Multi-Use Ministry Space

This morning I gave a presentation at the Church Solutions conference in Phoenix, AZ. It dealt with multi-use ministry space – the good, the bad – and what it means to my home church New Hope Community Church in Boardman, OH.

Here are the pluses:

1. MU space is highly changeable in the short-term – one space can house different activities in the same day
2. MU space is good stewardship – you get more uses which divides the cost of the space
3. MU space is “future-proof” – as your ministry methods change (and they will), the space can morph along with those changes

Here are minuses:

1. MU space requires a high degree of management – you need to dedicate staff and budget for scheduling, set up tear down, etc.
2. MU space requires high maintenance – use high quality materials and finishes because they take more of a beating
3. MU requires much creativity – you can finish out a “big box” very creatively if you partner with someone who has the expertise for it

My pastor, Paul Dazet gave his perspective on multi-use ministry space via audio (he was scheduled to be there, but got snowed in). He talked about how we are moving from a seeker-targeted approach to an incarnational form of ministry. He said we are trying to create ownership among our people so they will use our warehouse as a way to engage and connect with the community.

I am biased toward MU ministry space; because I believe more flexible buildings keep us from being locked into a way of doing ministry that will eventually become obsolete. While there are downsides, this is the way to future-proof that obsolescence.