I used to jokingly say that my job as executive pastor was to worry about things.  I had the gift of thinking of every potential negative outcome. The rest of the staff nicknamed me “Pastor No.” 

I really don’t worry about things.  I just try to consider potential risks and work to avoid them. 

Let’s say a kid’s pastor wants to buy a trampoline for children’s church.  Super fun until someone breaks a collar bone.  I’m going to say “No” to that one.

I just heard a pastor talking about renting his church building out to a local community group. There are so many good reasons to do so, but the “Pastor No” in me just can’t help but to think of the risks that should be considered before doing so.

I can think of a ton of reasons, but here are the top five:

You are whoever uses your building.

A church in St. Louis, MO was recently on the news because a sexual assault occurred in their building while it was being used by an outside group they were renting to.  No one from the church was on site when the incident occurred.  The church was only guilty of renting their building out to another religious group. The pastor of the church was hounded by local news stations wanting comments and his church is now connected to a terrible crime.

Granting access to a group is seen as a partnership.  Whether you intend to or not, you are endorsing who they are and how they conduct themselves, especially while they are on your property.

You are responsible for what happens.

I just read a story about a church that rented their facilities to a community group.  Someone spilled a drink during the meeting and another attendee slipped and fell.  The church was sued and ultimately found liable because they have a duty to provide a safe environment, even when not in the building.  They might have avoided the accident by scheduling someone to be onsite to clean up spills and ensure safety. 

ALWAYS check with your insurance company BEFORE letting other groups use your facilities.  Require renters to carry either event or renters’ insurance.   They must also name the church as an additional insured on the policy.

Create a “Facility Use Agreement” that outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and liabilities for both the church and the renter. Be very clear and have both parties sign the document.

Schedule a church representative to be onsite during outside events.  Build this cost into the rental price.

You open yourself up to legal challenges

Let’s say you open your doors to an after-school mentoring program.  Great blessing to the community.  What if another organization approaches you wanting to use the facilities, but you vehemently disagree with what they stand for?  Can you close the doors to one organization after you’ve opened them to another?

Most legal experts suggest that churches can deny facility use to groups that do not align with their beliefs.  That does not mean a that a group wouldn’t bewilling to challenge you in court or that some judges might rule in their favor.  Imagine the potential legal costs.

Consider only renting to like-minded religious organizations or members of your church.  It is also recommended that you clearly define your “Statement of Beliefs” in the Facility Use Agreement.  There is no need to list them all, just mention that you align with the beliefs of your denomination or what is stated on your website.  Provide a link. 

This can help ensure that facility use aligns with the church's values and avoid potential conflicts with groups who may hold opposing beliefs. Requiring a renter to acknowledge and agree to the statement of beliefs clarifies that the church's facility is a place of faith and not just a general rental space.

We recommend that you consult a legal expert to look over your Facility Agreement Policy and before you deny access to any group.

You can create scheduling conflicts

I was a kid’s pastor for a number of years.  We had an awesome children’s area that people wanted to use for parties and events.  It was not uncommon for me to arrive for service on a Sunday morning to find the kids area totally out of order: 

Tables and chairs missing

Snacks and prizes gone

Party décor on walls

Balloon arches left standing (I hate balloon arches to this day!)

I know it sounds like I’m whining, but having to quickly reset kids church just before service started kept me from doing important things like greeting visitors or interacting with students and parents.  (It also impacted my morning mood!)

Keep in mind that the ministry of your church must always be the priority.  Outside ministry is second.  Work with them as much as possible, but not a great expense to primary ministry. 

Schedule space and times very carefully.

You will experience property damage

Have you ever seen someone driving a car erratically and heard them say, “Don’t worry, it’s a rental!”  Not every group behaves in the way you do or respects your property in the same way.

A pastor friend of mind rented his facility to a group and discovered some brand-new furniture destroyed after the event.  The group denied any knowledge of how it happened, leaving the church without any easy recourse to recover for the damage.

Know that facility use is going to cause facility wear and tear.  Build those expenses into your fees.  Charge a deposit to help cover any damage. Schedule someone to be onsite during outside events to control behavior and note any damage. (Take pictures)

Hopefully I haven’t convinced you to never open your church doors to your community.  That is not my intent.  The church should be the center of the community.  Just proceed with caution, mitigate your risk, and ban balloon arches.