Church construction forecast : 2022
It ’ s all about timing !
By Rodney C . James
As they say , “ timing is everything .”
When forecasting for church construction this year , there can ’ t be a more accurate statement .
In 2021 , we all saw crazy increases in the prices of construction materials , sometimes daily . While some of the chaos of pricing fluctuation has stabilized , the new challenge for 2022 is the availability of materials . Have you gone to the store recently and the items you needed weren ’ t in stock ? Ordered something online that normally shipped next day and now might take two weeks or more to reach your door ? Imagine managing the plethora of materials — from simple to complex — needed on a construction site , in a timely manner , to keep the project on schedule and on budget . The days of “ just-in-time ” are no more . The challenge has become that we have no certainty when or if certain materials can be delivered . One order of material might arrive in one week at one jobsite , while the same order on another project might be three months away from delivery . A multi-week delay for materials can be devastating to a project schedule and budget . Our team has been working tirelessly throughout the past year to set up new supply chains , create relationships with national buying power , and develop pre-purchase processes to begin securing materials in advance of construction . While it does cause us to invest a little more in storing and insuring those stored materials , it has helped us ensure that a project doesn ’ t sit idle , costing our clients by extending the timeline . When materials are purchased in advance , it ’ s critical that they ’ re stored securely , insured , and that all documentation is in order to mitigate the risk of possible loss due to theft , fire , or the company holding the materials incurring financial difficulties . It ’ s challenging , but the reward quickly outweighs the risk when you consider the cost per week of delays .
No time like the present The arrival of materials isn ’ t the only consideration ; the second hand of the clock is always ticking to prepare facilities for future growth and new ministry opportunities . Our firm is currently contracted with more than 20 churches that are planning , designing and building new or renovated facilities . We see tremendous Kingdom growth and momentum moving into this year . Multiple churches for which we have completed one phase of construction are moving directly into the next phase , without pause .
Other churches are partnering with us to plan facilities that will be constructed in 2023 and even into 2024 . While our team is busy every day helping churches vision , plan , purchase land or buildings , raise funds , design their spaces , or build their new facilities , it ’ s extremely exciting to see that God is indeed moving His Kingdom forward . Churches that have their facilities prepared and ready for the advancement of the Kingdom are putting themselves in a position for God to use and bless .
Financial fuel remains strong The final element of timing we ’ ve observed among the many ministries we ’ re serving is that generosity and giving is strong , enabling and empowering churches to better facilitate ministry . Many of the current capital campaigns and generosity initiatives for ministry facility projects are encountering supernatural results . Millennial and Gen-Z donors are empowered when they see the effect their gifts can make in the lives of people . Every building project in the Bible was funded by the entire nation of Israel . Everyone wanted to be a part of what God was doing . Those leaders — like Moses , David , Solomon , and Nehemiah — simply shared the vision God had given , and the provision for the project came in abundance . The call is sounded , and the time is now for you , as pastoral leaders , to articulate the vision God is putting in your hearts to take the next step in your ministry facilities . When the vision is clear and the “ why ” behind your building or renovation project is focused on people and changed lives , God moves the hearts of His people to bring the provision ! As Solomon says in Ecclesiastes , There is a time for everything … a time to tear down and a time to build . While 2022 might have its challenges for building or renovating , there ’ s no better time to ask God for a vision , to share that vision , and to watch Him fund the work . Having the right partner will be invaluable as you navigate your journey — one who understands the current challenges and is planning , developing processes , and seeking Godly wisdom to overcome these hurdles .
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