Should Churches Build?

The September/October issue of Outreach Magazine has an interesting article by Thom Rainer on whether or not churches should continue to pursue building programs. Rainer acknowledges the debate that the American Church continues to spend billions of dollars on new construction, yet there continues to be very few healthy churches. The conclusion, without research, would obviously suggest churches are wasting their money on new facilities when they could be using those dollars for other ministry efforts.

Rather than just relying on gut instinct, Rainer set out to research churches across the country. His team spoke to nearly 1,000 church leaders in 321 churches. 58 of the 321 interviews included on-site visits. Among his many findings: “We learned that 8 out of 10 churches experienced growth after a building program.” Rainer’s conclusion was this:

“While a building program cannot make an unhealthy church healthy, it can equip and inspire healthy churches to become healthier. Our research concluded that church building programs tend to help, not hurt churches.”

That has been the experience at Granger as well. We’ve been through five separate building phases. We’ve experienced growth after each phase, and the church has been in a stronger position each time to help people take their next step toward Christ.

Building programs aren’t right for every church. But for the community we’re trying to reach around Granger, Indiana, the facility matters. These five building phases have caused our church to become healthier by helping us to unify behind a strategic vision that we believe God has called us to in our community. Obviously, it’s also given us additional space to accommodate more people, particularly children, so that they can hear the good news of Jesus Christ.