Good Stewardship of an Underutilized Asset

"You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:5

The church is not a building—we are the church. But for most Canadian congregations, that building represents a significant asset that sits largely unused six days a week. With declining attendance and tighter budgets affecting churches nationwide, many are discovering that facility rental offers a practical way to serve their community while generating sustainable income.

The Reality of Church Property in Canada

Most churches own substantial buildings designed for weekly gatherings, special events, and ministry activities. Yet these spaces often remain empty Monday through Saturday, representing untapped potential for both community service and financial stewardship.

I experienced both sides of this equation during my years in church administration. Working as a church janitor and later administrator, I came to appreciate how our building served as more than just a meeting place—it was a hub for community life. Later, when my family moved and joined a new congregation that rented a civic theatre for Sunday services, I witnessed the challenges and freedoms that come with not owning property. While renting gave us flexibility and lower overhead, we faced limitations on programming, occasional scheduling conflicts with city events, and uncertainty during the pandemic when public buildings remained closed.

These experiences highlighted an important truth: church buildings, when thoughtfully managed, can extend ministry impact beyond Sunday morning.

Why Church Facility Rental Makes Sense

Financial Benefits

• Creates sustainable income to support ministry and maintenance
• Helps offset property taxes, utilities, and building upkeep
• Provides budget flexibility for outreach and programming

Community Impact

• Meets genuine need for affordable meeting spaces
• Creates natural connections with neighborhood organizations
• Demonstrates good stewardship of community resources
• Welcomes people into your space who might never attend church

Ministry Opportunities

• Opens doors for relationship-building with community groups
• Provides opportunities to share your church's mission naturally
• Creates partnerships with other nonprofits and ministries

Getting Started: Key Considerations

Seek Wisdom First

Begin with prayer and congregational discussion. What might God have in mind for your spaces? How can facility rental align with your church's mission and values?

Assess Community Needs

Research what types of meeting spaces are in demand in your area. Consider surveying local nonprofits, small businesses, or community groups about their space needs.

Evaluate Your Spaces

Larger venues: Sanctuary, fellowship hall, gymnasium, children's areas Smaller spaces: Classrooms, boardrooms, kitchen facilities, outdoor areas Additional resources: Parking, audio/visual equipment, tables and chairs

Address Practical Requirements

• Insurance: Consult your provider about coverage for rental activities
• Permits and regulations: Understand local requirements for commercial use
• Safety and accessibility: Ensure spaces meet current standards
• Policies: Develop clear rental agreements and usage guidelines
• Pricing: Research local rates for comparable spaces

Streamlining Facility Rental Management

Managing facility rentals doesn't have to become a administrative burden. Sunergo's Facility Rental system, designed specifically for Canadian organizations, simplifies the entire process:

Key Features:

• Track rentals, deposits, and payments in one place
• Customize space availability by time, date, or season
• Prevent double-booking of rooms and equipment
• Add cleaning fees, setup costs, and equipment charges
• Accept online payments via credit and debit
• Generate detailed rental reports
• Handle Canadian tax requirements automatically

Benefits for Church Administrators:

• Reduces time spent on scheduling coordination
• Minimizes billing and payment tracking
• Provides clear overview of facility usage
• Creates professional experience for renters

Making It Work for Your Church

Successful church facility rental requires balancing community service with practical management. Start small with one or two spaces, develop clear policies, and build relationships with reliable renters. Many churches find that facility rental becomes not just a source of income, but a genuine extension of their ministry to the community.

When churches open their doors beyond Sunday morning, they demonstrate that these buildings exist not just for the congregation, but as resources for the broader community. This approach transforms facility rental from simply generating income into practicing good stewardship of the assets God has entrusted to your care.

Ready to Explore Facility Rental?

Try our live demo to see how the rental system looks from a renter's perspective, or schedule a demonstration with our support team to learn how church administrators set up and manage facility rentals.

Our Canadian-based team understands the unique needs of churches across the country and can help you determine if facility rental is right for your congregation.