We’re passing along some of the insights gathered during The McKnight Group’s 50-plus years creating church designs and constructing church buildings. One question that we hear frequently from church leaders is about the possibility of using volunteers to assist in the building process. While volunteer involvement can offer certain advantages, it also presents challenges. Based on our experience, here are key considerations to weigh before embarking on this approach.
Does Self-Performing Actually Save Money?
It’s true that using church volunteers for parts of the building process can save money, but it’s essential to evaluate whether the savings are truly worth it. First, assess time and cost. Volunteers might offer their labor for free or at a reduced cost, but the time involved in completing tasks can stretch significantly longer than if professionals were hired. What might take a professional contractor a few days could take volunteers several weeks or even months. This extended timeline can lead to delays that add unforeseen expenses to your overall project.
Additionally, be sure to compare quotes. While you may have a church volunteer offering their services at a discounted rate, it’s wise to seek other estimates to ensure that you’re getting the best deal. In rare cases, other contractors may provide better pricing, which could offset the initial appeal of using volunteers.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the work. When tasks are performed by volunteers, particularly those who may not be professionals in construction, there’s the risk of compromising the building’s long-term durability. Unlike professional work, volunteer labor doesn’t come with warranties, and any errors or shortcuts could result in future repair costs.
Lastly, think about the impact on church volunteers who may offer their professional skills at a reduced rate. While these individuals may be eager to help, their participation in the project should not come at the expense of their own livelihood. Ensuring their business remains sustainable is likely more important for the long-term health of the congregation than short-term savings on one project.
The Importance of Organizing Volunteers
Another significant challenge of using volunteers is managing them effectively. The key to a successful volunteer-driven project lies in organization. Without it, the well-meaning effort could falter due to a lack of structure, leading to burnout. Volunteers need clear leadership, defined tasks, and realistic expectations to ensure that they remain engaged and enthusiastic throughout the project.
Here are two similar church building projects that underscore this point. Both churches had comparable sizes and construction timelines, but their approaches to volunteer involvement were different, and so were their outcomes.
One church decided to save money by utilizing volunteers for many construction tasks such as painting, finishing, and carpentry work. By the time the church’s grand opening arrived, everyone involved was exhausted, having just finished painting the night before. Unfortunately, the church members were so fatigued that they were unprepared for the influx of visitors at their opening service. They missed out on opportunities to connect with newcomers, gather contact information, and follow up — critical steps to growing their attendance.
In contrast, the second church took a different approach. Rather than relying heavily on volunteers to complete many construction tasks, church leaders focused on preparing them for ministry. They trained volunteers in hospitality, visitor follow-up, and welcoming procedures. When their doors opened, they were fully ready to engage with visitors. As a result, not only did they experience high attendance, but they were also able to sustain that growth through effective ministry, outreach, and follow-up.
The Building Is a Tool—Use It Wisely
Church leaders should never lose sight of the fact that the church building is just a tool for ministry, not the goal itself. While involving volunteers in the building process can seem like a way to save money, it’s crucial not to do so at the cost of long-term ministry success.
For more insights into church building, consider attending our free i3 webinars. We regularly cover a broad range of topics about the church design and construction process. Visit our website to sign up for upcoming sessions.