2007 Pastors Exec. Forum
The 'A to Z' on How to Design & Build Your Church
Wednesday, October 24, 9am-4:30pm, 2007 Atlanta, Georgia
Co-produced by XPastor.org and WFX
- attendee's notebook from Atlanta 2007 and Indianapolis 2008
- comments from Atlanta, 2007 and Indianapolis 2008
Event Chair: Dr. David Fletcher
Dr. David Fletcher; Executive Pastor, Grace Covenant Church, Austin, Texas, and founder of XPastor.org. Dr. Fletcher is a skilled networker who brings together the right church leaders to speak on topic. By using stories and case studies of current churches, you'll learn by idea and practice!
This new executive training session for Senior and Executive Pastors will provide top-level church leadership with concepts and strategies to successfully lead their church through the facilities growth process. Co-produced by XPastor.org, this exclusive day-long session features case study presentations as well as small and large-group discussions, and is a must-attend event for pastors of growing churches.
Walk Away Knowing
- How to build according to your church's spiritual DNA
- The steps and language of how to share your church's spiritual DNA with your architect
- How to design your "dream" church within the constraints of your budget
- How to better talk the language of architects, bankers and contractors
- How to better fund your new building project
- and much more
Consider if just one idea from the day saves you $10,000 or $100,000 or $1,000,000. What if you are about to build on the "wrong" spot on your property? Do you gel with your architect?
Presenters
- Ray Anderson, Executive Pastor, Grace Covenant Church, Austin, Texas
- Michael Boblit, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, California
- John Jackson, Architect, Jackson Galloway, Austin, Texas
- Brad Leeper, Generis, Altanta, Georgia
- Paul Sewell, Executive Pastor, Oak Hill Baptist Church, Griffin, Georgia
- Bob Feitl, Executive Pastor, Richland Bible Church, Richland, Michigan
Sign-up for this WFX special feature during the WFX registration process. Sign-up early and save! The Pastors Executive Forum registration includes lunch, handouts, and a full day of learning with and from your peers.
XPastor events are led by current church leaders. Pastors talking to pastors! The context of the discussion is always centered on the local church and how churches are doing and improving ministry
Forum Topics
Spiritual DNA:
Spiritual Leadership for a New Building
Spiritual DNA: putting in print the unique factors of your church. The Great Commandment and Great Commission are universal drives for churches, but what is unique to your church?
If you don’t know your spiritual DNA, then you will “build the wrong building!” And if you don’t know where you’re going, then any road will do! We'll explore the following important considerations: style of worship — classic, traditional, blended, contemporary, ultra-contemporary; ancient/future motifs in your church; how formal is your congregation; role of existing and future technology; multiple uses of the room or space; knowing your congregation and how building materials will help or hinder your worship experience. These have huge building implications!
Designing the Dream:
Interaction with the Architect
Pick “any” architect and you will get “any” building! Is this what you really want? In this part of the program, you will learn the 5 top questions for selecting your architect and some of the key terms in an “architect’s language” that will help you express your dreams. How can you select the best architect and how can you interview the architect? At the Pastor's Executive Forum, you'll have the opportunity to talk to a church that is in the middle of the design to construction process.
Lunch Interview & Open Discussion
When XPastor.org is involved, lunch times are always vital sessions! Our lunch will interview an experienced strategist from ECCU, pastors and others—about how to raise funds for your project. Bring you questions as it will be interactive.
Funding the Dream:
Working with Bankers and Fundraisers
For many, this is the biggest challenge. How can I get the right help? What are my options in “doing it myself or getting a professional to assist us?”
We will explore the key components to a successful financial campaign and answer your most pressing questions. In raising money, how much is enough, not enough and too much? What if God brings in more than we asked for? Less than we asked for? What are some principles about borrowing and the role of debt? Talk to two churches that have recently funded their dream.
Building the Dream:
Working with a Contractor
Do we need an “owner’s representative” to work with the contractor? Learn how to define the role of church staff in working with the contractor and list the options that are readily available. What about the contract and possible cost-overruns. How long will it really take to build? Talk to a church that has recently finished their building!
Spiritual DNA & Designing the Dream
… people doing it right now
Grace Covenant Church in Austin has just finished designing and funding the dream, a new 1900 seat worship center. Interact with Ray Anderson, the Executive Pastor in charge of the building project. Ray will be joined by John Jackson, a principal in Jackson Galloway, who designed the building. See not only the finished drawings, but all the designs leading up to the final. The church started with a two-story concept and finished with an arena-style worship center. Ray and John will be available in the afternoon to discuss issues about your church.
Funding & Building the Dream
Oak Hill Church has recently finished construction of a new worship center. Paul Sewell is their Executive Pastor and had a team of people helping him to oversee the construction. Paul will share his experience of negotiating the loan with several banks, selecting the right bank and then working with the contractor. Pual will have key members of his team share about their role in the project. Paul will be available in the morning to discuss issues about your church.
