How to Discern When Your Church Needs its Own Space

To buy or not to buy.  That is the question.  

Every young church plant meeting in a temporary location wonders whether to invest in a permanent location.  While there are positives to having your own space, there are other considerations to be made as well.  

How much space can we afford?  How much space do we need?  How does the space serve both our church and the community? 

Moreover, if the church is not a building but a people, why do buildings matter?  If a building is not necessary for God to perform His saving work through the growth of His Kingdom, why do churches spend hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not millions) on church buildings?  Is that a wise investment?  

The decision to purchase a permanent location is no small matter.  It is a decision to be made with great discernment and wisdom.  A permanent building may or may not be wise depending upon your unique circumstances.  To help you begin to think through that decision consider these two articles:

“A Theological Framework for Buildings and Renovations”

In this article, John Henderson of 9Marks shares a document written by the elders of Del Ray Baptist Church (DRBC) in Alexandria, VA to instruct the DRBC congregation on the theology of church buildings.  The elders discuss two theological pitfalls to avoid, as well as the Scriptural purpose for buildings and how the Lord can use them for the advancement of His Kingdom.  

“Are Buildings Essential to Building Healthy Churches?”

In this article, Adam Sinnett of 9Marks weighs the pros and cons of purchasing a permanent space.  Purchasing a building is a nuanced process, and Sinnett does a wonderful job of providing a balanced framework from which to begin discerning whether the purchase of a building is the right move for your church. 

As you process, may the Lord lead you in wisdom and clarity as you discern the possibility of purchasing a permanent location.  Though your own building can be an advantage, the purpose of the church is to proclaim the glory of God to the watching world.  A building can be a vehicle for that aim; however, it is only a means to that end.  Your building, no matter how special and cherished, is not the point.  The point is the proclamation of God’s Word leading the salvation of lost souls for His glory and only His glory.

David is the pastoral resident at Park City Church. He enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and camping with his wife, Lauren, and their golden retriever, Moose. He also loves running, cooking, and watching sports.