenting. Thanks.:thumbs:
     
    #1 Tim_D, Nov 18, 2008
  2. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    We are a home-based church and after 3 years, the host family (whose great room in their home would seat 70+) has moved. We shifted to another large home and just found out THEY are moving. 3 families in 30 days! So our church has dropped from 40+ to around 20 in four weeks. :(

    But God knows. We are trying to rent long-term a room at a huge motel/conference center and working out details. The PLAN ALONE is an encouragement to our faithful remnant who are still here.

    So my experience is to continually hold the IDEAL, GOAL, PLAN in front of the people - for prayer but also for encouragement. In our case we lose both facilties AND families, so double hurt.

    Just waiting on what God is going to do next. He's never failed us YET. ;)
     
    #2 Dr. Bob, Nov 18, 2008
  3. go2church

    go2church Active Member
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    Keep people informed, but don't get bogged down with the details. Give them a picture of the final project, not the blueprint for the heating and cooling system

    Don't ask for color opinions, just let a decorator or the architect choose you will save yourself hours of pointless meetings

    Take advantage of the moment and emphasize the church is people not a building

    The best thing we did was empower a group of 7 to make 99% of the decisions, can't imagine how much headache that saved

    Have a foreman that isn't apart of the church - we didn't do this and about half way through the job regretted it - the job eventually got finished, but not without some collateral damage and long delays- this enables you to be firm with start dates, deadlines and costs.

    Know your financial limits BEFORE you start and don't count on "promised" money until you are holding the check, it's a sad commentary, but a reality you need to be aware of before going in.

    Bid everything turn-key and don't pay for demolition or cleanup work you can do as a church and Uncle Charlie who once wired his tool shed should not be wiring the church.

    Always remember - you get what you pay for, even from church members
     
    #3 go2church, Nov 18, 2008
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