This report is designed to be effectively used as a stand-alone resource or to augment workshops given by J. Lewis Saylor. Contact Lewis to learn more about the workshops.

What Every House Of Worship Should Know About Expansions & Renovations

There are truths in life that are as certain as the laws of nature. For example, just about everyone who has taken up the challenge of an expansion or renovation project has remarked, "I wish I would have known ‘that’ before I began," or "I did not realize how much personal time and attention that our project was going to require of me every day."

Working on an expansion or renovation is an exciting time for a house of worship...new opportunities for ministry! New space for learning! And new space for worship! Often these opportunities are the result of your members seeking to respond to the surrounding community. It can be tough balancing your vision within the dynamics of finances, schedules, resources, and local regulations.

We want to affirm that you and your members can have a successful building project and celebrate the unveiling of a new chapter for your faith community. Although this document is not an exhaustive study, we hope it will stimulate your prayerful consideration on many of the issues associated with expansion efforts.


About the Authors

James (Jim) M. Dougherty
As Senior Vice President of Dietze Construction Group, Jim brings more than twenty years experience to the day-to-day operations of his management team and direct project responsibilities. He works with a diverse range of small to large scale projects, including religious institutions and houses of worship. Jim’s expertise includes construction management, contract administration, field supervision, contract negotiations, scheduling, and procurement.

Jim and his family belong to Centreville United Methodist Church where he served as both member and Chair of the Trustees Committee responsible for church property and facilities.

Jim is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Construction.

J. Lewis Saylor, FCBA
Lewis served as the Director of Staff & Planning and, later, as the Director of Strategic Development for Centreville United Methodist Church, a large congregation in Northern Virginia. As Director of Strategic Development, Lewis coordinated a $5 million expansion/renovation project from its earliest concept through its completion. The multi-year project concluded on time, had minimal change orders, and was under budget.

During his tenure in healthcare administration, Lewis was associated with multiple construction activities—the largest project being a $110 million, 700,000 square foot medical center.

In addition to his service in ministry, Lewis completed a 5-year certification process to become a Fellow of Church Business Administration (FCBA) through the National Association of Church Business Administration. He is a 1979 graduate of James Madison University.

Contact Lewis at 703-955-6310 or via email: sayjls@aol.com or sayjls@yahoo.com.