7 Steps to Success

“WE NEED TO……”

(Build, Move, Refinance, Renovate)

These are some of the most exciting and frightening words that can be uttered at the church board or leadership meeting. This is when you open the door to the maze. No two mazes are the same, but there are common elements. This guide can be an important reference to help you “navigate through the maze”.

Maze:(noun). Something made up of many confusing or conflicting elements.

Commonwealth Church Finance has been assisting churches and non-profit organizations with their financial needs since 1981. Let us assist you as you pass through the financing maze.

Step 1: The Big Picture

Such a critical, but often neglected area is the “Needs Analysis”. You should always be thinking “The Big Picture”. Let us assist you in considering:

• Space Needs – both now and later
• Regulated Requirements by Local Authorities (there are more than you may think!)
• Growth Curves
• Ministry and Outreach
• Your Vision

Step 2: Counting the Cost

Common errors and hidden stumbling blocks can slow progress, frustrate and even stop a building, remodeling or relocation project. You may rely on your CCF consultant to guide you through the maze and allow you to benefit from experience gained in working with hundreds of churches across America for more than 25 years.

Luke 14:28-30 says it best:“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he had laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”

Step 3: Beware the “Fast Food” Mentality

Many ministries fall victim to the “We Need It All Now” syndrome. CCF will guide you through the maze of planning a project that compliments, rather than conflicts with, your budget and ministry needs.

Scores of thousands of dollars may be saved using wise counsel and taking the time to properly phase your project. Part of our service is analyzing your growth and borrowing ability prior to your committing funds to outside professionals.

Step 4: Be Aware of the Proper Sequence of Events

All too often, ministries needlessly spend thousands of dollars for architectural plans which design structures for which the ministry is unable to financially qualify to build. Your CCF consultant will assist you with:

• Scheduling each aspect of your project to maximize the use of your funds, while minimizing wasted time and money
• Reviewing the qualifications of your building, legal or financial professionals to help assure they are capable of doing it right the first time
• Maneuvering through the maze of federal, state, county or municipal regulatory requirements which may negatively affect your project and drive up your costs. Among these regulatory requirements are environmental concerns, building codes or other local regulations

Step 5: Understanding Cash Flow

Ministries are typically ‘not-for-profit’ in more ways than one. Every penny that comes in is spent. While this is great for ministry, it is destructive to a ministry’s borrowing potential. Your CCF consultant will walk you through the maze of financial truths. Your borrowing power will be analyzed, strengths and weaknesses discussed, and action plans developed to address the short- and long-term needs of your ministry.

Step 6: Making it Come Together

Some ministries only want or need assistance here and there. Others depend on a full spectrum of services and guidance: From assessing your need to working with local planning departments and all the way through project completion.

CCF is ready to serve you in any part of the process… or every step of the way!

Step 7: Choosing a Guide

So… you’ve heard “We need to…” and you’re ready to get started. Are you ready to make the journey through the maze as painless and smooth as possible? Contact us today. Our consultants are ready to help you through the maze associated with church and non-profit financing.

Toll Free: 1.800.473.4124

Local: 678.583.9760

What happens next?

This is the single-most asked question by church leadership after entering into an agreement with Commonwealth. By partnering with CCF, you will receive assistance with:

• Progress tracking of your financial program progress
• Assigning responsibilities to others during various phases of the program
• Communicating with the leadership of the church
• Planning your calendar/job assignments for the entire program process

Let’s Get Started!

Commonwealth Church Finance is happy to serve you! Contact us today!