1.  Purchasing a Facility - Few new churches can afford this option

2.  Renting/Leasing a Facility - Again, many new churches can not afford this option

3.  Schools (Public, Private, College, Day Care) - Many counties / cities allow schools to be rented by outside organizations.  This is a great solution for a new church

4.  Movie Theatres - Another great option.  Children's ministry is more difficult to do than in a school, but the increased value of a theatre in terms of community name recognition (i.e. there is great marketing value in a theatre as everyone within miles knows where it is) makes this a good option to pursue.  See Regal CineMeetings for more information

5.  Community Centers - A good option.  Sometimes small and often very local (without broader name recognition outside a specific community

6.  Hotels - Another good option.  Many hotels have ballrooms and conference rooms available on Sunday mornings

7.  Private Businesses /Companies - Many local businesses have auditoriums and/or large meeting rooms.  Get creative

8.  Other Churches - Possibility for a Saturday or Sunday night service

Visit your local county or city planning office and get a list of every organization with an occupancy permit of over 200.   This list will help you identify facilities in your area where large groups are allowed to meet.

Resources - Checkout the following free facility related resources from Passion for Planting:

Facility Selection Guidelines

Facility Selection Checklist

© 2005 Passion for Planting