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Early Bird Pricing …

Presentations with plenty of small group discussion

One Day Workshop in Dallas on May 14 or SoCal on June 4

Bring your team—the 4th person comes for free

Senior Pastor says, “No one can find their way from the parking lot to the worship center.”

Worship Pastor says, “This room is full of hot spots and quiet zones … everyone is unhappy.”

XP says, “I’m trying to manage the staff and oversee this building project … why did I take this on?”

Updated teen ministry space is “… like totally needed.”

Visitors feel your church is “out of it” in a stinky bathroom.

Older facilities need renovation … or is an entirely new building needed?

Oh, that these were fictional stories! Church leaders need to take the time to find experts who will avoid the common pitfalls in a building project. If you are going to build in the next three years, now is the time to start planning. We want you to have a hero story instead of a sob story.

This is designed as a small event so you can talk to key players

Get in on the Great Discussion!

9:00 am

How to Pay for What You Want to Build

With over 30 years of financial stewardship experience, Brad has devoted his career to helping churches and nonprofits cultivate and strengthen their stewardship culture. For 23 years, he was a key leader at Generis, serving as both Principal and President for 11 of those years. Now, as Principal with Ministry Essentials, he continues to coach organizations to build strong stewardship cultures and fulfill their God-given missions.

Passionate about helping churches accelerate their visions, particularly during times of change and financial complexity, he takes a forward-thinking approach to guiding congregations of all sizes and forms across the U.S. His focus is on enhancing both the practical and spiritual aspects of stewardship, supporting leaders as they grow and evolve.

Brad holds a Masters in Theology and brings a wealth of expertise in areas such as stewardship coaching, capital projects, major gift development, and giver communication.

Brad Leeper, CEO/Founder, Ministry Essentials

How campaigns are working and adjusting to building projects of any size.

9:30 am

Round Table Discussion: Describe the practical things you do to enhance a culture of generosity at your church.

9:45 am

Navigating the Landmines

David Lee is a Senior Relationship Manager at Thrivent Church Financing. David has over 30 years of banking experience in serving non-profit ministries (churches, Christian schools and parachurch ministries) with a focus on financing and treasury services. He’s served 25 years on pastoral staff at churches as well as on boards of non-profit organizations, seeing the unique challenges and needs of balancing ministry and business. Prior to joining Thrivent, he served 5 years as Director with Bank of the West in their Religious Institution Lending Division and 25 years with Evangelical Christian Credit Union in their Ministry Lending Division.

David Lee, Senior Relationship Manager, Thrivent Church Financing

Chris Lewis is a Senior Relationship Manager at Thrivent Church Financing. Born in Brazil, where his parents served as missionaries, Chris learned 3 languages: Spanish, Portuguese and English. In 2006, after assisting the church he was attending with a capital campaign, Chris discovered that there was a need for lenders to work with growing ministries. Over the years, Chris has worked with growing ministries by providing sustainable financing solutions for construction, acquisition and refinancing.

Chris Lewis, Senior Relationship Manager, Thrivent Church Financing

Church construction projects can be complex but half the battle is in understanding and recognizing the unique challenges through the eyes of a lender. We’ll uncover the risks and provide practical solutions to help increase the likelihood of a successful project that your church can celebrate.

10:15 am

Round Table Discussion: What is the big picture that you want for the buildings at your church?

10:30 am

7 Costly Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Church Building Project (And How to Avoid Them)

Dave Milam is the Chief Strategy Officer at Visioneering Studios. He stands firmly at the intersection of ministry, design, and visual storytelling. Dave served in the church for over 20 years. Dave has a heart for guiding pastors through unique challenges of ministry to awaken the beauty that God has placed within them and their facilities. His writing has been featured in LifeWay, Outreach Magazine, Influence, Christian Standard and other national periodicals.

Dave Milam, Chief Strategy Officer, Visioneering Studios

A church building project is one of the biggest financial and ministry investments you’ll ever make—but one wrong move can send it off the rails. Dave Milam, Chief Strategy Officer at Visioneering Studios, has seen it all. After walking alongside thousands of churches through design, funding, and construction, he’s pinpointed the seven biggest mistakes church leaders make over and over again. In this fast-paced keynote, Dave will unpack these common pitfalls and give you the insider strategies you need to steer clear of them. If you’re planning to build or renovate, this session is a must—because when it comes to your church’s future, you don’t want to learn these lessons the hard way.

