Podcast Episode #324

Construction debt can be debilitating for churches, but there can be a way out. Today we discuss the unintended consequences of building too big and how to overcome them.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* If you build too big of a church facility, these things may happen.

* Don’t let unneeded building debt replace needed ministry funding.

* Unwieldy debt can get a church off message. They start thinking about surviving instead of thriving.

* It’s likely that less than 1% of churches have done a facility usage study in the past five years.

* There’s a perception that if you build a new church facility, people will come. That is simply not the case.

* People are more attracted to a church because of relationships and ministry, not facilities.

* Dealing with “the good ole days” is one of the most challenging thing any leader will face.

The eight consequences of building too big are:

* Debt becomes shackles.

* Morale is hit hard.

* Leaders spend too much time with a new narrative.

* Utility costs are too high and burdensome.

* They built it, but they didn’t come.

* The church becomes dangerously nostalgic.

* There are fewer financial resources for ministry.

* The church has difficulty finding good successor pastors.

Episode Sponsors

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Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* The Importance of Church Facility Stewardship featuring Tim Cool – Rainer on Leadership #317

* CoolSolutionsGroup.com

* Envelope3.com

* The Money Challenge

* When Not to Build

* Church Answers