Church Facility Planning Process Church facility master planning is a highly participatory process that culminates in a short- and long-term comprehensive master plan for the church. This plan indicates whether the current facility should be renovated, modernized or replaced and includes a proposed timeline and the approximate cost of completing the plan. In addition, to practical solutions, the process brings about a new focus for the congregation and results in consensus on the future direction of the church. Step One: Planning Committee This diverse committee helps facilitate your congregation through the planning process. Operating by consensus, the committee consists of staff, pastors, and parishioners and meets approximately six times during the process.   Step Two: Profile A key component in developing future plans for the church is to understand the status of current programs and services, mission and vision, church history, ten-year historical attendance and projections, demographic profile of the local area, family and housing types, and financial information. In addition, facility information such as site size, building size, number and condition of classrooms, common areas, technology, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system conditions are compiled.   Step Three: Congregational Dialogue #1 The primary focus of the first dialogue is to establish the framework for developing facility options. During this dialogue, participants are given the opportunity to respond as individuals and a group to questions regarding the vision, mission, programs, services, community use, surrounding growth patterns and future demographic changes.   Step Four: Facility Options Options are basted on data and results from the first congregational dialogue. The Planning Committee will consider all current information and future considerations and develop options for consideration by the congregation. Information regarding capital improvements, cost estimates, and tithing implications will also be included.   Step Five: Congregational Dialogue #2 The second dialogue consists of sharing the possible facility options and asking the participants to rate/rank their preferred option. Participants are again asked to respond individually and work in a small group format to develop consensus as to their preferred option.   Step Six: Final Facility Plan Once the committee and congregation have reached consensus regarding the preferred option, the facility plan is complete. The document outlines actions to be taking for the implementation of the plan and includes proposed timelines and approximate costs. The plan is then presented to the church board and congregation for final approval.   Church Facility Planning Experience Zion Christian Fellowship, Powell, Ohio Master Planning and Facility Assessments New Salem Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio Facility Master Plan The River, Delaware, Ohio Master Planning and Facility Assessments Meadow Park Church of God, Ohio Master Planning and Facility Assessments Westlake Community Church of God, Indianapolis, Indiana Facility Master Plan