By: Greg McMullin

Psalm 127 verse 1 says, unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.  Acts 17 verse 26 also says that God has preappointed our times and boundaries.  Over the last 13 years in the growth of our church, we have developed an understanding of “How to Believe God” in buying church property.  One of the mistakes one can make is to just go looking for land without regard to a location that has been prayed over.  We can also go straight to the banker without interaction with our congregation and/or other leadership in the church.  I have observed churches that bought property and borrowed money without much prayer or any fasting to find out the plan of the Lord.

I do not claim to know everything about this subject, but these things I do know.  As pastors we should begin the process by doing these five things.  First, we should develop the vision God has given us as to the geographical area we are called to reach.  This can only be done through a season of prayer and fasting, seeking God’s face.  Secondly, once we find the mind of the Lord, it is then time to go to your leaders to have them begin to pray and fast.  Thirdly, after seeking God together begin to look for the strategic location within the area and financial boundaries you have set.  For some it may be a piece of property, for others it may be an existing building or church.  Fourthly, when you and your leaders have come to an agreement, then it is time to inform the congregation asking them to pray and seek the Lord.  Each time we have moved, we have not lost a single family that I can remember.  In our beginning days we did not have a building account set up, God knowing this supplied someone who donated $90,000. for our first property purchase which paid for most everything, including remodeling.  Now we have an ongoing building account set up to receive monies year round for future projects.  Some churches may have a pledge campaign, but in our case we have not.  Fifthly, as “one man” in unity together, make an offer for whatever property you decide upon.  Then, pray and believe God to give you favor for the owners acceptance.  Every offer we have made directed by God has not been rejected.

We have done these steps three different times and have seen God’s hand move on our behalf.  God has changed our vision and our location four times in thirteen years because we have filled up each facility to its maximum capacity. It is now time for us to build a new sanctuary for 500 people.  We are currently experiencing “standing room only” in a sanctuary for 200.  This has occurred as a result of walking in step with the Lord.  From a vision that started in a house church with 13 people, God moved us to a fire station for nine months in the center of a small town in our county.  From there He moved us to an old bar and restaurant in the center of the county.  After eight years there, He moved us to the center of Bay City, the largest city in our county where we are located today.

From a small town, to county wide, to city wide, and now to region wide, God’s plans are always more than we ask or think.

Greg McMullin - gmcmullin@alf-church.org