Church is the house of God where people come together to worship and study scripture together. As it says in the Bible “Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there I will be also.” Jesus was saying that the church can be anywhere where His people congregate in fellowship. That being said, Christianity today requires a place to meet and gather. This can be a brand new building that you invest in and build u[p from scratch. Or you can choose to renovate an old building and use it for your new church needs.
Any renovation project is going to take work and research to create a building perfect for your needs and wants. A church is even more specific about what you need to look for in a building. When you’re renovating an old property, you need to guarantee that you’re set up for success through legal and official channels. You also want to get the building looking shiny and new with all the bells and whistles a church requires. Here are just a few tips and tricks for how you can convert an old building into a new, beautiful church that keeps God at the center of its story.
Get approved to open a church.
Churches operate under different rules and regulations than regular buildings and businesses. Because they’re religious organizations, they enjoy tax-exempt status and get certain perks from the city or the state. Before you can start converting your building into a church, check in with your city or local government to get the official okay that you can begin construction. You’ll also want to talk to the leaders of your denomination. For certain sects of Christianity, there are different leaders that have a say in how the overall church is run. You want to work with them to set up a church in the right place with the right people.
Clean the place up.
Anytime you buy or rent a building that you plan to renovate, you start with a basic clean-up. Go through and make updates to create a more energy-efficient location that is pristine for young children and adults alike. Simple tasks like gutter cleaning, making sure you have sufficient grounds and landscaping, and washing the windows can go a long way toward creating a beautiful, welcoming environment. Call Concord Labor Panes for a soft wash or commercial services that can help spruce up your space and make your church building as nice as possible. You want a space that feels inviting and safe for your congregation to celebrate the great story of salvation.
Define your different rooms.
Different buildings and organizations require different spaces to function. You wouldn’t open a restaurant without space for a kitchen, dining room, and office/break room. Likewise, you’ll need to make sure you have the different rooms and spaces you need for your church. You’ll need a sanctuary, fellowship area, classrooms for Bible study, and possibly a kitchen space for group activities. As you’re converting your building into a church, the best thing to do is create the layout of the spaces you’ll need and determine how you’re going to make that happen.
Bring in the extras you’ll need.
Converting your church building is only the first step before getting ready to welcome a new congregation. You also need to furnish it with the supplies you need to conduct a church service. Everything from pews to communion wafers to The Jesus storybook Bible will help you fill each missing piece that will make the church feel like home. As long as you keep the story of the Bible and God at the center of everything, you’re sure to give a good experience at your new location.