Perhaps you are located in a region where property is readily available, inexpensive, and building costs are low. Perhaps….but unlikely. The area where I serve has a greater demand for space than supply and with every development, residential or industrial, the remaining properties grow more valuable and the alternatives for church plants or smaller congregations looking to upsize their facilities is challenging. I frequently have pastors inquire of me about possibilities and I am grateful that many churches that I serve gladly share space with additional congregations. However, what do you do if you don’t have a place to meet? How do you advise that pastor whose congregation has outgrown their home or their current space. Here are some words of wisdom for pastors seeking a space when they have no place.
- Please be aware that when you contact a leader of a Network such as mine, or some other entity in your region, our priority lies with those who belong to our Networks. We want to help but we must keep our Network churches at the front of the line.
- You might consider becoming a member of a Network like ours for many reasons, but among them in this circumstance:
- If you actively engage with many other pastors, you may encounter someone who has knowledge of a space that is available.
- If you actively engage with many other pastors and get to know them personally, and as they get to know your heart, they will advocate and seek space for you.
- If you actively engage and others get to know your heart, it increases the likelihood that they will invite you to locate on their campus.
- Contact and visit larger churches in your target community that have larger spaces. That is often where existing space and resources are readily found. Get to know the pastor and be a blessing to him. While it is okay to call a pastor, seek to have an in-person meeting so that he can get to know you. If possible, attend their worship service(s).
- Don’t be “pushy,” but don’t be “shy.” Don’t “harass” a pastor but always follow up your conversations, even if it is to let him know you are going in a different direction.
- Be aware that doctrinal alignment will be expected so only consider and contact churches where you can worship without either party violating the doctrinal convictions of the other.
- If you are desperate for space, don’t be locked into a specific meeting time. Churches often have space available after lunch on Sundays.
- Check with me local Network, Associational, and Denominational leaders about any campus possibilities that they are aware of. It is your responsibility to initiate contact and work out any agreement with churches or businesses they refer you to.
- Check with local Network, Associational, and Denominational leaders about professional resources to identify potential space (not on a church property) for lease. These resources are available at no cost to you.
- Get a written agreement of understanding whether meeting on another church campus or leasing non-church space. People of integrity can have different recollections of verbal conversations.
- Keep commitments, honor any agreement, and take care of the property as if it were your own.
My Network has been blessed to assist fourteen congregations in locating space in the last couple of years. But don’t wait on me….or someone else. These words of wisdom may be the avenue God uses to get you to a place where your impact can be maximized. I pray for you that it will.