Many churches meeting in portable venues like schools and theaters were caught shortsighted by the Covid19 lockdown and had nowhere to meet for extended periods of time at the mercy of their property-owner’s enforced measures and local government actions. As a result, prudent churches have begun reassessing their future ministry space needs. Many churches are now looking to find a permanent home and more long-term stability.
Long-term Options for Churches in Temporary Facilities
Across the country, larger commercial spaces have been vacated over the last few years. Obviously, there is an incredible opportunity for these churches in the current commercial real estate market. Property-owners want a signed long-term lease and the church can get into a facility at a great rate with long-term security.
The best part is that the church can often renovate the space for a fraction of the cost of purchasing and make it their own space. We’ve conducted stewardship and generosity programs that easily pay for these enhancements in only 2-3 years and often the amount of rent for the new facility is consistent with what these churches have been paying to rent a school/theater and pay for a separate office space for staff. Ultimately, the church can always make an offer on the building to purchase if the owner is ready to sell in the future.
We see this especially in warehouses or big box/office space. With Covid, people are working remote which leaves a lot of buildings empty. We will see an even greater surplus of spaces in the commercial area in the next 12-18 months.
This has been a great way for churches to get into their first facility rather than purchasing land and starting from scratch with a limited budget. This has really been the largest area of interest I’ve seen over the past 10 months and an area that Impact Stewardship can help your churches plan its strategy. With our experience, we can help you make this transition. Most churches develop a plan to make this move debt free or with as little debt as possible.
If you are currently in a temporary space and considering moving to a permanent home or are in the process, Impact Stewardship can help. Contact us to find out how we can assist.