11:00 am

Round Table Discussion: Describe specifically the building or renovation are you contemplating in the next 1 to 3 years.

11:15 am

Sticker Shock Solutions—Costs Came in 2x Above Expectations

Jeremy has spent the last two decades serving the investment and financing needs of large communities of faith. His background and experience ensure a thorough understanding of your ministry’s unique needs. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University, Auburn University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. When he’s not serving his clients and team, Jeremy spends time with his family and serving on several nonprofit boards.

Jeremy Moore, Head of Religious Institutions Group, BMO

With continued rising costs and threats of tariffs and trade wars, we’ll discuss what you can do to ensure a successful church construction project and some unique financing solutions to consider. We’ll review some real examples of recent churches who’ve had to respond to unexpected budget increases with creative solutions to ensure ministry needs were met and facilities were completed, even if well above initial expected budget …

11:45 am

Round Table Discussion: What are your funding capabilities, between raising cash and pledges and a loan?

Noon

Lunch—Tami will bring in a good lunch for us to enjoy together.

12:30 pm

5-Star (Biblical) Hospitality

Andrew serves as the Mid-Atlantic Director of Design and Faith-Based Practice Leader, having a variety of experience in worship, community, commercial, multifamily, and education facilities, as well as urban planning. He approaches every project as a unique opportunity, providing thorough exploration of a client’s vision, project site, context, and building materials to create a clear, well-crafted design that is tailored to the client. Andrew’s creative and client-centric approach has lead the firm to regional and national design awards. Fostering an office culture of great design, he provides mentoring to design staff by leading design charrettes, drawing studies, design philosophy discussions, and promoting innovative solutions.

Andrew Beyea, Director of Design Mid-Atlantic, Michael Graves Architecture & Design

Ravi carries a deep, personal conviction to serve as an architect and use his creative and collaborative abilities to help communities thrive. Practicing for over 40 years in over 25 states, he considers it an honor to have served clients of many project types including worship facilities, community, senior and childcare facilities, housing, offices, schools, and retail. Due to his unwavering desire to work in partnership with church ministries and community organizations to design and build facilities that serve the greater good, he has been the catalyst for considerable company growth, lifelong friendships, and numerous design awards.

Ravi Waldon, Principal, Michael Graves Architecture & Design

Church buildings should embody Biblical hospitality, creating spaces that welcome, serve, and engage the community. Scripture shows hospitality as a way of life, from Abraham’s open tent to Jesus’ table fellowship. Churches can reflect this by designing spaces that invite the community in, whether through multi-use areas, public-facing amenities, or partnerships that meet real needs. Thoughtful architecture enhances worship and outreach, using wayfinding, materials, and sensory engagement to deepen spiritual experiences and encourage fellowship. We will show some case studies of churches that are transforming their spaces into cafés, social service hubs, and flexible worship environments. Ultimately, a church’s building reflects its mission, and designing with hospitality in mind ensures that it becomes not just a place of worship, but a vital part of the community.

1:00 pm

Round Table Discussion: What is your hot topic, the item of greatest need, today?

1:15 pm

Creating Spaces of Belonging: The Importance of Sensory Rooms in Churches

With over 10 years’ experience as the Creative Director for a multi-campus church, JL’s passion for providing the highest level of concierge service can be seen in his strategic and structured approach to each project. John is the Director of Enviropop.

John Lindsey, Director, Enviropop

Churches are called to be places of welcome and inclusion for all. This workshop explores the growing need for sensory rooms—dedicated spaces designed to support individuals with special needs, including those with autism, sensory processing disorders, and anxiety. Participants will gain insight into how these spaces enhance worship experiences, foster connection, and reflect Christ’s love in action. Whether your church is considering a sensory room or looking to improve an existing one, this session will provide the inspiration and foundational knowledge needed to take the next step.

1:45 pm

Large Group Discussion

2:00 pm

10 Good Questions to Ask Before You Build

Dennis is an Executive Coach, Conference Speaker, and now the General Manager of Design and Project Management at HouseRight. He has a strong passion for helping churches build healthy teams to better the kingdom. He was the Executive of Creative Arts Pastor for Skyline Church, and was the Global Production Pastor at Saddleback Church for 4 years and the Executive Pastor at North Coast Church for 25 years. He has developed multiple teams, departments, and staff and is committed to furthering the reach of churches for the gospel. He lives in Oceanside with his wife Michelle and 3 kids.

