In the United States, the 1990s brought a huge increase in the amount of spending on church facilities.

So far, that trend has carried over to this decade. In 2000, church people invested over $5.7 billion in religious construction, which is more than double the amount spent in 1993 ($2.8 billion).

While this was good news for church builders, the return on investment in that same time period was dismal. According to a study by Ventura, Calif.-based Barna Research Group, church attendance actually decreased in that same time period.

Unlike the movie Field of Dreams, there are no angels suggesting that constructing a new building equals increased attendance in our churches.

Dr. Thom Rainer, dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., says the biggest reason people won't come is they are not asked.

Rainer estimates there are 160 million unchurched people in the United States. His research indicates 140 million are likely to come to church if invited.

Surprisingly, less than 5 percent of active, churchgoing Christians invite an unchurched person to church in the course of a year.

As such, it is becoming more apparent that one church's growth often equals another church's decline, which means very little when it comes to growing God's kingdom. However, if you are building or thinking about building, there are some specific ways to maximize growth with your new facility.

These, combined with an emphasis on church health, could produce the kind of "returns" that will change hearts and lives forever. Consider these three suggestions:

Pray

As you begin construction, be sure to set up a plan for specific, directed prayer efforts. Of all the various activities, this is the most important. These efforts can be in the form of cottage prayer meetings in homes and/or an all-church prayer vigil.

Typically, they take place just prior to the grand opening of your church. These are concentrated prayer events especially focused on those who do not have a church home and just might be prompted to visit your new facility.

There is a "pioneering" feel to a new facility and some new folks may want in on the excitement.

This prayer emphasis also helps keep church members focused on the mission and not building issues. The enemy delights in wearing people out and keeping them distracted.

Promote

Some people may drive by your construction site and see what is happening, but most will need to hear about it through intentional methods of communication.

One of the best ways is to set aside a Sunday to specifically welcome people who currently do not worship anywhere. This day can then be promoted in any number of ways -- from personal invitation cards to television commercials on your local stations.

Be careful to match your message with your ministry target.

Another important method of communication is through low cost publicity. While you have less control over timing and content, a new building is a great human-interest story for local media outlets.

Preserve

Once new guests are beginning to visit your new building, it is essential that you intentionally assimilate them into your fellowship. Those that develop relationships early are the most likely to return on a

Be sure to use a directed program that includes greeters, ushers and a follow up team. Organizations such as Care Ministries are excellent at helping you implement this step of the process.

But don't expect new guests to immediately start coming week after week. It will take a while for those who haven't built church attendance into their weekly schedule, to make this a regular habit. This requires much prayer and personal relationship building.

For all the money church people give toward religious construction, the question of return on investment should be prayerfully considered and not just assumed. Ideally, a specific set of measurable goals, combined with a healthy discipleship program will result in more people knowing and growing in Christ.

Since 1983, Jim Couchenour has partnered with hundreds of churches to design and build new facilities through his work with Cogun, Inc. He is currently developing ways to bridge the gap between church and the unchurched.