(5 steps to get back on track)

It never ceases to amaze us how many churches have drawings for projects that never made it into construction. Sometimes a pastor will proudly pull out a set of drawings, now representing more of a hope than a vision. Some pastors share them sheepishly because there is pain and embarrassment about not moving forward. The reasons for the death of the project include congregational splits, unforeseen mergers, a pastor/administrator’s departure, etc. But, by far, the number one reason for not moving forward is because the church couldn’t afford the project. 

If you find yourself in that situation, here are 5 steps you can take to get back on track:

1. Understand what you can really afford – This is probably the easiest step. At this point, you know what cash you have on hand and you know what you can borrow. Remember that there will be costs beyond the building. Establish the budget for the project, not just the building.
2. Revisit your Vision – It is easy to get off track during the design phase. Take this opportunity to get back to what you felt your church is called by God to accomplish. Establish how the future will be different because of your ministry.
3. Prioritize your Needs – Using the Vision as the driver, decide the priorities that must be addressed first to move toward accomplishing your vision. Establish priorities.
4. Step back: This is the hardest step. Establish the resolve to start afresh.
   1. From the design – You have fallen in love with the look and feel of the new facilities as you’ve understood them from drawings and models. Ownership of the design has set in because you’ve spent tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars to get here. Give them up! It doesn’t mean all the programming and other work is wasted, but the worst mistake you can make at this point is to try to jam a square peg (the design) into a round hole (the budget). The design for a 50,000 sq. ft. facility that started out at 50,000 sq. ft. is very different than one that’s been cut back from 75,000 sq. ft.
   2. From your partners – It’s time to assess your team, internal and external. Is everyone still focused on the Vision? Do you still have a sense of community (not necessarily unity)? Do you still believe in the competence and character of the people you’ve hired to serve you? If not, stop!  And reorganize. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
5. Move forward in Reality – Now, take that knowledge and move forward. Establish next steps.

 Quarry Community Church is bringing the hope and compassion of the Gospel to Monticello, MN, about an hour northwest of Minneapolis. Lead Pastor, Michael Grose, and his team are doing a great work for Jesus. You get a glimpse of what they stand for with the analogy they use of a “quarry” (click here for the full Story of the Quarry):


The quarry is a place where you seek to find rocks.
The church is a place where you seek to find lost people.

The quarry is a place where rocks are formed, shaped and hewn for a specific purpose.
The church is a place where new believers in Jesus Christ are mentored and discipled to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

The quarry is a place where rocks are sent out to build something outside the walls of the quarry.
The church is a place where people are built up to be sent out and minister wherever God has called them.


The church is in the process of purchasing a building owned by the city. It was originally built as a bowling alley and over the last several years has fallen into disrepair. We are working with them to renovate this facility to develop needed ministry space and I had a chance to visit them, personally. We’re right at the crux of discerning vision, determining priorities and developing financial plans. It is always thrilling for me when I can be close enough to the vision to feel it.

I love this part because this is the very heart of what we do. The facilities are only tools for ministry but, because of the size of the capital expenditures, the facility decisions are critical. And I am more convinced than ever that bringing the right team into the room with the right process from the beginning results in the best facility decisions for church construction or renovation. I see this approach imitated by many under a variety of names but the “right team” and the “right process” are difficult to duplicate.

Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Monticello and the surrounding area.
May God use Quarry CC in a powerful way!