Secure Facility
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Locating the facility for worship is one of the critical decisions in a mission start. In fast growing areas there may be competition for the ideal locations, usually the school. As in other decision in the mission launch the team will need to balance the need to secure a facility early in the process with the downside of the likely possibility of paying rent in the months leading up to worship. It is possible that of a suitable worship facility may even require the shift of the ministry boundaries.
Determine Facility Needs
In choosing a temporary location, the following is considered.
Location – The facility should be located in or near the target population. Trying to move too far later may result in significant disruption of the ministry. It should also be easily accessible so that those wishing to join in the activities of the mission may find it easily.
Size and Layout – The facility should be able to physically accommodate the needs of the ministry in terms of number of rooms and their size and layout. For the Large-Start Model, the worship room should accommodate 150 to 200 people. Sunday school rooms, a reception area, and adequate parking should also be included in the facility.
Appropriate – Is the regular use of the facility not seen as a negative to those whom you are hoping to attract? For example, it is has not been uncommon for Anglo churches to start in funeral homes, but to the Hispanic community this would be seen as a significant taboo (Hormachea 2003).
Affordable – There may be many wonderful facilities that are simply beyond the reach of the mission financially. The rent that is paid for a facility varies widely. Some missions will find locations that ask for little or no rent. Other may need to pay a premium, up to $3000 per month, to rent the facility for their ministry.
Permitted – Local ordinances regulate how buildings may be used. Church use in some locations, even on a temporary basis, would be illegal or may require a “special use permit.”
Research Locations
As you begin your search for a possible facility to house the ministry, keep your eyes and ears open to the possibilities. In most communities, you will be able to find a suitable location.
Other churches – Yes, it is possible for a Lutheran mission to use the facilities of a Baptist church! Check out the local Seventh Day Adventist Church! It should be a last resort to move the worship off Sunday morning. It would be better to pay additional rent than to settle for the wrong worship time for the ministry.
Schools – In areas of new construction public schools are often used as the temporary location for mission plants. They have classrooms, tables and chairs, and are usually conveniently located, etc. The cost varies widely. Schools sometimes charge a premium, because they can get it in areas where many new churches are being started.
Store fronts – These locations can be excellent places to start. Often remodeling will be required to make the facility functional for the mission. This option will allow for space for ministry throughout the week.
Theaters – More and more mission starts are finding that theaters can provide an ideas setting for worship. Generally, they are not used on Sunday morning. They will include a sound system and no need to set up chairs.
Homes – In some locations this may be a possibility. However, homes are usually too small to accommodate the needs of a ministry. Even if the home is large, local ordinances sometimes forbid the use of a home as a church. Check with your local government.
Contract with Owners
“Good fences make good neighbors” is a way of saying that spelling out expectations in a rental agreement may keep future misunderstandings to a minimum. Such agreements should included
Rental fees and deposit
Time of use
Rooms available for use
Equipment available for use
Length of contract
Penalty, if any, for ending contract
Cleaning
Additional liability insurance
Facility Use Agreement Sample