When Not to Build: An Architect's Unconventional Wisdom for the Growing Church [Paperback]

Ray Bowman (Author), Eddy Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2000

Nine out of ten churches that consider building have a better alternative. This book offers frugal, field-tested alternatives to building additions, while still adding more space. The authors also explain how to keep costs at a minimum when it is time to build and maintain focus on ministry through the duration of a building program.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a valuable contribution for those that want to focus on developing more effective ministries." -- Reformed Review

"A uniquely insightful book." -- Ministries Today

"A valuable book-a good investment for churches planning to build." -- Librarian's World

"A very important addition to the resources of any church." -- Mennonite Brethren Herald

"Every pastor and board should be required to read this book before making plans to build." -- Advance

"Useful reading for congregations considering a building program or wondering how to get the most out of their present facilities." -- Presbyterian Record

"Will edify any church leader in any phase of church growth." -- Bookstore Journal

About the Author

Ray Bowman, a church growth consultant, resides in Larkspur, Colorado. Eddy Hall, a freelance writer and editor who joined Bowman as an associate consultant, lives in Goessel, Kansas. Bowman and Hall are also coauthors of When Not to Borrow, and their articles have appeared in Leadership, Your Church, Ministries Today, and Clergy Journal.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books; Exp Sub edition (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801091063
• ISBN-13: 978-0801091063
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,627 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "must read" for building committees., February 27, 2000

By 

Fred Niffenegger (Waldo, Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Not to Build: An Architect's Unconventional Wisdom for the Growing Church (Paperback)

Ray Bowman and Eddy Hall have asked all the right questions here. The answers may surprise you! I wanted a straight forward look at the big question of when to build a church and found a lot of little questions along the way. I had to ask questions like; "Will more people come if we build?", and "Can we afford to build?". Without asserting their religious views excessively or to the point of distraction, the authors were a big help in this regard. The same thought process goes on for people all over the world when they aspire to or are thrust into a leadership position in a building project. Also, there is nothing new here. People have been building churches for an awful long time, you know. Why try to reinvent the wheel? I recommend reading this book to help answer your questions and to know what quetions to ask.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "think outside the box" ideas for many church problems, May 7, 2005

By 

R. Martin "boblaura9" (Mauldin, sc United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When Not to Build: An Architect's Unconventional Wisdom for the Growing Church (Paperback)

I "had" to read this book because I am on the church board. I was pleasantly surprised by it. It is an easy-reading book that offers unique "think outside the box" ideas for solving a variety of church problems. Even if you are NOT thinking about building, many of the ideas in this book may be useful to your church!

Most churches probably don't need to build because there are other very viable and realistic alternatives. (The book gives many examples!) A building may also put the church in financial bondage, and shift the churches focus from people/outreach to the building program. Because the focus changes, the church stops growing...and they end up in a big new building with hardly any people.

Besides the actual physical ideas for creating more usable space in your existing building, the book also encourages you to think more about your churches priorities and principles. Maybe you don't even need more space. Is your church "over-programmed"?? Many churches start new programs without phasing out any of the old. Old and new programs may end up over-lapping with each other. More isn't necessarily better. It can lead to chaos, volunteers stretched thin, lower quality programs, and lack of space. Better to do less and do it well. Cutting out some programs may not only solve the space problems, but just be better for the church anyways! Short on sunday school classrooms? The "team teaching" method described in the book will not only free up space, but it often creates a higher quality of sunday school classes.

I highly recommend this book - many creative ideas... I think all church leaders should read it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent unconventional advice, June 13, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: When Not to Build: An Architect's Unconventional Wisdom for the Growing Church (Paperback)

Bowman & Hall make a solid case for examining every possible option before deciding to build or expand your facilities.

Convicing arguments with good supporting data.

Recommended for any church considering investing in facilities.

(Companion book, When Not To Finance, is in the works.)