Rural Church Construction

“The IEMB is the spiritual heart of the indigenous peoples of Bolivia.”
-Bolivian President Evo Morales

Growth of the IEMB

The heart and strength of the Methodist Church in Bolivia (IEMB) does not lie in the cities or urban areas, but in the rural, outlying areas, where the indigenous people live. Because of the IEMB’s work in strengthening communities and in human rights for indigenous peoples, it has truly become a church of the people.

Most rural communities have only a Roman Catholic Church, which holds Mass only once or twice a year. However, both ordained and lay Methodist pastors in Bolivia ensure that there is worship every week in every Methodist Church. Because of this, many communities are asking the Methodists to start a church in their community.

Right now, the IEMB has over 170 organized churches and 50 avenzadas, which are small congre-gations hoping to organize and become official churches. To become an official church, an avenzada must have gathered at least 50 members. Once they receive that distinction, the National Church tries to help them build their first church building.

Long-standing churches often have to rebuild, especially in rural areas. While the adobe construction is inexpensive, it’s not durable, and adobe churches don’t last much longer than 20 years. Also, the congregations often outgrow their buildings, leading to more construction needs.

Church construction

Typically, local churches contribute basic construction materials, such as adobe bricks, lime, and manpower. But since many of the church members live on less than a dollar a day, they can’t afford most of the materials needed for construction. In areas both rural and urban, these poor churches seldom have the resources to provide the complete construction of new church buildings and parsonages.

The cost to build in a rural area, however, is considerably less than the cost to build in an urban area. In rural areas, the land is often donated, and the National Church pays for the roof and a few finishing touches, bringing the total cost to about $3,000. By contrast, urban churches must buy land and construction materials, including brick and cement. Their cost can range from $10,000 to $35,000 for a new building. Again, this is for people who live on less than one dollar a day.

Can you help?

Right now, there are several churches under construction that the IEMB lists as top priority. Click below to read their stories, and choose which one best fits you or your church. Any gift will be most greatly appreciated.

New Canaan Methodist Church in El Alto, Bolivia

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