5 NEEDS FOR THE RIGHT MEETING PLACE

Author: Jeremy Rowland

The right building to meet in can be challenging. It has proven to be one of the most determining factors for guests as they decide to visit and/or return.  

I. The Need for Research

• Know where people shop. People will go to church where they shop not where they work
• Know where the growth is with new homes and/or apartments
• Know where the crime areas are, or places people usually avoid
• People will go up in social status areas but will not travel to a lower one. 

II. The need for Visibility

• Location is crucial. Money will be spent on a highly visible place or it will be spent on advertising trying to direct people to a hidden one
• Try to locate on a high trafficked road
• Locate near a landmark that people can identify with such as a post office, fire station, Walmart, etc…

        
III. The Need for Aesthetics

• Good “curb appeal” is critical as it is the first impression
• It should be easily accessible with parking and walking distance. People are turned off when they have to walk too far or make too many turns to get to the meeting room.
• It should be safe and well-lit at night
• Inside should be clean, fresh smelling, and well lit.
• A carpeted room is best as it absorbs sound.
• Clean bathrooms are a must
• Think sight, sound, and smell

IV. The Need for a Temporary Place

• For at least the first two years it’s best to have a temporary location such as a hotel, school, activity center, …etc. The cost is affordable and there is no overhead. This frees up time and money that can be given to evangelism and discipleship.
• A permanent location too early can be a financial burden with high rent and extra cleaning and maintenance costs. Having the building 24/7 isn’t necessary for several years.

V. The Need for Patience

• Try to stay in the same place for at least the first two years as people will visit from the initial evangelism. Some people will wait at least a year before visiting as they wait to make sure the church will be permanent
• Staying in one place gives stability to the church and credibility to the community
• Stay as long as new guests are coming. There is no need to move if there is fruit from outreach
• Too many church planters have rushed into a land or building project prematurely only to regret it
• Wait on the Lord and He will bring the right permanent place!