Who pays for building churches? -

My work commute is roughly 13 miles, and during the last 8 years I saw 3 new churches built on my way to work. Where do they get the money? Do they spend more money than they earn when they build so many more new churches? Do they carry a debt like so many American families do? Or are they getting so much money that they can afford to build new churches in already oversaturated areas? Do they build just as many churches in less affluent areas, or do they follow the same business approach of bringing the business to the doorstep of the better paying customer?|::::|In the New Testament, there were never structures built made with hands, because the people knew that the church is the body of Christ made without hands. They gathered in houses, or occasionally were permitted to use a synagogue; or when it was a large number, then they rented a facility. Why? Because the collection was exclusively for helping people in need, and for nothing else. The apostles worked themselves, just like everyone else. Why? So that they would not make themselves, nor the Gospel of Christ chargeable to any. The use of the collection money, to be used for building a structure made with hands came after the apostles fell on asleep, by the new overseers. It is apparent that compromise was begun after the apostles were gone, and has continued ever since.|::::|The people of the church have a capital campaign which consists of how much money each family will pledge for a period of time. Usually it is a 3 year pledge. Once the church receives the pledges then they go to a bank and show them the dollar amount that is pledged in good faith by the members of the church. The bank will usually ask for records over the past 5 years to see how much money the church receives from their members to see if it is growing and also look at attendance to see that it is growing. They also look at current debt. Then the bank decides whether the church can pay them back the loan needed to build the new church. A viable church will usually build in an area where there is a lot of exposure like traffic so many people can pass by and see the church. The reason for this is that some of the people who see the church may try it out. For this reason, many churches double in size in the first year after building a new church. I just recently went through this process. |::::|The members of the church along with the staff build the church. Tithes and offerings by the congregation along with donations in the community help fund the buildings that are built and then it is up to the congregation once it is built to maintain it. Often times there are members of the church who own local businesses and this helps some of the larger churches you see that are built because obviously they are going to be able to bring in more money by donations. As far as the debt load you mentioned? I guess sometimes they end up carrying a debt which is sad because the congregation refuses to tithe on Sundays. You lost me at quot;better paying customerquot;. |::::|I dont know about other religions...bu, the one I am in, the members pay to build a church....of course, I dont know of any new ones in our religion....and they are pretty well hid...mostly because, we dont believe in going out and saving people..... and our churches are really small and quaint.|::::|The members of the Church pay for it. The more affluent the neighborhood, the better looking the Church will be.