Postscript - Prepare for Spiritual Warfare
Some of the most valuable truths that I have learned throughout my years of experience in church
architecture and construction deal with the "spiritual warfare" aspect of any church building project.
Remember what you are doing. You are getting ready to make direct advancements into the enemy's
camp as you proceed to design and build an effective ministry tool in your community.
Avoid Strife. No strife does not mean that there will be no trouble. You're going to have trouble, just
be ready for it. Nearly every construction project has some problem with items coming in over-budget.
Nearly every project has some aspect or trade that throws off the schedule a little bit. Nearly every
project has some general problems with a subcontractor, the city, the weather, etc. Just be ready. It is
how we respond to these things that gets us into real trouble. This is where the enemy can get in and
try to destroy things. I've seen damaging strife on some building committees and within some congregations.
One building chairman died of a heart attack. And, there is one church that no longer exists today
because it split over a building program. No building program is worth having this kind of disharmony
and I contend that a project can be completed without it. So be encouraged. Yes, there will be some
troubles but the project can be completed without strife, and miracles will happen when the project is
based on prayer.
Integrity. In all things be upright. Treat the subcontractors well. Don't try to beat them down on price
beyond a fair point of competitiveness. Be a good example to everyone during any tough times that may
occur. I worked on one project where nearly every major subcontractor told me that they would never
attend that church because of the poor way in which they were treated. Let your project be a lasting
testimony to all the workers, subcontractors and to the community.
Excellence. Although the budget is the central factor in each project, avoid compromising the quality
of your facility because of it. Find a proper balance, and keep in mind that temporary and/or cheap
solutions usually become permanent eyesores. Do it right the first time. We can go overboard in our
attempt to be "good stewards," and suffer for it. Let everything that we build, to the best of our
ability, be done with excellence.
