Are you Coachable for a new Church Building Project?

Are you Coachable?

Many churches considering a facility expansion project wonder whether they need to hire a third-party specialist. Does your church need someone to oversee the expansion process? Is it worth the investment? It’s a church building- how hard can it be? Surprisingly more difficult than you might realize!

According to a 2013 study, building costs account for up to 29% of a church’s annual budget, the second-highest category after personnel. (Evangelical Christian Credit Union) Churches can’t afford to assume they know what’s best when it comes to such a large line item. Staff and lay leaders need to be coached on what to expect when it comes to a facility expansion opportunity. What are the obstacles to avoid? What’s a realistic budget or timeline to target? What steps need to be taken for the best fiscal and ministry outcome for our congregation?

The involved nature of faith-based organizations, like churches, and ever-changing regulations in commercial construction make for complicated decisions. This can vary from zoning requirements to matching vision for the church building with the current and future needs of the congregation. Construction, including church facility expansion, is the second-most litigated industry in America today after medical. (TW Church) You need an expert to help avoid significant risk in both planning and preventive measures for your new church facility.

Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.” Churches who want to expand their facility need wisdom from people who have the expertise and connections to effectively create a permanent worship space. Development Advisors serves church staff and building committees by sharing from our years of experience in commercial real estate and church facility development.

Church Facility Services offered by Development Advisors

Development Advisors provides a variety of facility services for our clients, including:

• Strategic relocation planning;
• Financial feasibility analysis pertaining to potential land or building acquisitions;
• Listing and marketing of existing property;
• Acquisition of new property, including comprehensive property searches (may include identification of redevelopment candidates);
• Comprehensive project management including team selection (architects, engineers, consultants, general contractors, etc.);
• Project finance coordination;
• Construction management;
• FF&E planning & move coordination; and
• As needed, comprehensive and coordinated communication with all decision-makers involved with a church’s real estate decisions (church staff, elders, real estate committee, members, and national organization).

We help coach church staff and building committees through each of these services. Our goal is to provide a well-functioning permanent worship space for you to continue doing what you do best: helping build the kingdom of God. Our Development Advisors team is here to serve you and answer any questions you may have.

Development Advisors, LLC is a full service commercial real estate development services organization with a passion for serving churches. Should you wish to discuss your vision with us, please contact Mr. Scott McLean at 303-534-3344 x103 or at scott@developco.com.