When is the right time to build a new church building?

Answer

The key point is that only God can clarify what a church should do in all its spending and planning. Nevertheless, there are several crucial aspects that can be acknowledged.

It is sensible for a church to plan ahead and to be attentive to the increasing needs of the church community. It is also reasonable to envision what could be achieved in reaching others for Jesus Christ if the facilities were accessible. Many church growth specialists believe that when a church reaches 70-80% of capacity, it will not sustain further growth without expansion plans.

A church can drift into materialism when it starts to prioritize things over people. If a new building initiative is driven by the pride of its members rather than the effectiveness of its ministry, then the church is at risk of a misguided building project. Above all, the church should aim for Christ to be exalted, for the lost to be reached, and for the saved to be nurtured to the glory of God.

The church is not defined by a building but by the individuals whom God has redeemed and incorporated into His family. Often God chooses to bless a family with numerical growth. When a family expands, it typically evaluates whether there is adequate space in the current facilities. If space is insufficient, an extension is one possibility, as is a different residence altogether. The facilities should be planned to support the necessary functions of the household and not merely serve as a monument to the family’s eminence. For a church to genuinely expand in a godly manner, it must ensure that its motive is to be used by God to edify the body of Christ and contribute to the growth of the universal church of Jesus Christ. In essence, every ministry should be driven by “mission” rather than “market.”

The Word of God instructs us that the only proper way to undertake any construction is to base it on our relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). One of the significant challenges in constructing larger structures is the issue of pride and misplaced priorities “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”, (Psalm 127:1). Recall the parable of the wealthy man in Luke 12:16. We must never place our trust in material possessions or assume that what God blesses us with is something we have earned or can selfishly hoard.

Rest assured that if God intends for your church to grow, He will provide the necessary leadership, unity, and resources. If these elements are lacking, it is wise to pause and reassess the path forward. The Bible does not oppose the physical expansion of a church. The key lies in the timing, motivation, and intention behind the construction. God is more honored when the church obeys Him and grows spiritually than when it merely expands physically. Remember, anything done without faith is considered sinful; therefore, engage only after seeking God’s will and believing you understand His calling for you “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”, (Romans 14:23).