The Church

The Church

Church buildings have a special significance that distinguishes them from public hall or commercial meeting places. They are set apart, specially dedicated to God for specific purpose of worship, religious education, fellowship, and service. Priority in the use of church buildings should be given to those spiritual ministries of the church itself and to the community it serves through its witness and program.

Individuals and groups who traditionally use church buildings include church staff members, the congregation, church organizations, wedding parties, funerals, and denominational agencies.

Some churches restrict the use of their facilities to their own membership. Others openly invite the use of their facilities by other groups in the community. The church should evaluate community needs in the light of it own basic objectives before establishing regulations concerning the use of its facilities by outside groups. Specific plans should be followed in providing facilities and using them properly.

Many church buildings remain unused much of the week. An idle church building should challenge congregational leadership to reexamine the church's concept of its purpose in the light of the spirituals needs of the community.

Church members should be able to use the church for weddings. Marriage is one of the most significant events of life, and it should be conducted with the blessings of the church. Young people contemplating marriage should know that their church wishes to join them in this special event. Each church should

determine and have on record its policy concerning the use of the church building for the marriage of nonmembers.

Many churches have found it useful to prepare a printed folder giving full information regarding the use of the buildings, including information regarding floral decorations, candles, wedding receptions, and any fee to be provided for the participating ministers, sound engineer, and building superintendent.

A folder giving full information on weddings in the church can be helpful for those planning church weddings, whether members of the congregation or not. Sometimes people are careless or uninformed about appropriate procedures or conduct when using church facilities. Consequently, many churches have adopted specific regulations regarding decorations, moving of furniture, use of rice or birdseed, and appropriate behavior of members of the wedding party.

There is way too much emphasis put on the church building being the place where God lives or the only place where God can be worshiped.