| Q. |
|
What is the first
step in becoming a Builder? |
| A. |
Call 1-800-643-5295
or contact the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit
for information, the loan of a video, and an application.
|
| Q. |
We like to
travel. Is that possible with the Builders? |
| A. |
Yes. Projects can be anywhere across the United States.
Sites obviously change from year to year.
|
| Q. |
Who can be a
Mission Builder? Must I have had construction experience? |
| A. |
Some builders are retired professional contractors,
builders, or carpenters, but most come from other walks of life: retired
farmers, police officers, sales people, doctors, teachers, mechanics,
pastors, etc. Those with experience help those with less experience.
Christian principles are applied on the construction sites and each worker
does what he or she can. All men and women who are handy and wish to
use their skills to help congregations build modest and attractive
houses of worship are welcome.
|
| Q. |
How are spouses
involved? |
| A. |
People use their gifts in whatever ways they feel most
comfortable, whether it be in the construction process, teaching Bible
school, singing in the choir, preparing and serving meals, or
participating in social ministry projects in the larger community.
|
| Q. |
How are the
projects organized? |
| A. |
The congregation doing the building assumes the role of
General Contractor and the Mission Builders provide management and labor.
A preconstruction manager will help you determine how to divide the
building project between the Mission Builders and subcontractors.
Next, Mission Builders will assign a
knowledgeable construction manager to manage the entire project. This
individual schedules the materials, deliveries, subcontractors, and daily
activities. Finally, four to eight Mission Builders couples will arrive to
work on your project. They work five days a week, eight hours a day.
|
| Q. |
Does Mission
Builders really save a congregation money? |
| A. |
Yes and no. In every case that the Mission Builders director
knows about, the congregation saved money because of the involvement of
Mission Builders because 1) the costs of the General Contractor were
eliminated and 2) because a lot of the labor was done by volunteers from
the congregation with the assistance of the Mission Builders. But, with
the savings, some congregations chose to build a larger building than
originally planned!
|
| Q. |
If a congregation
is thinking about building, when in the process should they contact
Mission Builders? |
| A. |
It's never too soon! Mission Builders will visit, at no cost
to the congregation, talk about how the Builders might be involved and be
available to offer suggestions on your plans.
|
| Q. |
Our congregation
wants to build a new facility. Where do we start? |
| A. |
-
For a consultation on a building or renovation
project that your congregation is considering, contact the Mission
Investment Fund Church
Building Consultant who serves your synod.
-
Established ELCA congregations are eligible to
apply for loans to purchase land and for loans for building,
renovation and relocation projects. Contact the MIF loan department
at 877.886.3522 or mif@elca.org.
-
Contact ELCA Mission Builders (800.643.5295)
for information regarding construction management and laborers who
will work with your members to help build your church.
-
If you are an ELCA mission congregation, these
contacts should be preceded by a conversation with your
Mission Director.
|
| Q. |
How long does a
project take? |
| A. |
We can frame and close-in a building in 3 to 4 months.
Sometimes Mission Builders stay on to assist with finish work.
|
| Q. |
What does the
congregation provide? |
| A. |
The congregation provides hospitality, fellowship, and
volunteers! The Mission Builders do not undertake a project unless local
volunteers are available. They do not build the facility FOR but WITH the
local congregation. And, besides supplying coffee breaks and lunches, your
congregation should welcome the Mission Builders into the heart of your
congregation and your activities.
|
| Q. |
Do Mission
Builders construct the entire facility? |
| A. |
No. Mission Builders rough in the building, raising joists,
walls, and roof trusses; framing and installing windows and doors; and
siding the building. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installation is
handled by subcontractors.
|
| Q. |
How long is the
commitment? |
| A. |
A typical Mission Builders
project lasts three months and takes place during the summer months.
|
| Q. |
How are Mission
Builders compensated? |
| A. |
Churches provide workers' compensation insurance and pay
minimum wage for an eight-hour, five-day work week.
|
| Q. |
Do I need an RV
in order to participate? |
| A. |
No. While most Mission Builders do own recreational
vehicles, churches can arrange housing for those without campers.
|
| Q. |
Why should I join
Mission Builders? |
| A. |
This is a wonderful opportunity to give, witness, and enjoy
yourself. "If people have the gifts for construction work and the time to
give, they'll find it a very worthwhile experience," says pastor Michael
Nelson of Trinity Lutheran Church, whose new sanctuary was a Mission
Builders project. Or, as Ann McCartha says, "Go on one job and you're
hooked!" |
