Defining Deferred Maintenance vs. Capital Expenditures

Sam interviews Tim Cool of Smart Church Solutions to dig into a hidden but pressing crisis facing many North American churches: deferred maintenance. Too often, churches delay costly but necessary facility repairs until the problems become overwhelming. This pattern of neglect can saddle pastors with impossible burdens and even push congregations toward closure. Yet, church buildings remain vital assets for kingdom work, providing gathering spaces, anchoring communities, and making ministry possible. We’ll explore both the challenges of sticker shock and practical strategies for churches to get ahead of the curve—budgeting wisely, prioritizing projects, and cultivating generosity that keeps facilities vibrant for generations.

• • The Hidden Cost of Delay: Deferred maintenance is often ignored until it becomes catastrophic. Sticker shock from million-dollar HVAC replacements or six-figure roof repairs can cripple a congregation’s future.
  • Facilities as Kingdom Assets: Church buildings aren’t just expenses; they’re strategic tools for ministry. Their visibility, accessibility, and welcoming environment play a direct role in evangelism and discipleship.
  • The Pastor’s Burden: Neglected campuses can wear pastors down, distracting them from ministry and overwhelming them with constant facility crises.
  • Practical Solutions Churches Can Implement: Create a budget line for deferred maintenance, prioritize projects quarterly, use surpluses strategically, and celebrate visible progress to inspire generosity.
  • The Role of Ongoing Generosity: Encourage members to give consistently to a building fund, alongside the operating budget and missions giving, to sustain the church’s facilities long term.

Resources:

• Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

• Smart Church Solutions

• Smart Church Solutions, Resources

• “Facility Management Devotional: A Year-Long Practical Guide” by Tim Cool, Nathan Parr, and Patrick Hart (affiliate link)

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• Church Answers Central

• The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.

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This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.

• • Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders.
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