Southern Calvert Baptist Church Facility Use Policy

Overview

We at Southern Calvert Baptist Church enjoy God's provision in the ability to host events in our facility! The intention of this document is to inform our public patrons of the building offerings, Worship Center's technical capabilities, gather events requirements to help facilitate during these special occasions.

Purpose Statement

The church's facilities were and continue to be 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 to bring God glory. Although the facilities are not generally open to the public, we make our facilities available to approved non-members as a witness to our faith, in a spirit of Christian charity, and as a means of demonstrating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in practice.

However, facility use will not be permitted to persons or groups holding, advancing, or advocating beliefs or practices that conflict with the church's faith or moral teachings. This is summarized in documents such as the church's Constitution and Bylaws. Nor church facilities may be used for activities that contradict, or are deemed inconsistent with the church's faith or moral teachings. The pastor in accordance with the Facilities Management Team, is the final decision-maker concerning use of church facilities.

This restricted facility use policy is necessary for two important reasons. First, the church may not in good conscience materially cooperate 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 material cooperation with that activity and would be a grave violation of the church's faith and religious practice (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Thesselonians 5:22).

Second, it is very important that the church present a consistent message to the community, and that the church staff and members conscientiously maintain that message as part of their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Allowing 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 cause confusion and scandal to church members and the community because they may reasonably perceive that by allowing use of our facilities, the church agrees with the beliefs or practices of the persons or groups using its facilities. 

Therefore, in no event shall persons or groups use the facility who hold, advance, advocate beliefs, or engage in practices that contradict the church's faith. This policy applies to the entire Southern Calvert Baptist Church - Lusby campus, regardless of whether or not the facilities are connected to the church's sanctuary. The church sees all of its property as holy and set apart to worship God. (Colossians 3:17).

Guidelines

Consistent communication with our events coordinator and the appointed SCBC ministry team(s) will greatly assist with facilitating a successful function. These contacts are volunteers and are typically available to answer questions working hours.

For most events, we ask that the form is completed and submitted within two-three weeks before the facilities are required. We understand that some events, such as funerals will arise unexpectedly.  A reasonable amount of lead-time is necessary for church leadership to review the requirements and plan appropriately. Consideration toward our facility and volunteer availability will help avoid scheduling conflicts.

Depending on the complexity of the event, you or SCBC ministry personnel may request a facility walk-through and/or phone call meeting to better define event details.

As stated previously, the majority of the SCBC ministry teams are comprised of volunteers. Any event details verbally communicated outside of this form are not guaranteed to occur as expected, especially details that have not been communicated until the day of the event.

All events requests and usage forms are subject to review by church leadership, ministry team(s) or individual(s) within Southern Calvert Baptist Church in view of approval. 

Limitations

Southern Calvert Baptist Church reserves the right to approve or refuse the scheduling of events and requested usage of the building facilities or property for any reason. Submitting this form neither guarantees nor confirms approval. Consult with the SCBC event coordinator after submitting this form in order to verify if your event has been approved for schedule confirmation.

Approved Users and Priority of Use

The pastor, in accordance with the Facilities Management Team of Southern Calvert Baptist Church, must approve all uses of church facilities. Generally, church members, their immediate families and organized groups that are part of the ministry, organization, or sponsored activities of the church receive first priority.

Groups or persons requesting facility use must affirm that their beliefs and practices and planned uses of the facilities are consistent with the church's faith and practice.

The group or person seeking facility usage will be responsible for the facilities and equipment used and must agree to abide by the church's rules of conduct for facility use, as stated below and as described in any additional instructions by church leadership.

Facility Use Hours

Facilities are available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Use outside these hours may be approved by the pastor or official designee.

Scheduling Events

Facility requests shall be made to the pastor and/or Facilities Management Team leader with two weeks advanced notice by completing and signing the Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement online form at the end of these agreement statements. The event will be reserved and placed on the church calendar only when the pastor or official leadership designee approves the use.

Fees

Use of church facilities is subject to a usage and maintenance fee when determined necessary by the Facilities Management Team for the upkeep and sanitization of church facilities. Applicability of cleaning fees will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Professional Cleaning Services

For events that request kitchen usage, serve food, or that host 40 or more individuals, professional cleaning services will be billed to the requesting person or institution in agreement with the facility usage.

The event requestor is responsible for ensuring the general setup of tables, rooms, restrooms, and other utilized spaces are restored to the condition they were prior to the event. If this is not accomplished, the professional cleaning service fees will be billed to the requestor. 

Flat Fee: $500 + service charge

Audio Visual Team

Services may include PowerPoint photo presentations, music, and specific lighting.

A Love Offering $250 is recommended.

Photo/music submissions must be approves as soon as possible (additonal information will be required in a form to follow via email.)

Policies

• Alcohol is prohibited in church facilities, its grounds and parking lot.
  Groups are restricted to only those areas of the facility that have been reserved.
• Food and beverages are prohibited in the Worship Center/Sanctuary
• Church equipment, such as tables and chairs, must be returned to original placement, unless arranged otherwise prior to the event.
• All lights must be turned off and doors locked upon departure.
• Abusive or foul language, violent behavior, and drug or alcohol abuse are strictly prohibited on church premises. Any person exhibiting such behavior will be required to leave the property.
• Firearms and illegal drugs are not allowed in church facilities, its grounds and parking lot.
• Clean-up: The user is required to clean-up after their event. All rooms, restrooms and any other spaces used must be restored to the condition they were in prior to the event. If the church must contract to have the facilities cleaned, and it has been determined that the user will pay the fee listed above.

Insurance

Liability Insurance coverage in the amount of $100 is required for all non-church-sponsored events. The group or person using the facilities must obtain coverage by the day of the event. The user must also sign a “Facility Use and an Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement” form.