Over the first 5 years of my ministry here at CCV we purchased 19 acres of land and built 2 buildings (50,000+ square feet). That’s right! Probably more than anything else, I’ve been a construction manager since becoming an executive pastor.
“Construction Manager” probably doesn’t adequately cover it. Maybe a better title would be “Building Program Leader.” Why? Construction management begins once a contractor is selected and construction is about to begin. The executive pastor’s role is much wider in scope.
The executive pastor’s role in this area includes the following:
- Needs Assessment and Master Planning – The chore here is to review attendance and other data in order to determine space requirements. From there, working with a master planner, the executive pastor oversees the development of a “master plan.”
- Capital Campaign Oversight – For the most part, any land purchase and/or construction project requires a pretty major fund raising effort. In the church this is usually done via a capital campaign. The executive pastor oversees the campaign, either leading the campaign themselves or directly supervising a capital campaign consultant.
- Land/Facilities Search – The executive pastor oversees a search for suitable land and/or facilities for the church. This often includes contact with the local municipality, real estate brokers, etc.
- Loan Application – Most construction projects involve a construction loan and long-term mortgage. The executive pastor is directly involved in finding a suitable bank or other funding organization and successfully completing the loan application process.
- Contractor Selection – The executive pastor manages the search for a general contractor. At least 3 different options are found, developed, and compared. This involves much interface and coordination between the master planner and each contractor, all of which is overseen by the executive pastor.
- Construction Management – As construction gets underway, the executive pastor is usually the overall construction manager. The construction manager oversees the general contractor and/or any other contractor involved in the project, resolving day-to-day issues that arise.
- Implementation – As construction nears completion, the executive pastor works with the staff on space planning and doing what is necessary to get moved in to the new space.
So, some amount of experience with facilities construction is a good thing when you’re an executive pastor.