Conflicts Over Church Building Use Policies

Well … just like most topics in life, I surely didn’t know one QUARTER of the potential issues, interests, challenges, and pitfalls associated with this one. Yes, yes, like most Christians I had (casually) “mediated” (discussed?) topics and conflicts related church building usage over the years. And thinking back on it, I’d have to say that pretty much every conflicted church intervention I learned about or reviewed when I was still on staff at Peacemakers had at least one church building use issue—even if it was only a presenting issue.

Still, I was surprised by how diverse the documentation from various churches is. Some really go the “three paragraph, only approved church ministries EVER” route. Others go the “three paragraph, open our doors wide to anyone” route. Most are somewhere in between.

If you’re interested in reading what I found to be a good/wise representation of a “middle of the road” approach, I encourage you to check out the summary and official policy for the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton.

(Noting, however, that I am not RECOMMENDING their policy for your church because I have no idea what your church needs or what your leaders have decided for the convictions that will guide your policy.)

It’s just a good read if you like to read this sort of stuff (book of church orders, civ pro, etc.). A nice balance of generosity and colloquial wisdom with a little bit of Roberts Rules and lawyerly stuff thrown in to keep things clear. 😉

(Oh, and I have no affiliation with this church whatsoever. I just found their docs through the magic of google. So if you DO have a relationship with this church and you ever learn that they’re ticked because I’ve posted links here, please just let me know and I’ll delete this post. I felt comfortable linking because a) it was in the public domain; and b) there was no language saying I shouldn’t. However, causing conflict over conflicts associated with church building use policies? Nah. I’d rather skip that if I can.)

Blessings to you all!

Yours,
Tara B.