When Not to Build, Expanded Edition

An Architect’s Unconventional Wisdom for the Growing Church

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About

When Not to Build has helped numerous churches find wise and creative solutions to their space problems. The first edition garnered a Recommended Resource Award from Your Church magazine and won favorable reviews:

A useful book for churches that want to build, and a valuable contribution for those that want to focus on developing more effective ministries.--Reformed Review

Will edify any church leader in any phase of church growth.--Bookstore Journal

Now this expanded edition takes into account the changing shape of the contemporary church with four new chapters, a new appendix, an added preface, and updated information throughout.

In the authors' experience, nine out of ten churches that consider building have a better alternative. When Not to Build helps pastors, church leaders, building committees, and laypeople find those alternatives and avoid unnecessary expense. It also offers practical advice for keeping building costs at a minimum when it is the right time to build, as well as maintaining focus on ministry through a building program. Self-tests are included at the end of each chapter.

The Authors

  1. Ray Bowman

    Ray Bowman

    Ray Bowman is the founder of Living Stones Associates. As an architect he spent thirty years helping churches build new facilities before turning his energies to helping them make the most of the buildings they already had. The coauthor of several books,...

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  2. Eddy Hall

    Eddy Hall

    Eddy Hall is CEO of Living Stones Associates, a consulting team that since 1980 has been helping churches devise creative facility solutions, save money, improve church health, and increase ministry impact. He is the coauthor of several books, including...

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Reviews

"A uniquely insightful book."
--Ministries Today

"Every pastor and board should be required to read this book before making plans to build."
--Advance

"Useful reading for congregations considering a building program or wondering how to get the most out of their present facilities."
--Presbyterian Record

"A very important addition to the resources of any church."
--Mennonite Brethren Herald

"A valuable book--a good investment for churches planning to build."
--Librarian's World