Creative Church Funding

This is one of the many creative ideas that Athens Church is using to create emotional buy-in from their church for their renovation project. Raising money can be more about life change and trusting God than church buildings… if you do it right.

Click Here Check out the details of the Athens Church project.

Can You Renovate a 100 Year Old Building?

This is Stage 1.2.3. at Rock Bridge Community Church where Matt Evans is the Lead Pastor.  This building is more than 100 years old and was origianlly a Ford Dealership.

Click Here to see the Walmart we’re renovating now for North Point Strategic Partner Athens Church.

BTW – If you want to see how a real leader walks through the valley follow Matt’s Blog.

Church Construction – Existing Debt vs Funding

Here is a quick video about how banks view your existing debt when you are looking to secure funding for new construction or renovation.

Post a comment if you have any questions.

Church Construction and Money

Church Construction Quick Start Guide – Build a long runway

Having a long runway means you have a great idea of where you’re going and how you’re going to get there long before you actually need to arrive.  I’m often with churches that need their new space yesterday.  They’ve come to what they believe is the right time to build in the life of their ministry only to find out the conversation they had yesterday, when they pushed the “start” button, should’ve happened 18 months ago.  Starting early is one of the best ways to leverage your resources well during expansion.  So here are a couple of things to consider while you’re building your runway. 

Money – When I’m considering working with a client here are a couple of metrics I like to see in place.

1. Debt to income ratio – I like to see a church at no more than 35 – 40% debt to annual income ratio.  If you have an annual income of $1 million, that means no more than $400,000 should be debt.  When you apply for funding the bank is not going to be interested in taking a second position behind your current debt.  Therefore, the new funding will have to cover the amount needed for the new project as well as the existing debt.   If that ratio is off balance your chances of funding drop significantly.
2. Cash On Hand – No matter what size the project, a minimum of $200,000 is going to be needed in a designated building fund to get the ball rolling.  A design team, contractor, and civil engineer are just of few of the professionals that will need to be hired prior to the project being fully funded.  Part of building a long runway is waiting until you have enough money to navigate the first season of the project financially.
3. Margin – I could go into a rant regarding how you need to maintain margin in your life through this process, but I’ll save that for a later blog in this series.  Having margin means there is a reasonable gap between cash in and cash out through the ministry.  Margin is one of the most commonly underestimated elements for churches that are seeking funding.  Today, banks are much more concerned with this number than annual income or Capital Campaign pledges.

If you’re church needs a financial check up I’d highly recommend you connect with Casey Graham over at The Change Group.  I feel like I get smarter every time I hear his name.  He has a new book out “Funded and Free” and has made the first three chapters available for download  free.  Click Here to download it…I dare you!

Click Here to Comment ….I double dog dare you!!

Athens Church Renovation Update with Pictures

This is what I woke up to this morning in my email from Sean Seay.  Sean is the Lead Pastor at Athens Church a North Point Strategic Partnership in the great city of Athens Ga.

 I think that I have one of the most incredible jobs in the universe.  To be able to spend my days working to build the church is: worship, challenging; inspiring; some days frustrating; and brings joy to my soul. 

Click For the Latest Photos

From Sean Seay Lead Pastor Athens Church

 “Friends,

 I just want you to know that I stopped by our future facility today and took a peak. Wow!

 When we got back home Bonnie & I took some time to pray for you & your company. We are praying for God to continue to lead you through this entire process. 

 We have respect for you as people and companies. We know that you’re great people and very trustworthy. That means a lot to us!

 I am so very excited about how this facility is going to bless the people of this city in such a special way. It’s going to be fantastic!

 Thank you so very much for all of the hard work, creativity, and flexibility you’re putting into making this a reality for us!”

Sean Seay
Lead Pastor
706.310.9300

 BTW the “Friends” he’s speaking of are

Clark – Audio Visual and Lighting

Neal-Prince LS3P -Architectrual Design

My Team at Cogun Inc Church Builders

Josh Bayne, Kristin Norris – PM Rockstars of Athens Church

 

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