About Construction Connection

Established in 1996 as a non-profit ministry of the North Indiana Conference, Construction Connection, is ready to help to answer key questions like…

What questions need to be answered before we vote to build?
What steps do we need to take once we decide to build?
How can we minimize problems through the building phase?

How does it work? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…

To set up a free, on-site consultation, simply fill out an online Church Profile (or contact Construction Connection to request a copy by mail). Once your Church Profile has been submitted to us, a Construction Connection Project Facilitator will arrange a one to two-hour meeting with the key leadership of your church at no charge. During this meeting, the Project Facilitator will explain Construction Connection’s services.

Each Project Facilitator is able to draw on a wealth of knowledge from Construction Connection board members.
After this introductory meeting, your church needs to discuss whether or not it wishes to use Construction Connection’s services. If your church elects to use our services, your Project Facilitator will give you a Letter of Understanding to complete and return to Construction Connection with a check for $250 payable to the North Indiana Conference. The final $250 payment will be due after the second meeting with your Project Facilitator.
You and your Project Facilitator can then schedule your church’s first on-site meeting—the first of four.

What services are provided?

For a flat fee of $500, no matter the size of the project, a church receives the following:

A step-by-step manual for conducting a building project.
Four on-site meetings with your Construction Connection Project Facilitator (see details below).
Access via phone or e-mail with your Project Facilitator throughout the process.
Additional on-site visits by your Project Facilitator are available at an additional $100 per visit.

What is covered in the Construction Connection manual?

Clarifying Your Mission
Deciding to Do It!
Road Map
Developing a Plan
Developing a Funding Plan
Developing a Design
Choosing a Builder
Using Volunteers
Breaking Ground
During Construction
After Construction

Additional information can be found in appendices, including: Building Guidelines; Facility Assessment; List of professional fund raisers, architects, and builders; Sample architect and builder contracts; Financial Sources; Guidelines for use of volunteers.

What is covered during the four on-site meetings?

Meeting 1: Developing a Plan

Work through steps 1-5 in the manual.
How to clarify your mission and set ministry priorities and goals.
How to determine when your con-gregation is ready to do its project.
How to follow United Methodist required procedures.
How to assess your present facilities and to develop a plan.
How to select and hire an architect, builder or contractor, if needed.
Tips on how to develop a financing plan.

Meeting 2: Breaking Ground

Work through steps 6-8 in the manual.
What should be in a contract.
What insurance riders are needed.
A final check list to insure you’re ready to start.

Meeting 3: During Construction

Work through steps 9-10 in the manual.
How to manage your project—change orders, communication.
Guidelines for utilizing volunteers.

Meeting 4: After Construction

Review step 11, and evaluate the project.
Paying bills.
Who you need to contact—district, insurance company, etc .
Evaluating and dedicating your project.