When Not to Build: An Architect's Unconventional Wisdom for the Growing Church

by Ray Bowman, Eddy Hall

Wise insight on building a church, growing a church, and keeping costs low. For pastors, leaders, and building committees.

Genres: Leadership, Architecture

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book when thinking about designing and utilizing church space. The discussion of motives and goals surrounding building was great. I found the middle section dealing with ministry style recommendations a bit distracting from the rest of the book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into how we use our church space as it relates to the true mission of the church!

[Todd Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read...helps those not in the building industry to understand some important concepts. Open for business was valuable to me.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray Bowman is from the same background as I: the Church of the Nazarene. When this book was recommended to our church on-denominational church's building committee, upon reading the background, I remembered his name. He has been the principle designer for a number of large church buildings in his denomination, and ai have been in some of them.

It was surprising to learn from his book that Mr. Bowman sometimes recommends to churches that they do not build. He gives solid and wise reasons for that. The reasons often come down to motives, as well as practical and financial considerations. I believe if congregations followed his wisdom we would see a lot fewer financial and other disasters in the church building arena.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for any pastor or church leader considering a building program. The bottom line is that most of the time, a new building is poor stewardship. If you decide to build anyway, then this title gives tips on ways to use the structure as efficiently as possible. A must-read for congregational leaders.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great principles, but the authors are overly influenced by modern (and post-modern) ideas of what worship and ministry are. However, more churches should reflect on WHY they are building, instead of spending tons of money (or going into huge debts) just to have a gym for the youth.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical and helpful book for fully utilizing your current facilities before building a new one. Also a good reminder not to get into a situations where the people's ministry is the church building.

[Craig Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got a lot out of this book.

[Craig Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide that every church leader ought to read when considering the advantages and disadvantages of building.