Know Who to Trust
We frequently observe churches make tragic choices about whom to trust. It is disturbing to us how many churches call us AFTER they have made poor decisions based on bad advice from unqualified professionals. It is so common, that we feel comfortable calling it a pattern. To address this pattern, we have expended great effort to identify the following root causes:
1. Over-Spiritualization
Sometimes God speaks in mysterious ways, but sometimes He calls us to make decisions based on clearly discernable facts and truth. Many churches seem to think if they hire other Christians, they are automatically making a good decision. This is not just erroneous, but a cop-out! You have a responsibility to consider the facts and ask the right questions. Is this architect qualified? Does he have proven experience in this area? Does he demonstrate the thoughtfulness and listening ability to provide creative leadership for our project?
2. Under-Spiritualization
On the other hand, you aren’t running a business. The decisions you have to make are intrinsically spiritual. Your church is unique and most architects don’t understand your church's personality, needs, goals, or eternal mission. We believe it is a good idea for you to work with Christians because they are likely to have the proper insight into what makes you tick. But being a sincere Christian does not automatically equal professional skill. Just because someone you hire is a Christian, does not mean that they are good at what they do. It would almost be better for you to hire excellent professionals who aren’t believers, rather than believers who are poor professionals. But if you can find believers who are excellent professionals, then you really have something. And of course, we happen to know where you can find people of such caliber.
3. Control Issues
You can’t solve this problem yourself, nor should you try. Every day you choose not to call trustworthy advisors is a day you squander your church's mission. You’re going to have to seek skilled advice at some point, so do it sooner rather than later.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;”
True Story: We showed up to an interview and the pastor immediately unrolled a large sheet of paper on which he had drawn detailed plans for his church. We often get sketches but these had obviously been labored over and were really quite good. (Except for four fatal flaws that we identified immediately). Honesty prevailed over diplomacy and we pointed out the problems. The pastor was not pleased and instantly displayed an angry defensive posture. It quickly became apparent he was more invested in his own ‘plans’ than in God’s plan.
“The one who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but the one who walks in wisdom will escape.”
A note to Pastors: The building process is complicated and lengthy, with challenges unique to each project. If you let it, it will suck you dry and distract you from your God-given calling to shepherd and teach your flock. We encounter ‘Jr. Architect’ syndrome all the time. This is not to say you will not be an essential part of your project, or you should have no say in the design of your facility. Our advice is this: you should be as involved in the design of your building as you want your architect involved in pastoring your church. Your project can succeed or fail based on the church leadership making the right decisions to trust the right people. Trust the right people.
“A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice.”
No Silver Bullet
You’re wise enough (and poor enough) to know there is no get-rich-quick scheme. Anyone who tells you they’ve got a magic secret formula for success is selling you snake oil. The process we advocate is a tried and true process. We have refined it with what little wisdom and experience we have gleaned in our experience. Although we are extremely creative, when it comes to the building process, we did not pioneer anything; we’re blazing no trails, there’s no magic, no ‘wizard’ behind the curtain. When you take a team to climb Mount Everest, getting to the top is hard enough without trying to find your own way.
“What exists now is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing truly new on earth. Is there anything about which someone can say, “Look at this! It is new!”? It was already done long ago, before our time.”
Just as there is nothing new in theology, worship, or architecture, there is no brand new system to magically bring you an awesome building. You want to know the real system for success? It’s not unique!
“In the final analysis, the race is won by right objectives relentlessly pursued. Whether it is an athlete reaching a super bowl, parents raising a houseful of kids, a young woman earning her PHD or a gifted musician perfecting his skills on an instrument. Hanging tough over the long haul is still the investment that pays the richest dividends. And, I might add, it brings the greatest joy.”
Church leadership rooted in selflessness and guided by a strong mission, working alongside diligent and reliable advisors, will accomplish a successful building project.
This article is part of our “Form Follows Mission” series, in which we provide practical answers to Church leaders’ most important questions regarding the intersection of worship and architecture. Read more here.
