First Baptist Church

(Approved October, 2017)
 

POLICY AND PROCEDURE

GENERAL USE OF BUILDING/FACILITY

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GALLATIN

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Policy and Purpose: 

The physical presence of the church in the community stands as a symbol of faith and hope. It is a meeting place and a center from which worship and ministry/programs can emerge.

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All real property facilities of First Baptist Church of Gallatin (collectively, the "Church Facilities") including without limitation its sanctuary auditorium fellowship hall, educational facilities, conference rooms, other meeting rooms or facilities used for the mission of the church, wherever located,

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(1) when used by the Church, its ministers, officers, staff or employees or its congregation members of Church attendees, and

(2) if used by other persons or groups with the permission of the Church or the ministerial or administrative staff of the Church

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shall be used solely for purposes consistent or compatible with the mission, faith, and doctrine of the Church, as defined in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, or in Statements of Faith adopted by the local Church from time to time, it being acknowledged and understood that the Church Facilities are intended not to be facilities of "public accommodation" as defined by law, but are facilities owned by the Church, a Missouri non-profit corporation, dedicated solely for such permitted uses.

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The Church's facilities were provided through God's benevolence and by the sacrificial generosity of Church members. The Church desires that its facilities be used for the fellowship of the Body of Christ and always to God's glory. Although the facilities are not generally open to the public, we do on occasion make our facilities available to non-members, both individuals and groups, after approval by the Church consistent with this policy.

Facility use will not be permitted to persons or groups holding, advancing, or advocating beliefs or advancing, advocating, or engaging in practices that conflict with the Church's faith or moral teachings, which are summarized in, among other places, the Church's [Articles], Constitution, Bylaws and other policies or statements of faith adopted by the Church. Nor may facilities be used for activities that express viewpoints that contradict, or are deemed by the pastor, to be inconsistent or incompatible with the Church's faith or moral teachings. The Church designates the pastor as its final decision-maker on whether a person or group is allowed to use Church facilities for particular activities (also see General Regulations, "M." and "M.a.")

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This restricted use policy is necessary for two important reasons. First, the Church may not in good conscience materially cooperate or participate in activities or beliefs that are contrary to its faith. Allowing its facilities to be used for purposes that contradict the Church's beliefs would be viewed by some as material cooperation with that activity and complicity in that viewpoint, and would be a grave violation of the faith and religious practice of the Body and its individual members (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Thes. 5:22). Secondly, it is very important to the Church that it presents a consistent message to the community, which the Church staff and members conscientiously maintain as part of their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To allow facilities to be used by groups or persons who express beliefs or engage in practices contrary to the Church's faith would have a severe negative impact on the message that the Church strives to promote. It could also be a source of confusion and scandal to Church members and the community because they may reasonably perceive that by allowing use of our facilities, the Church is in agreement with the beliefs or practices of the person or groups using Church facilities.

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Therefore, in no event shall persons or groups who hold, advance, or advocate beliefs, or advance, advocate, or engage in practices that contradict the Church's faith use any Church facility. Nor may facilities be used in any way that contradicts the Church's faith (Col. 3:17).

The foregoing policy shall apply to any ceremony, whether or not recognized by law, involving persons of the same birth gender or transsexual persons, including a civil union, commitment ceremony, or so-called same-sex marriage. 

 

I. GENERAL REGULATIONS 

A. The church building is NOT a community building but rather a house of worship to glorify God, and each person participating should “Do all things to glorify Him.” 

B. Those participating and enjoying events at our facility should dress and conduct themselves accordingly.  

C. The building will be closed to any event fifteen minutes prior to regularly scheduled church wide meeting and will remain closed during such meetings.  

D. No loitering.  

E. The person for whom the gathering is given or the host of the event will be the determining factor as to member or nonmember and as to the rate to be applied.  

F. The person applying for this event will take full responsibility for use of the facility, including the proper care and use of the building, equipment and supplies.  

G. The event hostess must have approval for use of worship center, fellowship hall, classrooms, and kitchen including dishes, kitchen facilities, etc.  Church dishes utilized must be washed.  

H. The nursery is open and available at all times for use.  Have a designated responsible person in the nursery when young children are playing.  Do not allow children to use any classrooms for playing.  

I. All outside groups wanting to use the property must provide their own liability insurance.  

J. First Baptist Church of Gallatin is not responsible for loss or damage of any personal items.   

K. The church property shall be vacated no later than 10:00 p.m.  

L. Willful violation of any of the policy and procedures could lead to the loss of eligibility to participate and/or use of the facility. 

