750 Church Leaders Register for the Church Building Projects Masterclass

Recently, PlainJoe, a Storyland Studio, partnered with The Unstuck Group to host the Church Building Projects Masterclass, a live webinar designed to help church leaders better understand the journey of planning and building new ministry spaces.

More than 750 church leaders registered for the event, joining a full day of conversations with architects, strategists, designers, financial advisors, and ministry leaders who have collectively helped guide hundreds of churches through building projects.

Throughout the masterclass, we explored the full lifecycle of a church building project, from early vision and master planning to the practical realities of financing, design decisions, and sustaining ministry momentum after the doors open.

The event featured insights from leaders across PlainJoe and The Unstuck Group, along with several trusted partners who regularly work alongside churches navigating these important moments. Speakers included Phil Taylor, Mel McGowan, Bryce Reyes, Scott Vegte, Shawn Stewart, Dennis Park, David Whiting, and Sean Bublitz, each sharing perspective from years of experience serving churches.

Together, the sessions offered a holistic look at what it takes to move from vision to built environment in a way that supports healthy ministry for years to come.

Key Conversations From the Masterclass

• • The Roadmap for a Quality Building Project – Phil Taylor kicked things off by outlining the overall journey of a building project and the strategic decisions that need to happen long before construction begins.
  • Architecture & Master Planning – Mel McGowan shared how thoughtful master planning and architecture can help churches create environments that support their mission and prepare for future growth.
  • Signage & Environmental Graphics – Bryce Reyes explored how signage and environmental graphics help create welcoming environments and intuitive guest experiences throughout a church campus.
  • Planning Ahead for Audio, Video, & Lighting – Scott Vegte highlighted why AVL systems should be considered early in the design process to ensure worship environments function well and communicate clearly.
  • Interior Design – Shawn Stewart discussed how materials, furniture, and finishes shape the everyday experience of a church building—from lobby environments to kids spaces and beyond.
  • Generosity Initiatives – David Whiting offered insight into how churches can approach generosity initiatives in ways that invite participation and align congregations around a shared vision.
  • Banking for the Future – Dennis Park walked through the financial side of building projects, explaining how churches can prepare for lending, financing, and long-term stewardship.
  • Sustained Health After You Move In – Sean Bublitz closed the day by focusing on what happens after opening day and how churches can steward growth well in a new season of ministry.

More Than a Building

One theme came up again and again throughout the masterclass: a church building project is never just about the building.

Every decision, from master planning to signage, from financing to furniture, ultimately serves a bigger purpose: creating spaces that help churches reach people, foster community, and support their ministry.

A well-designed building doesn’t replace the mission of the church. But when approached thoughtfully, it can become a powerful tool that supports that mission for years to come.

All eight sessions from the Church Building Projects Masterclass are available to watch on the podcast page of our website.

If your church is beginning to explore a building project, or simply wants to think more intentionally about the spaces where ministry happens, we’d love to continue the conversation: Get in Touch with PlainJoe