The church building is the house of the household of faith and not the house of God. The facilities of the church, the buildings, are for the purpose of the household of faith practicing its devotion to God in its collective activities.

So, how do we go about managing the house of the household of faith? How can we be creative in utilizing the facilities of the household of faith?

It is axiomatic that form follows function. We must determine what we are attempting to do with the church (the household of faith) before we determine how we use the church (its facilities) creatively In one model the elders or another accountability group may use its godly wisdom to develop a set of criteria for usage. One such set is as follows:

Does it glorify God?

Does it flow from the biblical text?

Does it edify and build up the body?

Does it reach out to others?

Decisions on how to utilize the facilities that the church owns in common may well set the tone for the ministry that the church engages in. Therefore, the leadership will do well to involve itself in some of the more routine affairs of the church if the church is to use its property well and in a biblical fashion.

Now, it is time to let our imagination take over. We have looked at the topic from a biblical perspective and decided to do things with our building that will honor God and advance his kingdom. We have incorporated our leaders in the planning stages and have received their encouragement and blessing in devising ways to use our facilities in a creative and godly manner.

First, let us realize that we have control over an incredible amount of space. Outside of schools and civic auditoriums, there are few buildings in our town that can seat several hundred adults while engaging children of all ages in activities in rooms built for them and their capabilities. Second, we can offer this space at rates far below comparable space at commercial establishments. Some even plan for community outreach while their building plans are in the design stages. Third, even seemingly non-church events offer the unbeliever an opportunity to be in our building without feeling put upon. Fourth, we want the citizens of our community to know where our church meets and how to get there. Fifth, we want our community to know that we welcome them. Lastly, we can build a reputation for service in our communities that make people glad to be identified with our congregation.

If a church wants to make its property available for use more than twice a week, then it must prepare for it. Decide that it is disadvantageous for it to sit fallow five days a week. Realize that additional support staff may be required and that user fees may help offset the additional expenses.

The more experienced church has considered a Christian school on its site and many have flourished. Churches with gyms or family life centers can host sports leagues or practices. Schools themselves often need a place for an off-campus or inter-campus retreat or conference. One church hosts over 200 middle school students twice a year for a speech tournament, an event that could not take place anywhere else because of the number of classrooms needed.

The Boy Scouts are always in need of a place for their councils to meet. Many churches are finding that local outreach takes place very easily through sponsoring a Boy Scout troop. Health screenings for the benefit of preschool children or senior adults create goodwill, especially if members of the church are helping with the event. Home schooling groups need a place for the parents to meet and share ideas and see new curriculum, which is usually based on Christian values.

AA, Alanon, and other support groups reach segments of the community resistant to other church activities. Churches find that their own members are in recovery and become leaders in this outreach. Neighborhood watch groups can meet at the building and may help provide added security in urban areas. Attractive churches can be used for weddings. Some churches have used their facilities for causes such as earthquake relief, food for the hungry, and assistance to AIDS victims.

If we ever get over the misconception that the church building is somehow sacred and take to heart God's call to use the blessings which he has so graciously given us, then maybe we can get down to the business of turning the world upside down for Christ. If, however, we want to make our auditoriums into sanctuaries and classrooms into shrines, then we really do not have to change much at all. If we want to use our creativity for the good of the Gospel of Christ, then find ways to turn our physical assets into spiritual blessings.