Which authority must approve the building project's design and financial program before proceeding?

• A. Pastor
• B. Finance Committee
• C. Local Board of Trustees
• D. State Overseer

Answer: (D)

The important idea here is governance over major capital decisions. Final approval for a building project’s design and its financial program rests with the State Overseer, who has the authority to authorize proceeding and to ensure the plan aligns with church policy, accountability standards, and fiscal stewardship. The local pastor can lead the process and coordinate church involvement, and the Finance Committee can scrutinize the budget and costs, but neither has the unilateral authority to approve the project. The Local Board of Trustees manages property within established guidelines and funding plans, yet they operate under the oversight that ultimately comes from the State Overseer. Requiring the State Overseer’s sign-off protects the church from unchecked debt and ensures consistency across congregations.