Did you know there were 2,685 churches in Arizona as of mid-August? If your congregation or group of believers is seeking a church building in the state, what should be on your list of must-haves? Performing ministry effectively is easier if you have the right space.

It can be a daunting search. But one thing that’ll make your search less stressful is a good realtor. So, find a real estate agent experienced in helping congregations find church homes. The process won’t be problem-free, but a good realtor will guide you through to the end of the process.

Here are five things congregations must consider before buying a church building to call home.

1. Location, Location, Location

When looking for real estate, location is arguably the most important consideration. Where your church is based will impact, for better or worse, outreach efforts. Consider things like demographics, household incomes, and other things so you can tailor outreach to meet the needs of the people. You must also consider a location that’s best for church members. If you currently worship in one community in Arizona, it might be too much to move to a church building in another city. That’s especially true for members who take transit or have mobility problems. Therefore, when choosing a location, you should consider members and the community.

2. Budget

You need to consider how much churches cost. For example, the average cost per square foot for a church in Phoenix is approximately $688. Factors that impact the price include zoning regulations, the age and condition of the building, historical preservation needs, and more.

Whether the search is led by the church board or a committee formed by the church as a whole, you must have a realistic budget. That’s where working with a realtor makes sense. Find one with experience helping congregations find churches. This can’t be stressed enough. You can state your budget up front, and the realtor will help you find suitable options.

3. Ministry Needs

Another vital consideration is your church’s ministry needs. You’ll have to look at factors like:

  • Number of members and visitors and the number of worship chairs needed
  • Demographics in the church and community
  • Planned activities and programs

Only when you assess the needs of your congregation will you find a space that meets those needs. If you can get a great deal on a church building but renovations may be needed sooner or later, it pays to consider working with a construction company. Even better is working with a construction company specializing in church buildings, whether you want to start from scratch or remodel existing buildings.

4. Parking

You should also consider the parking situation. Some small churches might have sufficient space inside, beautiful pews in the sanctuary, and a large kitchen for potlucks and socials. But they may have tiny parking lots. Depending on the size of your congregation, you may have to scratch some church buildings off your list due to limited or non-existent parking.

5. Zoning

Zoning is another thing to consider. You must ensure your church complies with zoning requirements. Again, that’s where a realtor can be a godsend. With a realtor, you won’t have to do any guesswork. If you have questions about zoning, your realtor is the perfect resource. Before tabling an offer, ensure the zoning suits a church building. 

Finding a new church building can be exciting and stressful at the same time. On the one hand, seeking a new building usually means a congregation has outgrown its current home. On the other hand, finding the right space can take time and require scaling many hurdles. But with the right realtor, your congregation will more easily get what it needs.