unSeminary Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: When Growth Creates Pressure: Facilities, Space and What to Do in 2026 with Eric Garza

Podcast: unSeminary Podcast
Host: Rich Birch
Guest: Eric Garza (Executive Pastor, Cross Church, TX)
Date: January 15, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into one of the top challenges facing church leaders in 2026: the pressure that rapid growth places on church facilities, and how to manage space, renovations, and capital projects to strategically multiply ministry. Drawing on results from the national executive pastor survey (the largest of its kind), Rich Birch is joined by Eric Garza of Cross Church—one of the fastest-growing, multi-site Hispanic-led churches in America. Together, they unpack the realities facing leaders who are striving to balance vision, finances, and the practicalities of outgrowing their spaces, providing both cautionary tales and actionable wisdom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cross Church’s Story and Context

• [04:15] Eric Garza introduces Cross Church, a 31-year-old bilingual ministry based in South Texas, recently expanding to 12 campuses (including the first outside their region).
• They have grown through both planting and acquiring (“mergers and acquisitions”) other churches/facilities.
• Unique cultural, political, and operational challenges come with their diverse, multi-site growth.

Quote:

"We’re a bilingual ministry... dealing with cultural political issues in our region of country has just been a whirlwind. But... it’s been a big learning season for us for expansion." — Eric Garza [05:02]

2. Identifying and Evaluating Facility Limitations

• [06:46] Not all facility limitations are created equal—sustainability for ministry goes beyond simply finding a room for Sunday services.
• Key facility needs include: offices, childcare, lobby, restrooms, parking.
• Launching with limited space is okay, but being overly cramped early can stifle traction and create frustration.

3. Critical Facility "Tripwires" and Lessons Learned

• [09:45] Facilities near railroads/industrial noise are a hidden risk—visit prospective sites during a Sunday morning, not just weekdays.
• Starting in a rental/leasing situation can relieve pressure and provide flexibility. It tests viability and gives margin before committing large capital.
• Location (neighborhood, centrality, proximity to industry) matters not just for appeal, but safety and accessibility.

Memorable Moment:

"Don't start a church next to the railroad tracks...during your Sunday morning message at your 10 o'clock service, roughly about 10:40am this train ... is going to come blaring out and just completely disrupt your sound and your service." — Eric Garza [09:45]

4. Capital Campaigns & Managing Expectations

• [13:51] Always anticipate raising less than your target and spending more than you budget for construction—plan for margin (10–15% contingency).
• Most people give above regular giving, but campaigns rarely reach the ideal number; discouragement is common.

Quote:

"Have high anticipation, but realistic expectations... unless God does a miracle, ...[the number] is going to come in lower." — Eric Garza [14:01]

• Construction costs may increase during the campaign-duration—timelines rarely align perfectly.

5. Deciding to Remodel vs. Build Anew

• [19:01] Define facility standards (the "Cross standard") across campuses: color schemes, stage equipment, volunteer ratios, guest spaces, etc.
• Assess carefully: sometimes, remodeling can cost as much as a new build without delivering the best layout.
• Always get professional inspections—don’t rely only on initial impressions.
• Sometimes, a facility is best repurposed for something other than Sunday services (student center, meeting space, rented to community partners).

Key Strategy:

"Before you break or before you knock down a wall, get an inspector or get some people either in your church or in the construction industry ... [remodeling] may not always be the most financially wise decision." — Eric Garza [21:13]

6. Evaluating Acquisitions & Mergers

• [26:06] Acquiring a ministry can give you valuable financial and facility assets—especially if there's little or no debt.
• Even low-usage or declining church facilities are often already built to code/spec for church use, reducing renovation needs.
• If a merger does not work out, the property can become collateral or be sold, offering future flexibility.

