Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions From Prospective Mission Builders
1. Q.
What is the first step in becoming a Mission Builder?
A. Contact 1-800-643-5295 or
Mission Builders.
2. 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.
3. 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 site and each worker does what he or
she can. All men and women who wish to use their skills to help congregations build
houses of worship are welcome.
4. Q.
How are spouses involved? A. People use their gifts in whatever ways they feel 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.
5. Q.
How long is the commitment? A. A typical Mission Builders project lasts three months, and the majority of the projects take
place during the summer months.
6. Q.
How are Mission Builders compensated? A. Churches provide workers’ compensation insurance and pay minimum wage for an eight
hour, five day work week. Most feel this is a ministry from which they receive a great
deal of fulfillment.
7. 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.
8. Q.
Why should I join Mission builders?
A. This is a wonderful opportunity to give, to witness, and to enjoy working together with
other fine people.
Frequently Asked Questions From Congregations Thinking About Utilizing the Builders
1. 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 building between the Mission Builders and subcontractors.
2. Q.
Will congregations really save money by utilizing Mission Builders? A. Yes and no. In every case of which the director is aware, 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!
3. Q.
If a congregation is thinking about building, when should they
contact the 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 current plans.
4. 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
MIF 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 for more information.
Contact ELCA
Mission Builders [
800-643-5295] for information regarding construction
management and laborers who will work with your members to help build your facility.
If you are an ELCA mission congregation, these contacts should be preceded by a
conversation with your
Director for Evangelical Mission. Before the Mission Builders can
begin construction, you must have completed a “Readiness to Build” form.
5. 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 to assist with finish work
6. Q.
What does a congregation provide? A. The congregation provides hospitality, fellowship and volunteers. For your building
program to be successful with the help of Mission Builders, all three of the above
criteria are necessary. Mission Builders do not build the facility FOR but WITH
the local congregation.
7. Q.
Do Mission Builders construct the entire facility?
A. Normally, Mission Builders rough in the building, raising joists, walls, and roof trusses;
frame and install windows and doors; and side the building. Plumbing, electrical, and
HVAC installation is handled by subcontractors.