Before You Build

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A Church Leader’s Guide to Feasibility, Stewardship, and Wise Planning

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“Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
— Daniel 6:3 (NIV)

Scripture reminds us that excellence is not accidental. It flows from wisdom, discernment, and faithfulness in preparation. Daniel’s leadership was marked not merely by ability, but by understanding—a posture of seeking wisdom before acting.

This guide was created in that same spirit.

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Why This Guide Exists

Many churches begin planning for a building when pressure is already high:

• Weekend services are outgrowing space

• Children’s ministry is stretched

• Storage, setup, and teardown are exhausting volunteers

• Lease terms are changing or uncertain

Too often, feasibility is skipped in the rush to “do something.” Yet Scripture consistently points us toward counsel, wisdom, and discernment before action.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 20:18

Feasibility is not about delaying obedience. It is about strengthening obedience through wisdom.

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When Is It Time to Start Planning?

Churches often believe planning begins when land is purchased or drawings are commissioned. In reality, the most important planning happens well before either of those steps.

Early planning may be wise if:

• You are consistently near or above capacity

• You are adding multiple services to compensate for space

• Children or youth programs are constrained by facility limitations

• Your lease restricts growth, signage, or weekday ministry

• Leadership senses future expansion but lacks clarity on timing or cost

Feasibility allows leadership teams to explore options without committing prematurely.

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The Hidden Cost of Skipping Feasibility

Church building projects rarely fail because of vision. They struggle because of unknowns discovered too late.

Common risks include:

• Zoning or land-use restrictions that limit ministry functions

• Infrastructure costs not visible during land purchase

• Budget assumptions that do not align with market realities

• Permit timelines that delay occupancy for months—or years

• Misalignment between leadership, boards, and congregations

Feasibility helps surface these realities early, when choices are still flexible.

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Leasing vs. Owning: Asking the Right Questions

There is no single “right” answer for every church. Wisdom begins with asking the right questions.

Some questions worth exploring:

• Is our current lease serving our mission—or limiting it?

• Would ownership create long-term stability or unnecessary strain?

• Is phased development an option rather than a single large build?

• How does location impact accessibility, outreach, and growth?

• Are we planning for today—or for the next 10–20 years?

Feasibility does not push churches toward ownership. It clarifies whether ownership—or continued leasing—is the most faithful next step.

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Understanding Phased Growth

One of the most overlooked wisdom principles in church development is phasing.

Rather than building everything at once, many churches benefit from:

• Master planning for long-term vision

• Building only what is needed now

• Designing future expansion intentionally

• Reducing financial pressure on leadership and congregation

Phased planning allows churches to grow with grace, flexibility, and sustainability.

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Funding, Capital, and Stewardship

Church leaders often hear conflicting messages about funding:

• “If it’s God’s will, the money will come.”

• “You must raise everything up front.”

• “There are grants available for everything.”

The truth is more nuanced.

Certain funding mechanisms, financing strategies, and community-based programs may be available—but only when projects are:

• Properly planned

• Clearly defined

• Aligned with land use and community impact

Feasibility does not promise funding. It provides clarity, allowing churches to pursue capital with wisdom rather than assumption.

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Understanding Roles: Feasibility, Design, and Construction

Confusion around roles often leads to misaligned expectations.

• Feasibility explores what is possible, realistic, and wise

• Design translates vision into plans and drawings

• Construction executes the approved vision

Starting with feasibility protects both design and construction phases from costly revisions later.

Many churches value beginning with clarity, then deciding next steps at the appropriate time.

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How Project RE Serves Churches

Project RE comes alongside churches as a trusted guide, not a sales-driven contractor.

We help leadership teams:

• Understand options before committing

• Evaluate land and site constraints

• Align vision with realistic budgets and timelines

• Reduce risk through informed decision-making

When churches are ready, we are also able—if desired—to continue alongside them through design and project leadership. Others simply engage us for early-stage clarity. Both approaches are honored.

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A Simple Next Step

If your church is sensing growth, pressure, or uncertainty around space, a feasibility conversation may bring clarity and peace of mind.

We invite you to schedule a no-pressure introductory conversation—simply to listen, answer questions, and discern whether early planning could serve your leadership well.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” — James 1:5

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Project RE
Bringing life to the new, the old, and the unseen