If your congregation is rapidly growing, you may be considering megachurch construction to expand your facilities to maximize your ministry impact.
Chances are, you’ve already thought about the incredible opportunities a megachurch would create for your ministry:
- Large capacity facilities allow your entire congregation to worship together under one roof.
- State-of-the-art technology creates an engaging and impactful worship environment.
- Multipurpose facilities offer endless opportunities for children’s ministry, family activities, and community outreach events.
However, there’s one catch—you need to find a reliable, experienced church builder who can turn your megachurch vision into a reality. But before we dive into what it takes to hire a qualified contractor, let’s answer one important question first:
Is your church a megachurch?
What Is a Megachurch?
Are you the pastor of a Protestant church with a weekly attendance of 2,000 or more people? If your answer is yes—congratulations! You’re the pastor of a megachurch.
Typically, megachurches offer multiple contemporary worship services per week to accommodate their large congregation. Each service features modern music, excellent sound systems, and cutting-edge technology. Megachurches also offer several programs, classes, and groups throughout the week for children, youth, adults, and families.
Why Is Megachurch Construction Different from Traditional Church Construction?
Unlike traditional worship spaces, megachurches face many unique obstacles during construction. Some challenging, yet critical, components of large, multi-campus churches include:
- Auditorium-style worship facilities
- Multipurpose buildings for children, youth, and community events
- AVL and broadcasting technology to connect multi-site campuses
- Ample space for parking, storage, and staffing
8 Qualifications to Look for in a Megachurch Builder
If you’re considering megachurch construction, you need to partner with a trustworthy, experienced builder who can expertly guide you through the construction process. However, we understand it can be frustrating to navigate which contractors are qualified to take on your project—and which ones aren’t.
Use this list of qualifications to hire a thorough, experienced megachurch builder who will exceed your expectations with a beautiful, functional church space.
1. Experience with Large Churches
It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway—your megachurch builder should have plenty of experience working with large, multi-campus churches before taking on your project.
As we mentioned earlier, megachurch construction management requires more coordination, time, and resources than a small, traditional church. You’ll want to work with someone capable of coordinating an ongoing, complex project on this scale.
2. Online Portfolio
When hiring a church builder, it’s great to have a preview of what your megachurch will look like once it’s complete. That’s why viewing an online portfolio of current and completed projects is a great place to start when familiarizing yourself with a construction contractor.
Not only will you see photos of beautiful, intricate work they’re capable of completing, but you’ll also learn how they were able to navigate challenges and find creative solutions to help pastors achieve the vision for their project.
3. Excellent Client Testimonials
What do other pastors have to say about working with your construction contractor? Did they complete the project on time? Did they stay within the budget? Were they communicative? Were they honest and creative?
Choose a megachurch builder with an excellent reputation for reliable, professional service, and you will set your project up for success.
4. Design-Builder
Managing relationships with your architect, engineer, designer, construction manager, and other subcontractors can feel like a full-time job in addition to pastoring your entire congregation. Instead of trying to do it all, simplify your life by hiring a design-builder for your megachurch construction project.
When you work with a design-builder, you communicate directly with one entity. Then, your design-builder manages the architecture, engineering, and construction of your church building while you can focus on ministry.
You’ll experience the fantastic benefits of a seamless construction process: timely completion, budget-friendly solutions, and simplified communication.
5. Licensed and Insured
It’s essential to choose a megachurch builder that’s licensed and insured. This way, you can ensure the contractor is qualified to complete work that’s up to code, minimize your church’s liability if a worker is injured on your property, and save money in the event of a claim.
6. Technology & AVL
Although all churches need audio, visual, and lighting integration, megachurches have complex technology needs that many contractors haven’t mastered. Large video screens, state-of-the-art sound systems, livestream technology, and multi-site church broadcasting are just a few megachurch features that traditional churches don’t need.
When hiring a church builder, choose someone with experience installing these systems and technologies to ensure seamless installation and operation.
7. Value Engineering
You’re paying millions of dollars for your megachurch construction project. It’s understandable you want to find low-cost design solutions that add value to your facilities. That’s why it’s essential to work with a church builder that offers value engineering services.
During the value engineering process, your contractor will sit down with you to understand your goals and aspirations for your church campus. Then, they will search for creative, low-cost solutions that add value to your construction project and eliminate elements that don’t contribute to your goals. Ultimately, value engineering will save time, money, and frustrations in the long-run by focusing the project on your goals during the pre-construction phase.
8. Organized & Detail-Oriented
Megachurch construction is a multi-faceted, complicated endeavor that requires an incredible level of focus and attention to detail. Look for a church builder that will outline each phase of work in the contract, including costs, deadlines, materials, and other factors, and will commit to evaluating each step’s quality along the way.
Partner with Churches by Daniels for Seamless Design-Build Megachurch Construction
Ready to partner with a nationally-recognized church builder that’s managed megachurch construction for pastors across the country?
Our knowledgeable, ministry-minded team can help you design and build beautiful, functional facilities that accommodate your congregation while respecting your timeline and budget.
Grow your ministry with reliable megachurch construction. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started!
