Funding the Local Church: The Debt-free Debate
The Continuing Debate I recently read the 1996 Moody Press book by Jeff Berg and Jim Burgess, with foreword by Larry Burkett, titled “The Debt-Free Church”. The distinction is made in the text between “debt” as unsatisfied commitments and “borrowing” money from individuals or lending institutions. The comment is made that perhaps the book should…
Read MoreChurch Site Selection
Let’s use TEN STEPS as logical, sequential progress toward a desired goal. These are steps that you must be acquainted with as a church planter, pastor, or another church leader entrusted with this responsibility. Rarely will you find a realtor who understands the requirements of a church. The realtor is primarily a salesperson. You must…
Read MoreThe Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act: Full Text
106th Concress of the United States of America 106th CONGRESS2nd SessionS. 2869 AN ACTTo protect religious liberty, and for other purposes.Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the UnitedStates of America in Congress assembled,SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.This Act may be cited as the `Religious Land Use and Institutionalized PersonsAct of 2000`.SECYION 2.…
Read MoreLand Use & Zoning: ACLJ’s Position
Churches across the nation are increasingly facing discrimination from local zoning authorities with respect to location or improvement of their facilities. Zoning Boards often want to eliminate churches from downtown and commercial areas because churches do not generate retail and tax revenue. They also attempt to restrict churches in residential areas for allegedly creating traffic…
Read MoreChecklist: Choosing the Right Property Location
Staff Writer, ChurchConstruction.com When you select a building site, consider some of the following items. Then use the checklist provided to evaluate the feasibility of each option you uncover. 1. Accessibility of Site – If access roads and utilities are not already available to the site, the church will be responsible for paying for and…
Read MoreFunding the Local Church: Liabilities of Fund Raising
As I awaited my opportunity to present church development at the church board meeting, the church treasurer presented the financial report. “Since announcing our building fund, we have accumulated $30,000 through designated giving—not nearly enough to launch our building program. However, our giving in the general fund and missions accounts is way down.” I have…
Read MoreHiring Contractors, Subcontractors and Vendors
Finding a contractor who is capable of handling the complexities of your project may be as easy as consulting your local yellow pages under the heading of General Contractors. This method can prove to be hit-or-miss depending on the size of the city or town and the number of general contractors in the area. The…
Read MoreHow to Hire an Architect
Architects, like many other licensed professionals, must pass a comprehensive state test and are permitted to practice architecture only in those states where a valid license is held. Only a person possessing a valid state license and current registration may legally use the title “architect” and provide architectural services. Many architects are members of the…
Read MoreBefore You Build – Six Things You Should Know
Staff Writer, Arks Incorporated In church building programs you can solve issues one of two ways…invest a little sweat equity or throw money at it and make it someone else`s problem. Good stewardship would lead us to try to get the most of every one of God`s dollars. A dollar saved in the building program…
Read MoreFinance Committee Checklist
How much needs to be raised to purchase/renovate the building? How much needs to be raised on a weekly basis to cover the mortgage payment? How much needs to be raised on a weekly basis to cover other expenses-insurance, utilities, maintenance, etc. How much needs to be raised to cover normal church expenses, salaries, administrative…
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