Facilities matter. How are you using yours?
Since moving from a 20+ year pastoral ministry to a role with a mission agency, I have become less interested in buildings and more focused on relational ministries that facilitate evangelism, disciple-making, and leadership development.
BUT! This doesn’t mean facilities are irrelevant. God uses buildings as spaces in which significant ministry can take place.
When I pastored at Lakewood Park in Auburn, Indiana, I was grateful for how God allowed us to maximize our 110,000-square-foot space. Sundays and Wednesday nights, many people engaged in our Sunday school ministry, worship services, Bible studies, youth programs, and children’s ministry. Monday through Friday, more than 600 filled our halls and classrooms through our Christian school. In addition, more than 125 children used our nurseries through our childcare program. It was rewarding to see the multiplication of our investment in quality facilities.
To what degree are you maximizing your facilities? Christian schools and day cares are just a few of the many options a church can use to impact lives through its buildings. What would be the most effective use of your space in your community?
When we encourage greater use of our buildings, it benefits our people. They see God using their investment to make a bigger impact.
How could your facility be used to help other churches or ministries in your community? Is there an immigrant church that could meet in your space? Could you help launch a new church plant? Who might connect with your church if you started some type of counseling service or recovery program? Many people come to faith in Christ as a result of this kind of help.
Restored Church in Wilkes-Barre is using its facility as a launch point for various ministries serving the needy in its community. They see some of these people come to Christ and be baptized regularly. Could your church do something similar?
In the Spring of 2025, I visited more than a dozen churches in London and Manchester, England. These are the two most populated cities in the country, and it’s very expensive to do ministry there. However, they can stay in these key locations and engage with the people there because of the effective use of their space. Several operate cafes where people can gather. This allows for regular opportunities to have conversations with the lost. Some have food and clothing banks where they can interact with people while meeting their needs. One church owned significant space and developed it into athletic fields where they host lacrosse and cricket leagues! This leads to extensive interaction with community leaders, athletes, and their families. Other churches made space for community meetings.
You can do this! It might look different in your location, but you can maximize your facility for greater kingdom work. To do that, you will likely need to overcome some obstacles. The belief that “this is our space” can undermine these efforts. This requires teaching about stewardship and the concept that these are God’s facilities. They belong to Him. Perhaps your facilities need an upgrade or improvements to ensure they are safe and clean. This could become a priority in your budget.
Yes, it will cost some time and energy. It will likely take some additional funding. You will also need to investigate liability and insurance issues. However, the potential pay-off in changed lives is well worth the effort!
Don’t just own your building. Maximize it for God’s glory.
