Building by Biblical Principles
By Michael D. Barnes

A church building project is seldom easy. The journey can be trying, and the path can be full of sharp turns, detours, and potholes. There are budget constraints, building code issues, municipal requirements, city ordinances, design difficulties, many delays, and numerous other difficulties.  Often, these challenges focus the church, as well as the design professional, on the “bricks and mortar” issues of a building campaign. However, I believe that any church building process is much more than just “bricks and mortar.” If we are not careful, we can miss the spiritual journey upon which God intends us to embark. 

The Bible is full of promises relating to the church building journey. These references give us specific directives regarding the building of church facilities. It is important that both churches and design professionals understand the spiritual directives and that we walk “our walk” according to these biblical truths. It is critical that the entire church leadership team not only understand these spiritual directives but apply them throughout the journey.

Let me outline a few of these biblical directives that the Lord gives us regarding the “spiritual” aspects of building.

1. Unless the Lord builds…
“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder labors in vain.” --Psalms 127:1

It is important that we understand that the Lord is the master builder. He was the original architect and master planner of the entire universe. He spoke the world into existence, and it became. The church should never attempt a planning or building process in its own power. We are to make certain that the Lord is doing the building. The journey is a spiritual one, and the Lord must build the house. The leadership and design professional must always work in unity with the pastor of the local church as well as God himself.  He will guide, direct and build His house.

2. God directs us…
“We should make plans…counting on God to direct us.” --Proverbs 16:9

Solomon reminds us that we make the plans. However, it is God that directs us. Well-drawn plans always reflect God’s vision. Well-thought-out plans reflect the precise mission of the church. Well-conceived plans by the design professional embrace God’s heart for the church.  The spiritual journey of a church building process always brings God glory as He directs the process.

3. Vision is important…
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” --Proverbs 29:18

Vision begins with God. No building project can successfully take place and honor Him without that vision. Vision comes from the throne room of God to the spiritual leadership of the church and then to the architect. It is the design professional’s responsibility to understand that vision and to embrace it with skin, which becomes true “church architecture.”

4. Estimating is important…
“For who will begin construction of a building without first getting estimates…” --Luke 14:24

Approximately 80 percent of churches are over budget. Though it is a sad fact, approximately 80 percent of church projects run 30 percent over budget. It is important for the design professional to be accountable to the church’s available budget. The design professional is responsible for accurately counting the cost early in the process and then being accountable to it. Accurate construction accounting plus the application of Godly wisdom equals success of a church building campaign.

5. God cares about the details.
“Carry out the plan in every detail for it is the will of the Lord.” --1 Chronicles 17:2

We are to carry out the plan in every detail. We only need to look at the directives that God gave Noah to understand that God is a God of details. The tabernacle, which was designed by God, was clearly designed by God in every detail. God communicated to Moses all of the plans, and he was to build it according to the details. God gave David the plans of the temple. What does “in every detail” really mean?  I believe it means that the architect is to prepare designs that “in every detail” reflect the passion and the vision God has for that local church.

6. He will prosper…
“He will prosper us; therefore we as his servants will arise and build…” --Nehemiah 2:20

God always prospers His people. This is a scriptural truth. “Arise” means exactly what it says. We are to get up and get started. I have had many churches talk for years about building. They look for finances, and they look for land, but they never “arise.” It takes action on our part, and that action is very simple. I believe that God prospers us once we arise…to build. This is a universal and spiritual truth.

7. Always be strong…
“Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all of the work...is finished.” --1 Chronicles 28:20

It is important that the church be strong and courageous through a building process. He promises that He will never forsake us. Discouragement can often come upon a building committee and a church. I have sat with many leadership committees of a local church and I observe them as they discuss their “discouragements.” But the Bible tells us not to be afraid, He will not fail us.

These are but a few of the biblical directives that are given to the church for building. If we are not careful, this spiritual paradigm can be lost during the process of a building campaign. If we allow them, these biblical truths can guide us along the path to receive everything that God has for us. They are important biblical truths and need to be understood and embraced by any church deciding to embark on a building campaign. Embrace His word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your next project. 

Michael D.  Barnes, A.I.A., N.C.A.R.B., provides architectural services for sanctuaries and Christian educational buildings for a variety of projects. Barnes Design Group, P.C. is a leading-edge “church architectural” firm with a combined 150 years of church experience and more than 400 church commissions, www.BarnesDesignGroup.com.