Transcript Ministry Space From the Experts • Don’t rent more space then you can afford – 1,200 sq.

Ministry Space
From the Experts
• Don’t rent more space then you can afford
– 1,200 sq. ft. is a good start
• Cheaper isn’t always better
– Location over cost
• Sharing space is a last resort
– We’re jealous! You’re growing – We’re not!
– The answer is NO!
• Don’t build-out temporary space
– The cost isn’t worth the final result
– Flex space is always more valuable
– Delineate space with banners, wall hangings, curtains
From the Experts
• Be Creative – Schools, Hotels, Funeral Homes,
Movie Theaters, Civic Centers, Social Halls,
Private Schools, Clubhouses, Homes…
• Ask EVERYONE – and you shall receive!
• Suitability – Availability - Cost
• Silence isn’t always “golden”
– Learn from the children (multi-tasking)
– Learning centers & carpet squares are better than
chairs
• Invest in people – over space
From the Experts
• Hallways from heaven – use what you
have to do what you need to do
• Small spaces have large potential
• Move when you outgrow the space
• You ALWAYS have options
• Keep it simple – set-up and take-down get
old real fast! (Portablechurch.com)
– It’s called “temporary” for a good reason
From the Experts
• Temporary Site MUST be in the service
area – or VERY CONVENIENT
• Locate at the “neck of the balloon”
• “Reputation/Image” of Temporary Site
must be positive in the community
• Get to know your neighbors – be a good
neighbor
From the Experts
• Visual crowding “feels” more crowded than
physical crowding
– Clutter is bad (keep the altar area “open”)
– 75-80% is full
– Add more space
– Add a second service (critical mass)
• You won’t “save” money by building sooner
From the Experts
• Work hard to outgrow your space
• Keep looking for another alternative
– One move is positive
– Three moves can be deadly
• Pioneers build mission churches
• Homesteaders come later
• Not adequate parking – SURPLUS parking
From the Experts
• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - Visibility
pays off no matter what the building looks like
• Get estimates on remodeling the space to meet
both present and future needs -– BEFORE you
sign the lease
• Negotiate into the lease as much building and
property maintenance as you can afford
• Negotiate to insure as few restrictions by the
landlord as possible
• Make sure that the heating and A/C is sufficient
for a large gathering of people (sound issues)
From the Experts
• Lease space that will allow for numerical expansion in
worship attendance, Christian education and fellowship
actives. If you expect to grow, you will grow.
• The parking should be paved and lined and have
sufficient spaces to allow room for guests – A full parking
lot means that there is no room for new people
• Don’t let a leased facility bankrupt the congregation Live within your means
• If you outgrow the space, be willing to add a second
service - if you need to add a third service, it might be
time to move
• Leased space is temporary and a tool to help grow the
church. When it is time to move, risk making the move.
Rental Agreements
• Everything is Negotiable
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Be honest in what you can afford
Escalating rental payments might help you afford more space
Long term lease vs. short term and flexible
Trading Spaces: build-outs make a good ministry project
• The EOCM Unit is your friend
– The 1st Month’s Rent is on us!
• Lease in the name of the MD - designated as a developer
of the ELCA
• Insurance is under the blanket Insurance policy of the
ELCA
Rental Agreements
• Negotiate the contract – don’t fall in love
with your landlord
• Get everything in writing
• Specify the cost
• Designate space to be used (worship,
education, office, storage)
• Length of time – 24 months basic time
• Opportunity for renegotiation & renewal
Rental Agreements
• Once a lease has been negotiated…
• Before you sign on the dotted line - send a
copy to the EOCM Unit for review and
approval
• Keep the Original Lease
• Send a copy to the EOCM Unit