Since I began this company in 1985, it has been my hearts desire to serve my Lord in the building of his house. Regardless of whom you choose to do your church's program, please consider some brotherly advice that God has taught me through my years in this business. Just as God gave us commandments to help us avoid hardships, I thought it only fitting to give you some construction commandments that may help you avoid hard times.

COMMANDMENT #1 - NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE

That's right. Do not forget the purposes and ministries of the church in loving God. Be careful not to allow the membership to get too involved with the day-to-day construction process. This will only create distractions, and may lead to discontent, that will cause God's worship and work to suffer. Establish a committee to communicate the needs of the church in the design process and close the committee when construction begins. I would recommend that the pastor establish one person to be the liaison between the church and the builder. This person should be the only one to communicate the progress of the project during regular church services.

Contracting is a stressful and demanding business. Don't put your members in this business.

COMMANDMENT #2 - THOU SHALT NOT ALLOW JOHN'S PAINTING COMPANY TO DONATE THE PAINTING TO THE CHURCH

Hard to believe? I suggest offers like these be handled as follows:

John's Painting should submit a bid to the contractor, and pay his tithe, and offering, based on his profits.

As you know, things seldom go as planned. Let's discuss a couple of scenarios to illustrate my point. As chance would have it, John gets three other big painting contracts that will provide good revenues the week before his church is ready to prime coat. John has had a slow down of cash flow and needs to generate some revenue quickly. Which job will get top priority? Which job will likely be last on his list of priorities, since he has no profit built in the bid?

There is also the possibility John estimated the project would take 120 man-hours and it actually took 250 hours, therefore John had to take some revenues out of his company to complete the project.

John may put the pastor, or building committee chairman, in a tough position by asking that the church reimburse him for his out of pocket expenses, after all he is a member!

How would you feel if brother John had to ask you for additional funds?

How would brother John feel if you declined to pay the additional cost?