Avoid These Common Mistakes When Communicating a Church Building Project
Every church construction project begins with a church-wide conversation. How you introduce this new initiative matters. A misstep at the beginning can have serious repercussions that reverberate throughout the process.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
1. “The board has decided”
As with any significant change in the church, it’s critical to set a tone of unity that communicates, “We are all in this together.” People will naturally struggle with adjustment when significant policy, vision, or plan shifts occur. Resistance is inevitable if they feel that decisions are being made without their input.
Church construction projects demand time, energy, and sacrifice from everyone. They can also be inconvenient. That’s why securing broad church buy-in is essential. Rather than presenting the project as a unilateral decision, guide your congregation through the thought process that led your leadership team to this point.
Take time to explain the options, the pros and cons of each, and the reasoning behind your chosen direction. Give people a couple of weeks to absorb this information. Eventually, you can say, “We’ve listened to your input, carefully weighed all the options, and as a church, we are moving forward in this direction.” This approach fosters greater acceptance than simply announcing, “We have decided . . .”
2. “This decision requires a consensus.”
While it’s important for everyone to feel heard, a building project cannot be managed by consensus. If you declare that you won’t move forward without a certain percentage of agreement, you may invite division. Dissenting voices will quickly mobilize against the project, and opposition can become disruptive.
You want to acknowledge people’s feelings and concerns without setting an arbitrary benchmark for approval. For example, if you promise, “We won’t move forward without 75% of the congregation’s support,” what happens if only 73% agree?
Seeking unanimous enthusiasm is unrealistic—and that’s okay. Instead, focus on clear, prayerful leadership rather than allowing the project’s fate to hinge on a percentage. Do not let hesitation or opposition limit what God is calling your church to do.
3. “We will not take out a loan.”
Church construction projects often come with unexpected challenges. Making absolute financial statements upfront can create unnecessary obstacles later.
Declaring that “We will not borrow money” may seem like a faith-driven commitment, but it could also put your church in a difficult position. Even with a well-planned capital campaign and fundraising efforts, unforeseen costs can arise—such as architectural fees, contractor retainers, or sudden expenses. In some cases, a loan may be the most prudent path forward.
Instead of making rigid promises, use language that allows for flexibility and wisdom: “We will not borrow money without due diligence, ensuring it aligns with our values and comes from a source with our best interests at heart.”
Prudence is Wisdom
At its core, effective communication is about clarity and care. Thoughtfully considering how different personalities in your congregation will interpret your message can make the rollout of your project much smoother. When people understand that you are working together as one church family, they will be far more likely to support and embrace the vision.
