GROWING WITHOUT BUILDING
James D. Berkley
October 1, 1987
Faced with the costs of a building project, many churches go into "blueprint shock," somewhat akin to "sticker shock" for new-car buyers. With costs close to $80 per square foot, growing churches are looking for alternatives to construction. Here are some of the creative approaches. Extra use from present space
The most cost-effective alternative is to maximize the use of the present facility. Russell Rosser pastors First Baptist Church in Flushing, New York, which has grown to nearly a thousand in a plant where the sanctuary holds four hundred. Every square foot gets multiple use. A secretary's desk is in the hall, worship overflow space is used by four classes during Sunday school, and a congregation of two hundred meets in the basement while another congregation of five hundred fills the sanctuary and overflow. "Our congregation is committed to utilizing facilities rather than protecting them," Rosser explains. "We had to give up the fortress mentality. It's impossible for groups or individuals to 'protect their turf' here, because so many people use the same turf. For instance, teachers have given up storage closets. That means the rooms don't always look neat because there isn't a place to put everything away. But we feel ministry is more important than keeping toys in order. Once people become committed to the bigger picture-reaching out-they can share facilities. We can replace a carpet that's getting worn; we don't have to guard it." That commitment begins with Rosser and the staff. Some offices at First Baptist contain day beds or couches, allowing them to double as bedrooms at night for interns and visiting missionaries. The same offices, with the addition of a few chairs, become classrooms several times a week. "When ...
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