M. The Pastor will be responsible for interpretation and enforcement of this policy and procedure and conduct.  All appeals will go to the Pastor.  

a. In the event the Pastor is unable or unavailable, the Head Deacon shall be responsible for the responsibilities of the Pastor in this Policy and Procedure.  

N. All applications must be made and submitted through the Church Office Secretary at least two weeks in advance.  

O. Policies and Procedures may be altered and added according to the First Baptist Church of Gallatin policies.  

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II. APPLICATION PROCESS

A. Church Office Secretary:

a. Will check the calendar for date availability.  

b. Hand out the General Use of Building/Facility, General Responsibilities, Application to Use Building/Facility, and Church Use and Cleaning Checklist.  

c. Accept the Application for General Use of Building/Facility.  

d. Collect and explain the fee(s).  

e. Walk the applicant through the church reviewing the Church Use and Cleanup Checklist.  

B. Review of Application: 

a. The Pastor, in conjunction with the church calendar, will determine availability of the building/facility.  

b. The Pastor will review and approve or deny the application.  The Pastor has the right to approve or refuse applications.  

c. Only approved applicants may reserve any part of the facility.  

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III. BUILDING USE FEES

A. Compliance Deposit:

a. Paid by all applicants, whether member or non-member. 

b. To ensure compliance of general responsibilities and the cleanliness of the building/facility.  

c. This fee is refundable in whole or in part, but may be retained in full; depending on the cleanliness of the building/facility.  

d. The return of the compliance deposit is at the discretion of the inspector.  

e. Amount $75.00. 

B. Sound Technician Fee: If the church’s sound/media equipment is to be used for a non-church related event, a fee will be charged of $30.00, for the technician.  

C. Non-Member Rental Fee: 

a. For each event a non-refundable cost deposit shall be paid in advance for utilities, paper products, etc.  

b. Amount $50.00.  

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IV. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE APPLICANT 

A. The person(s) requesting use of the building will be responsible for the proper care and use of the building, equipment and supplies.  

B. The person requesting use will be responsible for rented and borrowed articles.  

C. The church WILL NOT PERMIT any smoking or the drinking of alcoholic beverages ON THE CHURCH PROPERTY.  

D. Serving and eating of food is restricted to the kitchen and fellowship hall.  

E. Plans should be made to have the church vacated no later than 10:00 pm.  

F. If tables and chairs are being used in the fellowship hall or if furniture is moved around it must be returned to its proper place.  

G. All decorations must be removed.  

H. Make certain that ALL CANDLES ARE PUT OUT and removed before leaving the building. 

I. If candelabras are used, vinyl runners must be placed under them to protect carpet.  Candles on tables or furniture need to have cloth, plastic wrap or some type of protection under them.  Any flowers, candles, etc. that cause damage to the building or furnishing will be repaired or replaced by the party and/or the florist that created the problem.  Care should be taken to consult with the custodian prior to the event concerning their use.  

J. Have a designated responsible person in the nursery when young children are playing.

K. Do not allow children to use all classrooms for playing.

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V. INSPECTION 

A. When an event concludes, an inspection of the building/facility will be conducted.  

a. At any time an inspection can be conducted during business hours the inspection will be conducted by the Church Office Secretary.  (same day or next morning prior to events.)

b. In times when an inspection is required outside of business hours, the inspection will be the conducted by the person appointed by the Church Office Secretary.  

B. At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will notify the Church Office Secretary as to whether the compliance deposit shall be returned in full, part, or retained.  

C. If at the time of an inspection custodial services are required, the inspector shall contact the custodian as quickly as possible.  

D. If the custodian is required to return and clean the facility, the retained portion of the compliance deposit will be paid to the custodian.  

E. Questions or discrepancies should be first addressed by the Church Office Secretary, Custodian, Youth Pastor, or ultimately resolved by the Pastor.

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VI. WAIVER OF FEE 

A. An applicant/group/organization, which have already demonstrated and exhibited the responsibilities on the Church Use and Cleaning Checklist, may have the compliance fee waived.  

B. In the event, the applicant/group/organization does not maintain the responsibilities on the Church Use and Cleaning Checklist, the applicant/group/organization shall immediately be contacted in writing that the compliance fee will no longer be waived and state the reason why.  

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