Anti-Church Bias…

Are communities really against having churches build, grow and prosper in their midst? If so, is it because they are “anti-church”? Over the past 13 years I have been involved in a number of conversations about this topic. In many of these conversations local governments and community groups have been portrayed as being an obstacle, if not an enemy, to the “work of the Kingdom” as represented in a church’s desire to buy land, build, or expand a facility to accommodate growth in attendance. Is this an actual reality in our culture, or is it the overactive imagination of hassled church leaders?

In two different instances, in two different states I have had very positive interactions with the local AHJ (Authorities Having Jurisdiction). Based on these experiences, I offer up a couple of thoughts. The first is that church leaders need to better understand the role of local governments in making decisions about land use, zoning, community development and growth. Churches contemplating land purchases or building projects can avoid a lot of issues by starting discussions with local government officials. Planning departments, zoning officers, and development directors have a major stake in any land-use project proposed in their community. Every community has a process for gaining approval for these types of projects. Learning what the process looks like and making efforts to work within the process can help create good will, and help with the success of the project.

It is no secret that most churches do not have vast financial resources at their disposal when they are looking to buy or build. Resource allocation is a challenge as everyone looks to get the maximum return for their dollar. Making sure that an appropriate amount of resources (time and money) are set aside to participate fully in the community planning and approval process can pay big dividends.

Are there reasons why local governments seem to be less than enthusiastic about church projects? Tax revenue is certainly a factor. Churches are a tax revenue drain on a community. They pay no property taxes and generate no sales tax revenue, while requiring government services and infrastructure. However, most local officials understand that churches provide a “service” to the community that is positive and appreciated by many citizens. More often than not, local government officials have had negative experiences with church projects that are poorly planned and combative in nature.

At the beginning of this project we received some very helpful advice from a seasoned real estate professional. We have met with city officials and planning staff on many occasions and are committed to taking a prepared, professional approach to the approval process. We look forward to a day when Discovery’s project will be approved in a vote by the city council. I’m not sure they will all be “pro-church” but we can do our part to help make their job as painless as possible.

Next Post – There goes the Neighborhood!