Why Do You Need A Feasibility Study?

The purpose of a feasibility study is to provide comprehensive specific data, objective analysis, and a report of objective information, with recommendation, about the church as it relates to their effectiveness of the existing ministry and analysis of your use of the existing church facilities.  This study does not develop a master plan or schematic floor plans. The study helps to define scope, timing, vision and budget for a master plan to incorporate. When properly implemented, this report will also be instrumental in maintaining focus and direction of all church property development.

Step One- Ministry And Facility Feasibility Study
A Ministry and Facility Feasibility Study begin with a meeting with the leadership of the church to understand the culture, goals and vision of the church. The next step is the collection of several types of information (both historical and current) about the ministry, the congregation, and the community. The collected data is then analyzed and reviewed through the lens of church building experience to provide a qualified, objective report and recommendation to the church that answers the questions of…

Do we need to build and why is building the right thing to do?

How effective are our ministries and what changes do we need to make?

What can we afford to build and how will we pay for a building program?

When is the right time to build with consideration to need and financial ability?

What do we need to build and how was this determined from our needs?

The process of this study is an organized analysis of all the information that will impact decision on future building plans and allows you to understand the ramifications of each choice that you need to make.

Step Two- Research And Preparation Of A Preliminary Site Investigation
The Preliminary Site Investigation includes information on major and minor topics affecting the existing or newly purchased property from a platting/zoning/engineering perspective.  It includes, but is not necessarily limited to, in-depth information on jurisdictions, platting, zoning, comprehensive plan/land use designations, annexations, easement/right-of-way vacations, water facilities, sanitary sewer facilities, storm drainage, floodplain, thoroughfare issues, franchised utilities, and potential economic incentives.  Platting and surveying services (including on-the-ground-topography) is provided by a licensed surveyor normally paid for by the church.

Step Three- Recommendation Report
Following the data collection and analysis, a recommendation report will be presented to the building committee and church leadership for discussion and review. The report summarizes all of the research and findings and will cover the following topics:

An overview of the church history and future ministry plans

Church vision and mission statements

Attendance summary & projection

Present and future space uses

Space needs analysis

Property information and code review

Parking analysis

Utility requirements

Prioritized needs analysis

Accessibility requirements

Overview of church finances and funding sources

Project budgets by phase

Demographic study of surrounding community

Suggested time schedule