Don’t overspend. It is very easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm of building of new church. Staying focused on your goals and staying within your budget will insure a successful building program. The general rule-of-thumb for how much building you can safely build and pay for is three times your annual income, less any debt you have. This will vary depending on circumstances, but it is a good place to begin. One important thing to remember is not to start construction until you have secured your financing. Nothing will kill enthusiasm in a program faster than running out of money before the job is done.