Buildings provide a base of operations and a physical identity for ministry in a community. Good buildings and property development can simplify the work of ministry, enable creation of new ministries, enhance the effectiveness of a ministry, and help stretch the resources available for ministry. Building planning information, resources and personalized assistance are available for churches and ministries of all sizes and types .
Basic Building Process GuideA two-page information sheet (pdf) details a step-by-step process for discovering need, planning, designing and constructing your church building. The process lists each action involved in the process, who is responsible for taking each action and outside assistance, where needed. The estimated time for each phase of the process is included. E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Online FACTSheets and Estimators/CalculatorsFACTSheets, available in English and Spanish online, are one- to two-page information sheets that address very specific topics such as how large should a worship foyer be, how many square feet of floor space are needed for each child in a classroom and how large should a gymnasium be. Currently, there are three Online Estimators, which will help your church determine its ministry needs, including the cost of a new building. E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Building Planning ConsultationYou can request a personal, on-site visit with a consultant experienced in ministry planning, church design and building processes to assist with planning your new church. The process is designed to respond to the actual ministry and facility needs of your church and may address remodeling of current space, addition of new space, analysis of property being considered for purchase, evaluation of land for relocation or starting a mission church, master planning for long term growth, orientation of a building planning team, etc. The meeting may include staff, long range planning team, property team, building team, deacons, finance committee, Sunday School leadership, the entire church membership or a combination of groups. There is no charge for this service. Contact us. E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Church Administration/Owner Responsibility IssuesWe can inform and educate your church leadership in making decisions related to the business side of operating your church. We can address with you issues related to buildings and property as they relate to current or proposed ministries. We are also available to answer your questions regarding church business related issues such as property purchase, parking safety, general security issues, environmental hazards, taxable land use, purchase of existing buildings and state licensed day care, to name a few of the common areas of responsibility for many churches. Contact us. E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Master Site Plan / Floor Plan Drawing StudiesMaster Site Plan and Floor Plan Drawing Studies are conceptual drawings that serve as tools to help your church make good decisions about its facilities. They are prepared by consultants and designers to show how your church could best use and develop its facilities and property to meet its ministry needs. These plans do not replace the construction engineering drawings of an architect, but rather provides you with vital planning information on space requirements and effective building design for the unique needs of your church. Contact us. Master Site Plan example 1 (pdf) Master Site Plan example 2 (pdf) Master Site Plan example 3 (pdf) E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Small Church Loans and GrantsFor more information on the Small Church Loan, Smith Loan, Small Church Matching Grant and the Disaster Relief Church Building Recovery Grant, look under Church Finances in the Money Matters section. Loans are provided to churches that are affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Information on Funding Sources for Church Building ProgramsThe BGCT church architecture office can provide you with information regarding options for funding your church building program. This includes consideration of a feasible building project budget as it relates to your church’s annual income, current indebtedness, financial capability and type of building project. Some of the options include mortgage loans through the Baptist Church Loan Corp., local banks and a United We Build fund-raising program provided through the BGCT stewardship office. E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Guidelines for Making Children’s Areas Safe and AccessibleA consultant from our church architecture office can offer suggestions regarding the physical aspects that help make existing preschool and children’s spaces safer while considering accessibility requirements. For example, space can be reconfigured to move preschool classrooms to a ground floor area that has low pedestrian traffic and yet is close to the worship center, parking areas and play areas. Or, perhaps an arrival area could be created in which to welcome children and parents, and at the same time control access to the children’s areas. The same concerns for safety and accessibility are taken into consideration when planning new space. Contact us. E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
Phone: 214-828-5135 Pre-Purchase Analysis of Buildings and PropertyIf your church is considering purchasing undeveloped land or existing buildings, the BGCT church architecture office can help. In addition to using the FACTSheets available online, you can meet with one of our consultants who will assist you in evaluating property prior to purchase to determine the ministry capacities for worship and parking, as well as the suitability for site development costs for a church facility. Contact us. E-mail: architecture@bgct.org
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