Dennis Choy, General Manager of Design and Project Management, HouseRight

Building or renovating a space is always a huge undertaking. Hear practical tips on what to ask as you’re considering the project. Tips on what to plan before you plan and practical questions and directions to think about. Learn about AVL considerations as you prepare your building space as well as construction thoughts for now and the future. Dennis has been a part of multiple building designs from ground up as well existing renovations and everything in-between. Learn from his “dumb tax paid,” so you don’t have to pay it.

Dennis Choy

2:30 pm

Large Group Discussion

2:45 pm

The Recipe for Making Good Decisions

Mike Kern is the Founder & President of ChurchWay Advisors. His significant leadership experience as a corporate CEO combined with his extensive church and nonprofit board experience uniquely positions him to help churches and their leaders make good decisions. His driving passion is seeing the local church and its leaders thrive. Mike lives in Houston with his wife Amanda of 29 years. He has four mostly grown children and enjoys spending time on the water and participating in water sports.

Michael L. Kern, III, CFA, Founder & President, ChurchWay Advisors

We have all made decisions we later regretted. If only there was a recipe for making good ones … well there is! Drawing from his years of experience as a corporate CEO, Mike will lay out the ingredients that lead to good decisions. He will explain the consequences of over-using each ingredient and share strategies on how to avoid these pitfalls. Through it all, he will weave in examples of biblical leaders that did it right, or did it wrong. Attendees will leave with more confidence in their ability to make good decisions, ultimately leading to a more successful building project.

3:15 pm

Wrap-up Discussion

Build Smart and Get the Best Thinking

There is an amazing list of speakers: Chris Lewis on funding the vision; Brad Leeper on generosity; Dave Milam on great design elements; and more!. That is the A to Z of building campaigns!

These are national leaders who have worked with thousands of churches. They will share the latest trends and tips. They have funded billions of dollars in church loans. You can get into the mind of the one making a loan and the best ways of working with your architect. Learn how to fund the vision. Yes, they have deep wisdom and experience!

A Big Bummer

I spoke with a church that paid lots of money to an architect for plans for a new building. The church later changed their mind about the scope of the building and went back to square one. That’s expensive! Don’t over-design what you can’t fund or under-design what you need. Don’t fail to raise sufficient funds when you could have funded the vision. Don’t miss out on a loan because you didn’t know the lender’s requirements.  —Fletch

Why?

  • Master Planning and Design are only done every 20 or 30 years and you need expert help.
  • Loans have changed since the last time you got a loan.
  • Generosity and Donation Tools are critical to your campaign and ongoing financial needs.

Another way to say that …

  • Safety and security issues are high. Ensure that children are safe. Enhance overall campus safety.
  • Congregational growth drives the need for more worship space. Do we go multisite, buy land, renovate or go portable?
  • As some staff may continue to work from home, how much office space do you need?

David Fletcher

Fletch was a pastor for 35 years in churches from 1,000-8,000 members.

He founded XPastor in 2003. Its 1,500 free articles from over 450 authors have become a principal resource for leaders in a complex church world.

With two graduate degrees from Dallas Seminary and executive education at the Harvard Business School, he brings an objective perspective, broad knowledge and vast experience.

Read more …

Do any of these apply to your church?
  • Visitors have difficulty finding their way from their car to the worship center.
  • There are areas of the church that look like they’re right out of the 1980s.
  • Hot spots and quiet zones pervade the worship center.
  • The teen ministry space is a mishmash of old sofas and hand-me-downs.
  • The restrooms have a strange, musty smell.
  • The children’s area has too many entrances and exits.

Do any of these sound familiar? Perhaps you need to come join us at the workshop.

Extra Videos When You Enroll

9 videos below, such as:

  • Master Plan Process
  • Loan Walk Through
  • Your Photos & Live Design Results

After you enroll, use the My Account tab at the top of the page to log in.
Then, you will be able to access information below.

Locations

First Baptist Church of Frisco

7901 Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75034

Shepherd’s Grove

4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604

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