Sharing buildings with another ministry allows church members to engage other cultures, see a young ministry develop and thrive, and practice good stewardship. But these arrangements present unique challenges, too. Utility, maintenance, and renovation costs must be fairly divided. Personality differences arise and communication barriers may emerge, particularly with perceptions of turf and identity.
Sharing Your Church Building is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you navigate these often-unfamiliar waters and avoid pitfalls. It offers management insights, specific problem-solving guidelines, and strategies for preparing a congregation to share its facilities--either as a host or as a guest. It will help in establishing healthy boundaries that allow all the ministries in the building to flourish.
Ralph D. Curtin, D. Min, is a senior pastor of Victory Life Church in North Lauderdale, FLorida. He formally pastored a church that hosted Brazilian and Haitian congregations. He is a professor at Trinity International University South Florida and the author of the prophetic fiction novel, Ancient Lights (Destiny Image Publishers, 2003).