Purpose Statement

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 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.

But facility use will not be permitted to persons or groups advancing or advocating beliefs or practices that conflict with the church’s faith or moral teachings, which are summarized in, among other places, the church’s Statement of Faith. Nor may church facilities be used for activities that contradict, or are deemed inconsistent with, the church’s faith or moral teachings. The pastors, or their official designee, are the final decision-makers 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 Cor 6:14; 1 Thess 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 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 church facilities be used in any way that contradicts the church’s faith. This policy applies to all church facilities, regardless of whether the facilities are connected to the church’s sanctuary, because the church sees all of its property as holy and set apart to worship God. (Col 3:17.)

Approved Users and Priority of Use

The pastors or official designees must approve all uses of church facilities. Generally, priority shall be given to church members, their immediate families, and organized groups that are part of the ministry, organization, or sponsored activities of the church. Church facilities and equipment will be made available to non-members or outside groups meeting the following qualifications:

1. 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.

2. The group or person seeking facility use must submit a signed “Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement” form.

3. The group or person seeking facility use must be willing to take responsibility 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 staff.

Facility Use Hours

Facilities are available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Use outside these hours may be approved by the pastors or official designees.

Scheduling Events

Facility use requests shall be made to the church office by submitting the “Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement” form. The event will be reserved and placed on the church calendar only when the pastors or official designees approve the use.

Fees

Use of church facilities is subject to a use and maintenance fee of $250 for each building used to pay for the upkeep of church facilities. Church members are not required to pay a fee for usage because maintenance of the facilities are derived from member tithes and offerings.

Facility Use Guidelines

Arrangements for any FBC facility shall be made by non-FBC organizations a minimum of 30 days in advance through the church office.

The party or parties who schedules an FBC facility for private use will be responsible for payment of any damage to furniture, equipment, or furnishings.

Furniture, pianos, and other equipment (including décor) will not be moved unless approved by a member of the FBC staff.

Facilities should be left in good order, with all furniture, décor, and other items returned to their proper places.  All lights and heating/cooling should be turned off at the conclusion of the event.

Proper methods for hanging and attaching objects to walls should be used in order to avoid damage to the building.

Church equipment (including tables and chairs) is not to be removed from the church property.

Proper church dress should be adhered to for rehearsals, weddings, and any other activities taking place in FBC facilities.

Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on FBC property (inside or outside).

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages of any kind is strictly prohibited anywhere on FBC property (inside or outside).

No pets are allowed inside any church facility.

No vulgar or offensive music is to be played during any event. The volume of any music should not be loud enough to disturb neighbors. Any music which can be heard from outside the building must be turned off at sundown.

Use of a specific portion of the church does not entitle the user to use or occupy any other portion of the building(s).

Groups and organizations may use kitchen facilities as long as there is not conflict with regular church activities and meetings.

All persons who use the kitchen should observe the strictest rules of sanitation, cleanliness, and order so that the facility will be ready for the next user.

No perishable food should be left in the kitchen area.

No garbage or trash of any kind should be left in the kitchen.

Towels and cloths should be laundered and returned by the user or spread out to avoid mildewing.

The stoves, refrigerators, counter tops, sinks, dishes, and pots and pans should be left clean.

Kitchen equipment is not to be taken outside the building except for church-sponsored events, and then it should be returned the same day or the day following.

Each group/user is asked to furnish their coffee, tea, paper goods, etc.

Kitchen equipment is not to be loaned out or removed from FBC.

The floors are to be swept in all areas of use and mopped (with water only) if necessary.

Members of FBC Nocona and all others who may desire to request the use of the church for weddings are invited to ask the Pastor to perform their marriage ceremony.

Couples who desire to use the church for the wedding ceremony but who desire to use the services of a minister who is not a member or former member of the FBC Nocona staff must consult with the Pastor for his recommendation and be governed thereby.

The bride and groom shall show proof of completion of pre-marital counseling sessions prior to the wedding.

Florists are required to be cleared with the church office prior to decorating the church or any portion thereof which may be used for the ceremony or reception. All decorating must be done in the presence of or with the approval of the church office.

Only drip-less candles may be used and must be placed in candelabras to prevent drippings on the floor or carpet. In the event of drippings, the user shall be responsible for the cleaning of wax from the floor, furniture, and carpets, and shall be required to see that the church premises shall be as clean as possible after use. All caution should be taken to see that wax does not drip on any of the above mentioned articles.

Decorations shall not be placed on the pulpit stand or attached to the furniture by pinning or nailing. Flowers will be placed where there will be no water damage or other stains. No flowers shall be placed on any musical instruments. No furniture or seasonal décor shall be moved or rearranged without specific permission by a member of the church staff.

All floral decorations shall be removed immediately following the ceremony unless previous arrangements with the church staff have been made.

The church reserves the right to restrict florists who violate the above mentioned regulations.

Music used in connection with the ceremony should be in keeping with the sacredness and dignity of the wedding service.

Rice, confetti, bird seed or other such items shall not be permitted inside the church buildings.

No weddings shall be scheduled on a Sunday.