7. Low-Hanging Solutions to Alleviate Space Pressure

• [29:05] Focus on expanding sanctuary and childcare space first—they’re critical growth levers.
• Multiple services can alleviate sanctuary constraints. Consolidate children’s age rooms/groups if needed to maximize space.
• There will always be competing opinions—prioritize high-impact upgrades.

Core Principle:

"We've defined excellence as not having the best, but doing the best with what you have." — Eric Garza [01:20, 31:35]

8. Communication, Leadership & Managing Critics

• [31:55] It's vital to keep the vision in front of both staff and congregation, explaining constraints and opportunities.
• Obstacles should be seen as opportunities for creativity, faith, and stewardship—not as setbacks.
• Critics are often not core supporters; focus on leading the willing and trusting the process.

Notable Quote:

"Most of the people that are criticizing are not people that are giving anyway... the people that are really bought into your ministry are going to walk through those journeys alongside you." — Eric Garza [34:19]

9. Looking Ahead: Major Questions for 2026

• [37:48] Eric reflects on tension points—how to stay Biblically faithful while navigating complex, quickly-changing political and cultural climates, especially across multiple communities.
• Cross Church aims to provide a robust “biblical response,” not merely a political one.
• Leadership challenge: how to keep Jesus and the mission central, serve a diverse congregation, and avoid getting stuck in facility limitations.

Reflection:

"...as a growing church and being in such a large ministry, you can imagine the opinions. We have people in our church who are conservative and some who are not ... how do we, number one, stay biblically founded and unwavering...?" — Eric Garza [38:06]

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps & Attribution)

• "We've defined excellence as not having the best, but doing the best with what you have."
  — Eric Garza [01:20, 31:35]

• "Don't start a church next to railroad tracks... completely disrupt your sound and your service."
  — Eric Garza [09:45]

• "Have high anticipation, but realistic expectations... unless God does a miracle, ...[the number] is going to come in lower."
  — Eric Garza [14:01]

• "Before you break ... get an inspector ... [remodeling] may not always be the most financially wise decision."
  — Eric Garza [21:13]

• "If God is in this ... the timing will be right when you have a facility that can house what you need ... It's a temporary season. It's not a permanent season. You won't always be at three or four services."
  — Eric Garza [34:19]

• "Obstacles... as opportunities... what we have, how can we be as excellent as possible with what we have?"
  — Eric Garza [33:16]

• "Most of the people that are criticizing are not people that are giving anyway... the people that are really bought into your ministry are going to walk through those journeys alongside you."
  — Eric Garza [34:19]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:20] – Eric describes Cross Church’s context and philosophy of excellence
• [04:07] – Multi-site expansion and facility selection processes
• [09:45] – Facility pitfalls and practical lessons (“don’t build near a railroad track!”)
• [13:51] – Capital campaign realities & financial pressures
• [19:01] – What is the “Cross standard” for facilities?
• [26:06] – Philosophy and strategy for mergers/acquisitions
• [29:05] – Low-hanging facility solutions: multiple services & kids ministry strategy
• [31:55] – Communication, critics, and keeping vision strong
• [37:48] – Big questions for 2026: culture, context, and staying biblically rooted

Tone & Style

The tone is candid and practical, filled with realistic encouragement as well as a willingness to name both the headaches and the opportunities that come with facility pressure and rapid growth. Eric Garza’s voice is humble, faith-filled, and direct; the conversation repeatedly returns to themes of stewardship, adaptability, and keeping the mission central amid complexity.

For Further Connection

• Cross Church: CrossChurchOnline.com
• Instagram: @crosschurchrgb
• Connect with Eric Garza: @EricPGarza on social media

Takeaway:
This episode is a rich primer for church leaders wrestling with growth-fueled facility pressure. From the pitfalls of launching in the wrong place, to campaign fatigue and renovation headaches, Eric Garza’s wisdom is hard-won and deeply relevant. Facility need not limit the vision—if leaders keep mission central, steward wisely, and embrace obstacles as opportunities for creative, faith-filled problem solving.