Contractors & Fund Raising
Bob Feitl was a general contractor for years, building immense projects around the world—then God called him into ministry. As an Executive Pastor, he has brought his experience into the church world. Bob will share his wisdom with the entire group. And, bring your questions for Bob as he will be available all day to interact with you and your project.
Attendees
- Mike Armstrong, Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church of Winter Park, Winter Park, FL
- Jim Babbage, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, CA
- Tyrone Barnette, Pastor, Peace Baptist Church, Decatur, GA
- Jerry Bell, Senior Pastor, New Vision Family Fellowship Church, Mesquite, TX
- Michael Boblit, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, CA
- Edward Branch, Senior Pastor, Third New Hope Baptist Church, Northville, MI
- Dr. Rob Bray, Executive Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Brunswick, OH
- Andre Butler, Senior Pastor, Faith Christian Center, Smyrna, GA
- Delores Cain, Pastor, Heritage Christian Community Baptist Ch, Tampa, FL
- Roger Christian, Executive Pastor, Piedmont Church, Marietta, GA
- Randy Craighead, Executive Pastor, Church of the King, Mandeville, LA
- Denny Curran, Senior Pastor, River of Life Assembly of God, Cold Cold, MN
- Lee Davenport, Minister, Faith Christian Center, Smyrna, GA
- Mike Davis, Pastor, Lucia Baptist Church, Stanley, NC
- Moe Diggs, Executive Pastor, Parkway Wesleyan Church, Roanoke, VA
- Stanley Featherstone, Deacon, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Landover, MD
- George Freebersyser, Executive Pastor, Triangle Community Church, Apex, NC
- Gary Glover, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Loveland, CO
- David Greene, Senior Pastor, Second Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN
- Brian Halley, IT Associate, Southern Union Conference of SDA, Decatur, GA
- Michael Henderson, Pastor, New Beginnings Community Church, NC, NC
- Othon (JC) Hendrix, Executive Pastor, Colorado Christian Fellowship, Aurora, CO
- Susan Hendrix, Director of Congregational Care, Colorado Christian Fellowship, Aurora, CO
- Don Hughes, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, CA
- Doug Humphrey, Senior Pastor, Triangle Community Church, Apex, NC
- John Jackson, Principal/President, Jackson Galloway Associates, PLLC, Austin, TX
- John K. Jenkins, Senior, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Landover, MD
- Darrell Johns, Pastor, Atlanta West Pentecostal Church, Lithia Springs, GA
- Felecia Kellam, Pastor, Banaja Mount Zion Holyness Church of God, Reidsville, NC
- Sean Libby, Pastor, Christian Life Center, Gaithersburg, MD
- Ron Libby, Senor Pastor, Christian Life Center, Gaithersburg, MD
- Fred Lodge, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Blairsville, GA, Blairsville, GA
- Jeff Love, Pastor, Broadway Avenue Baptist Church, Boise, ID
- Charles Major, President, Share Financial Services, Inc., Dallas, TX
- Colin McLean, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, TX
- Chris Michaels, Senior Minister, Center for Spiritual Living, Kansas City, MO
- Jeremy Moore, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, CA
- Ford Mosby, Ruling Elder, Highlands Presbyterian Church, Ridgeland, MS
- Chad Neal, Pastor, Fuquay Varina Presbyterian Church, Fuquay Varina, NC
- Ricky Nixon, Trustee, Atlanta West Pentecostal Church, Lithia Springs, GA
- Clay Parker, Ruling Elder, Highlands Presbyterian Church, Ridgeland, MS
- Kevin Peck, Pastor of Leadership Dev, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, TX
- Chuck Peterson, Executive Pastor, River of Life Assembly of God, Cold Cold, MN
- Kenneth Pittman, Assistant Pastor, Second Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN
- Clint Rhoney, Associate Pastor, Lucia Baptist Church, Stanley, NC
- Kenneth Rogers, Senior Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church, Paris, TX
- Alexander Smith, Senior Pastor, Elm Street Church of God, Statesboro, GA
- Kevin Song, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, CA
- Tom Terry, Director of Marketing, RW Allen & Associates, Augusta, GA
- Robert Travis, Executive Pastor, Jacksonville Chapel, Lincoln Park, NJ
- David Treadway, Dr, Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, Hickory, NC
- Karry Wesley, Pastor, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
- Joseph Wheat, Senior Pastor, Highlands Presbyterian Church, Ridgeland, MS
- Earl Wheatley, Senior Pastor, NorthPark Church, Meridian, MS
- Darrell Whipple, Associate, The Shepherd’s Staf, Cartersville, GA
Schedule
9:00 |
Welcome & Introductions |
9:30 |
Spiritual DNA: Spiritual Leadership for a New Building—Ray Anderson |
10:00 |
Small Group Discussion: Do you know your spiritual DNA? How would you define your church’s vision? Conceptualize your building around your spiritual DNA. Create a list of the “Top 5 Markers of our Spiritual DNA. |
10:15 |
Large Group Discussion |
10:30 |
Break |
10:45 |
Designing the Dream—John Jackson |
11:15 |
Small Group Discussion—Does your building reflect your past, current or future spiritual DNA? How would your design work the your architect look when you have defined your spiritual DNA? List your top 5 questions/issues for your architect. |
11:45 |
Large Group Discussion |
Noon |
Lunch Discussion |
1:15 |
Break |
1:30 |
Funding the Dream—Paul Sewell & team |
1:45 |
