The growth of a congregation is most obviously felt in the space where they worship. But when it comes to constructing church facilities, building experts agree, foundations should be set not just in concrete, but in scriptural principles as well.

Remember the mission

“Obviously you've got to look at the mission of the church,” said Earl Myler, chairman and chief executive officer of the Myler church planning, design and build firm. “The foundation of any building project ought to be based on the mission of the church to grow the kingdom.”

Beyond the overall mission, churches should also focus on their specific corporate purpose within their community. According to Bill Couchenour, president of Cogun builders and author of “Churches … Before You Build,” any building project should be formed around a church's history, its present ministry, and a vision for the future.

“Through prayer, God will direct you to the areas to focus your ministry,” Couchenour writes. Then he recommends developing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound (or S.M.A.R.T.) goals around that focus. “This is critical to understanding what facilities you need to accomplish these objectives.”

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Most often, the church's vision is derived in conjunction with the calling of its leaders. But as ministries increase, often a pastor's work load increases as well. And during a building project it is more important than ever for ministers to remember their calling really isn't about spreading drywall mud, but about spreading the Word.

“It's not about a shiny new building, but how we can win more people to Christ,” said Mike Hankins, senior vice president of Myler. This principle should be related to the church staff often.

“As a former pastor I say this with full understanding, pastoral leadership has to realize they were not called into ministry to build buildings, but to equip people to ministry,” he added.

Hankins recommends pastors surround themselves with godly counsel and other people to carry out the building project, lest their ministry of prayer and the Word suffer.

That ministry far outweighs any building project, when it comes to reaching the lost. According to author and church growth consultant, Dr. Thom S. Rainer's research, nine out of 10 unchurched people indicate they decided to attend a church not because of a brand new building, but because of the pastor's preaching.

“Leaders whose churches are reaching the unchurched need no convincing of the primacy of preaching in their ministries,” Rainer said.

Count the cost

On a practical note, church leaders should follow the advice of the Scripture and count the cost of their plans. Often, according to building experts at Myler, that is significantly higher than many church leaders believe.

Couchenour cautions church leaders to be realistic about the building budget. “It doesn't do any good to know exactly what you can afford and then design something that is twice that amount,” he writes.

By remembering the mission and ministry of the church and by planning well, churches building new facilities can rest assured knowing their foundation is solid on the Rock.