Facilities - Leased Or Borrowed

We assume that you have started your church in the homes of members or the pastor as described in the previous topic. As the group becomes larger, you might consider leasing or borrowing a facility to�accomodate your new church.

You may choose to lease a facility (such as in an existing business facility).�Or�you may choose to borrow a facility (such as a school or a business facility).

Borrowing a facility such as a school or inactive church building would be the most desirable (vs. leasing) for several reasons:

There is no need for an initial capital outlay other than equipment
You are not stuck with a long term lease as you grow
You will not need to spend money to build out a new leased facility (the infrastructure is likely in place - such as air conditioning, bathrooms, etc.)

But borrowing a facility can have some downsides:

You can only use it part time (not use it when the loaning party is using it)
You may not have access to all the facilities you need in one place (such as offices or children's class rooms, etc.)
There could be limitations on the layout of the borrowed facility such as fixed partitions.

Leasing an unbuilt-out�facility (a shell or bay) such as in a strip business space could be the desirable (vs. borrowing) for several reasons:

You can build-out to meet your needs including offices, classrooms, sanctuary, etc.
You can be assured of a fixed time that the facility is available

Whether you plan to lease or borrow a facility, you will need to have furniture and equipment that will fit your needs.

Things to think about with leased facilities

Furniture

Folding chairs or stackable
Folding tables
Communion table
Lecturn
Cabinet(s) - filing
Bookcase(s)
Desk(s)
Wastebaskets
Recycling bins

Office equipment - link to Office Services

Phone(s)
Fax
Printer
Copier
Scanner
Computer(s)
Answering service/machine
Refrigeration
Coffee maker

Janitorial supplies

Brooms
Mops and buckets
Toilet tissue
Soap
Paper towels
Light bulbs
Vaccuum
Maintenance tools - screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, etc.
Other

Sound system / equipment - link to Music Plan

Speakers
Microphone(s)
Amplifiers
Piano / keyboard
Music stands

Space requirements

Large open area to serve as:� sanctuary, fellowship hall, gym/sports/large meeting space
Individual rooms: offices, reception area, committee meetings
Restrooms
Storage
Kitchen

Other considerations

Code requirements - restrooms, parking (handicap and regular), signage,
Security systems
Certificate of Occupancy (CO), alarm system permit, etc.
Landscaping and maintenance
HVAC controls and timers

Negotiating a lease

Comments:

From Robert Westheimer [24.162.8.80] - 1/26/05 7:50 AM

I guess on second thought it probably does belong here and may just need a bit more of an expanded introduction to explain that these items need to be owned by the church and potentially stored somewhere to be brought out and used when the church has its activities.

From Robert Westheimer [24.162.8.80] - 1/26/05 7:48 AM

I like your list of items on this page.� It looks very complete and helpful to me.

But I wonder if it fits the title for this page or if it should be on another page.� The title is "leased or borrowed" and I wonder if you are suggesting that�a new church�should lease or borrow the items of furniture, supplies, etc. that you list here.

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