What is a church planter to do?  God is blessing his work and the church is growing. On a normal Sunday, the rented hall is filled, and on special days it overflows.

The congregation needs its own facility. They invite visitors, but often hear the response, "Let me know when you have your own building." Townspeople have hinted that this is probably just another "fly-by-night" storefront operations. The need is obvious, but so are the obstacles. How does a young church buy property, hire an architect, find a contractor who understands church construction, and put up a building adequate to meet its growth needs?

This scenario is not altogether fictional. These problems and challenges are real-world for the church planter. Ironically, the greater the spiritual blessings, the more pressing the need. Is there help to be had? Fortunately, there is.

A Bit of History

Early church planters were "do-it-yourself-ers." When a building was needed, people came from miles around for what could best be described as "bees," and made short work of construction. In today's restrictive building climate such methods are less viable. The CBM Building Ministries were born in response to the need, and today a workforce of over forty missionaries devote themselves to building new churches.

Proof in the Pudding

The impact is considerable. The young congregation can acquire a building much sooner, saving support dollars by shortening the time needed to plant a church. Also, a new church can be finished (site work, structure, mechanicals, sound system, baptistry, offices, nursery, pews and pulpit furniture included) for a fraction of the cost of standard construction.  Literally millions of dollars have been saved over the years.

Keeping it Going

The need for new churches is more critical today than ever. New churches are less able to do their own work, and building codes are more restrictive. Labor costs for skilled tradesmen are often prohibitive. There is great value in having help from experienced missionary work teams who have "been there and done that" before.

Help Wanted

To guarantee the growth of these valuable services, there must be a steady flow of new candidates for the Building Ministries: godly people, proven in local church ministries and gifted in various aspects of the construction trades.

Second, churches and individuals who share an understanding of the importance of this ministry must commit to the support of those doing the work.

Third, there is need of many volunteer builders and work teams. This is a wonderful opportunity for retired and semi-retired people who enjoy travel, and have a desire to use their skills in the Lord's work. Volunteers are welcome for short or long terms. Church groups able to provide their own housing may find one of these projects a rewarding missionary venture without the expense of overseas travel. Youth groups can often be accommodated as well. Leaders of groups or individual volunteers may obtain more information through the CBM Building Department...

"Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me... and they said, 'Let us rise up and build'. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." Nehemiah 2:18