A church building or renovation project is no small feat. It not only takes considerable effort—on the part of the pastor, building committee, and congregation itself—but it takes considerable time in the life of the church as well.

According to the National Association of Church Design Builders (NACDB), “Building a church is a commercial scale development that requires considerable attention to literally hundreds of details. Historical averages indicate that it takes 18 to 21 months for the entire process. It can take as little as 12 months for a very motivated church.”

The NACBD breaks down the main phases of a construction project as follows:
 
1. Preliminary Design/Build Services – 3 to 4 months
2. Construction Documents – 3 to 8 months
3. Construction – 7 to 10 months

In our annual focus on church construction, we spotlight the various aspects of a building project, from assembling the building committee and understanding the costs to leading the congregation through the process and organizing your plans and procedures. We have brought together several of the leaders in this segment of the industry to pass along their knowledge and expertise to you. It’s my hope that we arm you with as much useful information as possible as you lead your church in this new direction.

This issue is packed with lots of other great information, as well. Just to give you a preview, we outline the equipment and supplies you need for your church’s daycare, highlight the recreation and ministry opportunities that a church-sponsored camp experience provides, pass along guidelines as you evaluate and purchase tables and chairs for your facility, and specify considerations for selecting Sunday School curriculum.

I’m always interested in hearing from you. You can reach me at jill@rpnmag.com.

God Bless,

Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor