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Imagine completing a building project only to discover your new facility doesn't actually enhance your ministry. Envision yourself leading a church in an older building designed for a completely different era and style of ministry. Your church is not a building, but your building impacts your church. Since the 1980s, our team at Brown Church Development Group has partnered with churches of every size, style, and budget across the country—and after four decades, we’ve truly seen it all. Most of our work has not been with congregations sitting on unlimited budgets and building gleaming new campuses from scratch. Far more often, we’re invited into the situations we just described. In countless consultations, we’ve spread out blueprints, walked hallways, and reviewed master plans drawn by well-meaning architects and leadership teams. Again and again, someone on our team will look at the layout and quietly remark, “Wow…that was a really dumb design.” Despite the best intentions, the spaces they created have unintentionally limited their ministry for years to come. A beautiful building that fails to help your ministry grow, will eventually become an expensive monument to the past. When a church fails to design strategically, the results are frustrating and disappointing. We call these problem facilities DUMB—Disproportionate, Unclear, Misaligned, and Bloated. They may look impressive from the street, but inside they frustrate guests, drain resources, and stall growth. What DUMB Looks Like D - Disproportionate The imbalance breaks the ministry. In a DUMB facility, essential areas like worship space, relational space, children’s space, parking, and restrooms are completely out of sync. You might have 500 seats in the auditorium—but only enough children’s space for 10 kids and parking for 50 cars. This lack of balance between these spaces will lead to bottlenecks, pressure, and underutilized space. When churches are out of balance, they will always regress to their lowest common denominator. U - Unclear I f people can’t find their way, they won’t find a reason to stay. From entrances that are hidden or confusing, to wayfinding that feels like a maze, unclear design creates an instant disconnect—especially for first-time guests. In DUMB buildings, signs don’t help, the layout makes no sense, and the path from parking to worship feels like an obstacle course. Instead of being welcomed in, people feel lost and unwelcome before the first hello. The way people move through your church building shapes how they interact. Think about the journey of a newcomer, a family with children, or an elderly member. Is it clear how to get where they need to go? M - Misaligned When your space doesn’t reflect your culture. Every church has a unique culture, calling, and vision. A misaligned building a different message than the church lives out. Maybe the design was copied from a megachurch in another city, or it reflects outdated models of ministry. Either way, it feels off. Misalignment creates a tension between the people and the place—a disconnect that hinders community, worship, and mission. B - Bloated Big building. Big budget. Big regret. In DUMB designs, more is never enough. There’s too much square footage, too little function, and way too many dollars spent on things that don’t actually advance the mission. These projects are overbuilt, over budget, and under-effective. Bloated buildings might impress for a moment, but they become a financial and operational burden that slows down ministry for years to come. The SMART Facility Model The danger of DUMB design isn’t merely inefficiency. It represents poor stewardship—Kingdom resources spent on walls that will not help ministry. Without a clear plan, churches can unintentionally build barriers that hinder ministry. The good news is that these mistakes are avoidable. After decades of helping churches correct the problems of DUMB design, we created the SMART Facility Model—a ministry-first framework that strategically aligns your facility to fit your ministries future. SMART stands for Strategic, Measured, Accessible, Relational, and Timed. Each principle acts as a safeguard against costly missteps, ensuring that every square inch of space works for ministry rather than against it. S - Strategic Start with strategy, Not a wish list. The first step in a SMART facility isn’t making a list of rooms you want—it’s clarifying your ministry strategy and how it will shape your space as you grow. Programs that work for a church of 100 may strain or collapse at 300+. Questions about multiple services, scalability of programs, and realistic budgets all impact facility needs. When you define where your ministry is headed, you can design a building that supports the future needs, not just today’s preferences. M - Measured Right-size all core ministry spaces. Overbuilt churches waste money. Underbuilt churches limit growth. A SMART facility is designed with balanced capacities across core areas—worship seating, children’s ministry, parking, and lobbies all work together without bottlenecks or wasted space. We plan based on real ministry needs, not guesses or wish lists. That’s good stewardship. A - Accessible Intuitive paths of travel with proper adjacencies. SMART churches are designed to make people feel welcome, safe, and at home. Whether it's a first-time guest or a longtime member, navigating the campus should be intuitive. Clear signage, logical layouts, ADA compliance, and thoughtful parking-to-pew pathways help people focus on worship—not on finding their way. R - Relational Buildings must bring people together. Church isn’t just about providing a service, it’s about building a relationship vertically with God and horizontally to a community of believers. A SMART facility includes intentional spaces that help people connect: wide lobbies, commons areas, landing spots, and spaces that invite conversation. Relational spaces move people from rows to circles, from attending to belonging. In a SMART design, the building creates space for relationship. T - Timed Growth that’s guided by wisdom, not pressure. Ministry grows in phases—and your building should too. SMART facilities are designed with scalable growth in mind, allowing you to build what you need now, while planning wisely for what comes next. Phased construction protects your resources and keeps your mission front and center. It’s about long-term vision, not short-term flash. Conclusion Your facility sets the tone for everything that happens within it. Choosing a SMART design is more than a construction decision; it’s an act of stewardship. A SMART facility utilizes every square foot as a ministry tool and planning for the people you haven’t reached yet. Strategy always comes before square footage. When you begin with a clear ministry strategy, the facilities designed will serve the next generation rather than becoming a burden they inherit. The decisions you make now will shape ministry for decades. A SMART facility ensures that the story your building tells is one of growth and health—not of wasted resources and missed opportunities.

In today’s fast-paced, screen-focused world, authentic relationships are harder to build and sustain. Yet God designed us—individually, in families, and as churches—to thrive in meaningful connection with one another. The good news? With thoughtful design, churches can create spaces that naturally foster community, fellowship, and engagement. Here are a few ways you can use intentional design to strengthen connections within your church. Know Your Church Every successful design process starts with understanding your people. Who makes up your congregation? Who are the visitors you hope to reach? At Brown Church Development Group, our team uses tools like our Growth Positioning System  to help church leaders evaluate ministry focus, identify strengths and weaknesses, and tailor design solutions to meet their unique culture and needs. Create Opportunities for Connection The way people move through your church building shapes how they interact. Think about the journey of a newcomer, a family with children, or an elderly member. Is it clear how to get where they need to go? Clear signage and intuitive design cues increase comfort levels, while seating niches and standing-height tables  along walkways create natural places for conversation. The key is providing opportunities for spontaneous interaction without obstructing the flow. Study the Space & Flow Consider the sequence of how individuals move from place to place. For example, a mother dropping off her child at the nursery may bypass connection areas if they are out of the way. Thoughtful planning makes connecting with others easy and natural—not an afterthought. Create a Welcome Center One of the biggest barriers to involvement is not knowing where to start. A Welcome Center  provides a hub where guests and regular attenders can: Sign up for events, small groups, or Bible studies Learn more about the church Volunteer for ministry opportunities Share needs or prayer requests Placing this center in a visible, high-traffic location (such as near the lobby outside the sanctuary) makes it easy for people to engage. While online tools are valuable, face-to-face interactions often spark deeper connection. Pro Tip:  Equip volunteers with an iPad or computer to quickly register people for opportunities and track involvement. Add Lounge & Coffee Zones If you want people to form deeper relationships on Sunday mornings, give them a space to gather. A coffee ministry or lounge area  near main circulation paths encourages people to pause and connect. But space alone isn’t enough—make sure your schedule supports it! Keep coffee available after services and classes, and allow time for fellowship. Offer a Variety of Seating Options People connect in different ways, so offer a mix of: Comfortable lounge seating  for longer conversations Harder surfaces  for quicker turnover Larger tables  that can double for small group gatherings Standing-height tables  as quick touchpoints throughout your facility The variety ensures your space works for both casual conversations and deeper fellowship. Building for Connection A well-designed building doesn’t create relationships on its own. Connection begins with people and the heart of the church. But intentional, fellowship-focused design opens the door for more opportunities to engage, grow, and belong.

When God is moving in a ministry, the natural instinct is to expand in every way possible. For Peace Lutheran Church (PLC)  in Grand Island, Nebraska, that moment came when its weekday preschool ministry experienced a 200% growth in a short time. With classrooms bustling, the church of 500 members commissioned a plan to add more children’s education space—certain it was the right next step. But then a new perspective changed everything. Peace Lutheran Church | Grand Island, NE Hitting Pause to Rethink the Vision When Senior Pastor Terry Brandenburg  arrived, he sensed that more classrooms might not be the whole answer. “Really, none of us could get very excited about it,” Brandenburg recalls. After two years of stalled progress, doubts about the expansion’s scope and direction deepened. That’s when Todd Brown , founder of Brown Church Development Group , called. Two years earlier, Brown’s team had interviewed for the project but was passed over for a local architect. Now, God’s timing opened a new door. A Ministry-First Approach Brown’s team took a different route. Instead of starting with blueprints, they started with questions: What is your ministry’s real growth barrier? What are you trying to accomplish? A ministry consultant studied PLC’s operations and discovered an important truth: while the preschool was thriving, overall church membership wasn’t growing—and existing education spaces weren’t even fully used. The real obstacles were less obvious: The building’s exterior felt unwelcoming. Guests struggled to navigate the facility. Worship spaces didn’t connect with the church’s contemporary services. There was little relational space for fellowship. “Instead of asking, ‘what do you want?’ we identified what they needed,” Brown says. Designing for Connection and Flexibility The solution? A bold shift from the original plan: A welcoming new entrance   leading into a spacious lobby with a coffee bar. A large gathering area  to encourage relationship-building. An expanded, multiuse Christian Life Center  that doubles as a contemporary worship space and gym, seating up to 543. Improved wayfinding  throughout the church building. Additional classrooms  to support future growth. “It was a total package,” Brandenburg says. “They had the creative vision and  the construction expertise.” Building Together Brown Church Development Group’s willingness to coordinate volunteers reduced costs and built ownership. PLC pastors with engineering backgrounds dedicated part of their time to the project, while Laborers for Christ  contributed valuable “sweat equity.” A Facility That Fuels Ministry Completed in 2013, the transformation did more than refresh a building—it reignited ministry. “The gathering space has been a real blessing. So much relationship building happens there,” Brandenburg shares. When the church dedicated the building, Brandenburg chose the theme “Opening New Doors” —a perfect reflection of what happened. The new church design didn’t just solve space issues; it created opportunities for ministry to flourish in ways the congregation hadn’t imagined.

At Brown Church Development Group, we know that launching a building project can be one of the most stressful seasons in a pastor's ministry. You've probably heard stories of construction projects that started with excitement and ended in division—arguments over budgets, paint colors, or priorities. But we’ve also seen the opposite: churches that not only survive but thrive during the building process. What makes the difference? In our 35+ years of partnering with churches across the country, we've consistently seen that the most successful building programs share three powerful traits - traits grounded in the biblical story of Nehemiah: Spiritual Passion , Dependent Prayer , and Strategic Planning. Spiritual Passion: Reclaiming the "Why" Behind the Wall Nehemiah’s passion was born when he heard that Jerusalem’s walls were in ruins and its people were vulnerable. His response wasn’t logistical—it was spiritual. He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed. Likewise, churches that approach their building projects with deep spiritual passion see beyond bricks and blueprints. They build because they’re burdened for people. Their facility vision flows directly from their ministry mission. When passion leads, purpose follows. A church culture shaped by spiritual passion won't fixate on material decisions like square footage or color swatches. Instead, it stays grounded in God’s call to reach, serve, and disciple. Ask yourself: Does our congregation understand why we are building? Are our plans clearly connected to our vision for God's Kingdom? How do we reflect God's glory through this process? Dependent Prayer: Moving from Problem to Promise Nehemiah didn’t just feel burdened—he turned to prayer. Through prayer and fasting, God transformed Nehemiah’s sorrow into strategy. When prayer saturates a building process, something powerful happens: faith replaces fear. Even in the face of financial hurdles or construction delays, prayer-centered ministries keep their eyes fixed on God. Unfortunately, many leaders default to planning in their own strength—offering token prayers while relying on spreadsheets and timelines. The result is often burnout and missed opportunities for growth. Dependent prayer keeps God at the center. It reminds us that we are not just managing a project - we are participating in something only God can complete. Ask yourself: Where are we truly relying on God in the process? How can we lead our church in bold, persistent prayer? What would it look like to walk by faith, not by sight, in this season? Strategic Planning: Turning Vision into Reality Spiritual passion and prayer are vital—but without a plan, they rarely result in long-term success. Nehemiah didn’t just pray and go; he gathered intel, requested royal letters, and appointed leaders to manage construction. At Church Development, we believe that God-honoring projects begin with God-honoring planning. This includes: Choosing the right leader.  Someone with a humble heart, ministry mindset, and ability to inspire. Understanding your reality.   What’s the current state of your facility, finances, and future? Aligning plans with purpose.  Strategy isn't about control—it’s about clarity and unity. Too often, churches dive into construction without clearly defining their goals. That’s when frustration and division creep in. But when strategy is shaped by prayer and guided by passion, the results are transformative. Ask yourself: Do we have the right leader in place? Are we gathering enough information to plan wisely? How are we ensuring our plan honors both God and people? A Proven Path Forward Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls in just 52 days—because he wasn’t just building with bricks. He was building with conviction, humility, and trust in God. Today, those same principles still apply. At Church Development, we walk alongside pastors and church leaders to bring these biblical truths into every step of the journey—from vision development and stewardship campaigns to design and construction partnerships. Let us help you build the right way: with Passion, Prayer, and Planning.

Calvary Church in Muscatine, Iowa , is more than a building—it’s a powerful example of faith, resilience, and vision. Located in a town of just over 23,000, this multicultural, multi-service church had already outgrown its original facility when it made the bold decision to repurpose a former retail strip center into a new church home. That move alone was a demonstration of Calvary’s commitment to visibility, inclusion, and community connection. Calvary Church | Muscatine, IA But the most defining moment came on June 24, 2013 , when an F1 tornado tore through their facility, causing $5 million in damage and displacing the congregation. The following Sunday, the people of Calvary gathered—not in a sanctuary, but in a tent in the parking lot , where 1,500 worshippers  came together, more than ever before. What could have been a devastating blow turned into a moment of spiritual clarity and community strength. "It stripped us of things we were relying on outside of Him ," said Lead Pastor Ty Thomas. "We learned that the building helps us, but we can be the body of Christ anywhere ." From Rubble to Renewal Brown Church Development Group had been working with Calvary on a master plan before the storm struck. In a providential twist, we were already scheduled to visit the day after the tornado. Instead of presenting designs, we rolled up our sleeves and helped assess the damage, stabilize the structure, and collaborate with insurance partners. From there, the rebuild began - not just structurally, but strategically. Phased Development: Using the knowledge from the pre-storm growth study, we re-sequenced the master plan to prioritize rebuilding usable space for the winter. Reimagine Worship Spaces: The main worship center was redesigned with an open-span structure, removing columns to ensure clear sightlines and comfort. Expanded Ministry Space: What was once a Rent-A-Center became a 20,000-square-foot connecting corridor for administration and small groups, linking the main worship area with a family life center. A Facility That Matches the Vision Calvary's revitalized campus now spans nearly two city blocks and includes: A 900-seat worship center A 300-seat multipurpose auditorium Bright, themed children's spaces with 7x the national average of square footage per child A spacious commons area complete with leather couches, a stone fireplace, and a coffee shop A family life center serving youth, Liberian services, and community gatherings Every design decision reflected Calvary's values: community, hospitality, diversity, and flexibility. "Things are functional, spacious, and practical - that's the church's culture," shared Todd Brown. Built for More Than Sundays Today, Calvary Church stands tall not because of the walls that were rebuilt, but because of the mission that was re-ignited. This project reminds us all that a facility is not the finish line - it's a tool that enables the Church to serve, grow, and reach it's community. "The biggest lesson we learned was to trust God," said Pastor Thomas. "The facility helps us achieve the mission, but the Church is us." Ready to Start Your Church's Next Chapter? Brown Church Development Group specializes in turning vision into ministry environments that serve generations. Contact us to talk about your next project.

Just as a home reflects the personality of its residents, church buildings have the power to reflect a congregation’s mission and values. Trinity Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, Nebraska, experienced this firsthand as it set out to build its first permanent home in 2014. Trinity Lutheran Church | Gothenburg, NE A New Beginning Founded in 2011 after a church split in their small town, Trinity Lutheran began with about 140 members, meeting in a rented space provided by the local Seventh-day Adventist Church. For nearly four years, the congregation worshipped there while healing from their split and growing together as a new church family. Despite being a “new church” in a small community, the congregation remained committed and even grew in numbers. By 2013, church leadership knew it was time to take a bold step toward building their own facility. Partnering for Ministry As they began their search for partners to help with the project, Trinity Lutheran’s leadership appreciated the unique approach of Brown Church Development Group. Brown’s integrated services—from consulting and design to construction—were a perfect fit. Plus, their ministry-first mindset aligned well with the church’s vision. A generous opportunity soon followed: Trinity Lutheran was able to purchase five acres of land from a church member at a significantly reduced price—one of many examples of the congregation’s commitment and faithfulness in action. The Discovery Process With land secured, the church and Brown Church Development Group began a collaborative journey, starting with a Growth Positioning Study and a Discovery Process to discern their needs versus wants. With a limited budget, these conversations were crucial. “About 80 people from the congregation participated in shaping the ultimate solution,” said Todd Brown, Founder of Brown Church Development Group. “The process was critical to figuring out what they could afford while still designing a facility that reflected who they were.” Pastor Jeff Cottingham agreed. “We had to balance our budget with our ideals and looked at a lot of options,” he said. Ultimately, the congregation was unified around a shared vision. In spring 2014, they voted unanimously to move forward with the project. A Home for Ministry Construction began in fall 2014 and, despite the Nebraska winter, wrapped up in time for the congregation’s first worship service in their new facility on Easter Sunday 2015. The result? A beautiful, 8,000-square-foot church that perfectly fits its small-town setting—complete with white siding, stonework, a steeple, and a lighted cross. “This is our base of operations,” Cottingham explained. “From here, we move outward and carry on as disciples.” Designed for Discipleship Every space in Trinity Lutheran’s new building is intentionally designed to support the church’s mission of discipleship. The church’s six habits of a life of discipleship—Daily Prayer, Weekly Worship, Reading the Bible, Relating to One Another, Sharing the Gospel, and Being Generous—shaped the design. The layout includes: A spacious lobby and commons area that also serves as a fellowship space, replacing the need for a separate fellowship hall. A kitchen adjacent to the commons area for community gatherings. A traditional sanctuary that doubles as a multi-purpose space. Four classrooms and a large multi-purpose room for children’s ministries and other groups. Minimal office space, with a focus on maximizing areas for teaching and discipleship. “Everything was designed and built with the notion of how to live as a disciple of Jesus,” Cottingham said . “Each space has a purpose and a focus according to these habits.” A Lasting Impact Since moving into their new facility, Trinity Lutheran has continued to grow, now serving around 185 people. More importantly, their church home has become a vital hub for ministry, outreach, and disciple-making in Gothenburg and beyond. “This project changed the DNA of our church overnight,” Cottingham reflected. Through intentional design, collaborative planning, and faithful stewardship, Trinity Lutheran Church has built more than just a building—they’ve built a lasting foundation for ministry.

At Brown Church Development, we exist for one reason: to help churches grow in mission and ministry. First Baptist Church | Scott City, KS We believe every church has the potential to flourish - not just in size, but in spiritual impact. Whether you're dreaming of a new facility, preparing for a capital campaign, or simply trying to engage your congregation in deeper faith, our mission is to walk alongside you with the tools, strategies, and heart to make that vision a reality. Our Foundation: Ministry First, Always Who we are We're not a typical construction firm. We're ministry developers. That means everything we do starts with a prayer, discernment, and a passion for the local church. For over 60 years, we've partnered with churches across the country to provide support in: Capital Campaigns: Faith-based strategies rooted in generosity, not guilt. Ministry Consulting: Clarifying your mission, vision, and next steps. Church Health & Growth: Aligning your ministries for long-term spiritual impact. Facility Planning & Expansion: Making sure your building reflects your mission. No two churches are the same, and we don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our process is collaborative, prayerful, and personalized to your unique culture and calling. Why Churches Trust Us At Brown Church Development Group, our team includes ministry-minded professionals in architecture, construction, fundraising, and planning, all working together under one shared purpose: to help churches thrive . What makes us different? Ministry is our filter. Every recommendation starts with your mission, not our preferences. We equip, not control. We train your leaders to lead throughout the process, so your church becomes stronger as a result. We walk with you. From vision casting to dedication Sunday, we're in it with you every step of the way. Not only does this make us different, it makes us who we are. "On rare occasions, I discover a ministry partner that exceeds all of my expectations. Such is the case with Brown. I love this team!" -Thom Rainer CEO of Church Answers Let's Build the Kingdom Together At Brown Church Development, we believe God is still in the business of transforming lives - and churches are the heartbeat of that mission. If you're ready to dream, plan, and build for something bigger than yourself, we'd be honored to help. Let's create something that lasts beyond budgets and buildings - let's build ministry momentum that echoes into eternity. Ready to Begin?