It sounds like you've been facing some challenges with providing free estimates for churches. It's understandable that you're considering changing your approach. Here are a few suggestions on how to handle this situation:
1. **Qualify the Lead**: Before providing a free estimate, it might be beneficial to qualify the potential client first. This can be done by asking a few questions about their budget, timeline, and specific needs. This way, you can gauge if the project is a good fit for your business.
2. **Charge for Estimates**: If you find that a significant amount of your time is going towards creating these estimates without a return, you might consider charging a small fee for the service. This could help to weed out those who are not serious about following through.
3. **Provide a Range**: Instead of providing a high-end estimate, you could provide a range based on the information they give you. This way, they have an idea of the potential costs, but you're not spending a lot of time on a detailed estimate.
4. **Limit Free Estimates**: Another approach could be to limit the number of free estimates you offer per month. This way, you're not overwhelmed with requests and can focus on the ones that seem most promising.
5. **Referral Program**: You could also consider implementing a referral program. If a church refers another organization that ends up hiring your services, the church could receive a discount on their next project. This could incentivize them to hire you or refer other potential clients.
Remember, communication is key in these situations. If you decide to change your policy on free estimates, make sure to communicate this effectively and professionally to any potential clients.