When are you going to start building ? 

That’s a question I get real often. It’s a question that almost always comes immediately after I tell people that we have purchased  land for Living Word.  It’s also a  pretty natural question, since the purpose for having land is to put a building on it.

I tell people that we don’t have any specific date set, and that ideally we plan to build within a couple of years. But a couple things  have to happen first:

1. We need to come up with a design and layout for the building.

Our Building Committee is in the process of traveling to different churches that have recently put up buildings. The committee’s goal is to get an idea of design characteristics that other congregations have found to work well. (They also want to find out what hasn’t worked - we don’t want to duplicate others’ mistakes).

After the research phase is complete we need to have an architect draw up a specific design.

Here are some basic design goals that we had set out in our Long-Range Plan when Living Word was formed.

The overall goal for our new building is that it...

·          Combine traditional style with contemporary function

·          Be accessible (single level or with elevators)

·          Be inviting (attractive, yet not expensive)

·          Be built for growth (easy to add planned additions)

Some other specific suggestions include:

·          A large, well-lighted multi-function area (vaulted ceiling?) that can serve as sanctuary and other functions.

·          Large gathering area (narthex) outside of the sanctuary

·          Air- conditioned - including kitchen

·          The cross and altar will be the focal point of the sanctuary

·          A bell tower/steeple with lighted cross visible at a great distance

·          Sound system, overhead screen and projector integrated into the design

·          A large stained glass window

·          Lots of clear-glass windows for natural light

·          A large, attractive sign that allows for messages to be changed weekly

·          Bathrooms (handicap accessible) in different areas of the building

·          A large kitchen with plenty of storage and counter space

·          Large area for classrooms

·          Large area for youth (possibly a detached temporary structure)

·          A covered ‘drop-off’ area

2. We need to raise the funds to be able to begin building what we design.

We plan to form a Finance Committee in the near future to oversee this capital fund drive. 

In talking with other churches that have recently built I frequently hear that a building program, in addition to being an exciting time, is also a fun time for a congregation. It’s fun to be part of designing and planning. It’s fun to work together to turn the design into reality. Our challenge through it all will be to remember that  the building is not the goal. The goal is to “make disciples.” The building simply serves to help us attain that goal.

  Thanks for asking,
Pastor David

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