In some cases the building committees are elected by the general membership, complete with a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer or the newly elected executive committee often will select officers among themselves. Another approach is to have the official church board of the pastor select the committee, then present the list of candidates and subject to authority, forget the election, appoint your committee and proceed.

One church with which we’ve worked simply appointed two coordinators, both with construction experience, to run the whole project. Then again, there are other cases when a church has a business Administrator to whom the pastor assigns the job of running the building program. He alone has the role of gathering people he feels best to help and the pastor through a successful building program.

So, whatever is the best for you, your church and your ministry is workable. You will, however, best be served if those on the committee are familiar with the working of the church ministry and have a good business sense along with some organizational skills. The chairman whether he/she is a staff member or volunteer, should have a double dose of these admirable qualities since, he/she will be charged with the task of guiding the committee, organizing, scheduling meetings, making reports and recommendations.

Communication, once your building committee and officers are in place, make it perfectly clear what their jobs include: negotiation contracts, dealing with legal problems, having access to the checkbook, interviewing and selecting the architect builder, assisting in the choosing and purchasing of property, helping to secure financing, working with the architect and builder throughout the project, authorizing payments, staying abreast of the progress and reporting to the pastor, church board and membership.

If everyone knows going in what is expected of them and when, there would be a good working relationship. This is not to say your committee members won’t disagree every now and then. As a matter of fact, some different opinions can be healthy and productive. Overstepping boundaries and going against the tide of authority can put unnecessary stress on relationships and progress.