Small Group Discussion—How are your going to fund your dream? Who can you get to help with the capital campaign? Will it be solely home brew or will you use and outside expert? How will you utilize your banking relationship to fund your building? |
2:15 |
Large Group Discussion |
2:45 |
Break |
3:00 |
Moving into the Dream—Paul Sewell & team |
3:15 |
Small Group Discussion: What issues will arise as you move into your new building? |
3:45 |
Large Group Discussion |
4:00 |
Conclusion |
Comments
Things I loved, that connected with me
- All segments were very good
- Excellent case studies
- Good breadth of presenters
- Small group discussions/table discussions/ Small group talk
- Learning about team approach
- Small groups at the table
- Presentation by Oak Hill/real life case studies/ Grace Covenant model
- Very good information was presented
- More than I expected (very happy with that)
- Selecting an architect
- Biblical approach to building
- A balanced presentation of pros/cons of financing strategies
- A thorough presentation on building issues
- Panel discussion
- Spiritual DNA discussion
- Various speakers
- The working relationship of design it/build it/own it
- Everything!
- Personal time with Bob/Mark
- Confirmation of process we have engaged in
- Celebration of “milestones”
- The whole concept!
- Good communicators
- Morning was excellent, especially DNA talk
- Good interviews
- Great food
- Good insights for moving in
- Personal interaction with presenters—individually, small group, large group
- Cohesiveness of components
- Diversity of viewpoints
- Peer group forum
- Very informative—gave me much to think about!
- Having the resources available on website was a great idea
- Personal interaction with speakers was valuable
- Meeting the pastors at the tables provided great discussion
- Good Q&A time throughout. We learned new things
- The financial pros and cons
- The architectural side of planning
- “Moving Into Your New Facility” was a real eye opener.
- Practical guidelines for architects
- Opportunities to network
- Panel discussion with lender, consultant, XP
- Great expert forum—very informative
- Appropriate details with applicable information
- Very well facilitated—on schedule and point
- Spiritual DNA – This is what we need to define/clarify
- Process of developing construction team
- Great overview of key aspects of the overall process
- The speakers were excellent and accessible
- I enjoyed the input and sharing at my table
Things I would like to change
- How do we lose the “Best Kept Secret” in town?
- I’d like to hear from a smaller church, 800 or under
- Time to discuss with my team
- Break during lunch with no speaker or anything—to mingle with those attending conference
- List of “best things we did” or “things you need to avoid.”
- More discussion on deciding between project manager and architect and general contractor
- Only that this component needs to be on a different day than the other WFX Seminars
- Evening session or dinner/mixer for continued individual contact
- What works best and what doesn’t in a building
- Add information on tangible cost planning
Other Comments
- (about David) Very personable; appreciate your coming up before things began and introducing yourself. Thanks for sharing the stage with others.
- Thanks for having this special Executive Pastors Forum. It went fast with all the variety—really enjoyed it. Very beneficial
- Looking forward to looking at the XPastor website
- Thanks so much. Looking forward to seeing you in February ’08 at the XP-Seminar.
- Since we are in the building process, I was looking for practical information. The conference did a good job providing that kind of information.
- Thanks, David! You are incredible at this. You are building the Kingdom by investing is us so much.
- Your professionalism and preparation was very appreciated. Please feel free to contact the Austin Stone team in the future. We definitely plan on using the information gleaned during these sessions.
- Overall, very helpful.
- It was a good day. I enjoyed the interaction with others and hearing about their experiences. There are several nuggets that I got from the presenters.
- I really appreciated the comments that David made concerning his desire to have more African American churches involved in WFX.
Sponsors
We welcome the Evangelical Christian Credit Union as a sponsor, www.eccu.org. The Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU) is a trusted banking resource that shares your passion for kingdom impact. With wisdom gained from more than 40 years of experience serving evangelical ministries, we are helping churches in all 50 states increase their effectiveness through biblically based banking, financing, and investing services.
Thanks to our friends at Generis Partners, www.generis.com, for being a sponsor. Generis says: “True giving is a deeply transformative act. At Generis, we believe it’s less about raising capital and more about raising the spiritual consciousness of people. It’s about meeting churches where they are and helping them achieve their own true vision according to their unique culture. Whether that entails a video venue, multi-campus site, or raising a daunting amount of capital, Generis consultants are ready to share the Leadership’s risk—because they understand it. Brad Leeper and his counterpart, Gerald Farley, have both served in church leadership roles and have real-life experiences to offer far beyond that of most industry consultants.”
