Making sure you have thought of everything before building a new church campus can feel daunting. For that reason, staying within the safety of your church’s current walls can be appealing as an option of security, but not as one of growth.
Choosing to develop into a multi-campus church is an idea that is thriving in popularity in the United States, as extended networks of faith are solidified across the nation. Read on to make sure you consider everything, before taking the plunge.
Who Will Work There?
Electing members of leadership from your current campus is a great way to ensure that the central message of your church is carried across to your new site, as a centralized feeling of connectedness will advance its success. Rather than training someone completely new, why not reward someone for their already proven dedication, and entrust them to support your new campus?
Will They Be Trained?
One of the most common reasons for a new campus to fail is insufficient leadership and a subsequent lack of direction. Allocating leadership roles and adequately training the new staff is paramount to the success of this new site. Passionate and strong-willed individuals will ensure that new members feel assured when equipped with the proper leadership tools. This is probably the most important investment, in both time and resources.
Which Church Management Software Will You Use?
You may have already chosen a church management software for your original campus, in which case extending it to include your new campus will be simple. The additional tools available to the new campus will help to support them with organization, communication, and more! If you haven’t yet selected a specific software, you can learn more about church management software options here.
How Much Will it Cost?
It is crucial to consider the financial feasibility of opening a new campus before it’s too late. If insufficient amounts of money are available to be dedicated to the new campus, then the launch could be unsuccessful, and the money simply wasted. Fortunately, more campuses also mean more donations, so the investment is likely to pay off. Thorough planning, alongside a detailed financial plan, is imperative.
Why Do You Need a New Campus?
Do you have an overflowing campus currently and simply need an overspill? Or, are you aiming to extend your reach of influence by setting up a new home in a neighboring city? Research shows that Americans will not travel more than 15 minutes to get to their Sunday service, so choosing a location closer to home is more useful than you might think. The ultimate goals of your new campus must be carefully thought through in the planning phase, as they will affect your other choices.
Where Will it Be?
Choosing the location of your new campus is of the utmost importance, and will be largely influenced by the ‘why’ of your new site. Setting up a second home in the next town along can be a great way of allowing your congregation size to grow when it has exceeded the spatial limitations of your current church building. Plus, this can help the campuses to feel connected, and larger events can be held to include all of the members of your church community.
But… Where?
Geographical location is important, but it isn’t everything. Choosing between borrowing a spare room in a community center, or building yourself a new home from the ground, will have immense impacts on the costs, capacity, and caliber of your new campus. Whether you have a tight budget or some cash to splash are important factors to consider, as investing in a more comfortable space would likely reap greater rewards.
How Will You Spread the Word?
To encourage an impressive turnout at your new campus, the news of its opening must be shared far and wide. There are various methods of achieving this, from utilizing social media tools like Facebook and Twitter to leafleting in the local area and word of mouth, building up a buzz for the grand opening of your new campus is a great way to encourage a notable assemblage.
Which Curriculum Will You Use?
Including details of the children’s ministry curriculum that you have opted for will also help to encourage parents to attend your new campus. Demonstrating that your church has considered the Sunday school education of their young ones will certainly paint you in a favorable light. Display your core message on your advertisements, and your flock will find you. Learn more about children's church curriculum here.
How Accessible is Your New Campus?
Providing a campus that is accessible to everyone is absolutely essential. Wide doorways and ramps, as well as limited stairways and a ground floor bathroom, will help to welcome all of God’s children into your space of worship. Considering different accessibility requirements will ensure that your new church campus is inclusive.
Building a new church campus can be a terrifying yet invigorating prospect. If you have carefully thought through all of these 10 points, you will be set for success. Be sure to have a detailed plan, complete with important dates and financial considerations, and enjoy the process of extending your church community.