Grace Baptist Church Fayetteville, WV
 
Facility Use Policy

Statement of Purpose

Grace Baptist Church joyfully seeks to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to be a blessing to our congregation and the surrounding community. The facilities God has entrusted to us are resources for ministry, fellowship, outreach, and service. This Facility Use Policy is intended to reflect the kindness and hospitality of Grace Baptist Church while also ensuring that we are good stewards of the buildings and property God has provided.
The purpose of this policy is to protect the mission, testimony, and reputation of Grace Baptist Church, to provide clear expectations for facility use, and to ensure that all activities conducted on church property are consistent with biblical principles, Christian conduct, and the values of our church.
 
Mission and Ministry Protection
All uses of Grace Baptist Church facilities must be consistent with the mission, beliefs, and moral standards of Grace Baptist Church. The church reserves the right to deny or revoke facility use for any activity that conflicts with the church’s doctrinal beliefs, Christian values, or ministry purpose, or that may harm the reputation or witness of the church.
Facilities may not be used for activities that promote or endorse beliefs, behaviors, or practices contrary to biblical teaching or the mission of Grace Baptist Church.

Scriptural Foundations:

• “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
• “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.” — Philippians 1:27
• “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” — 2 Corinthians 8:21

 
Eligibility for Facility Use

1. Church-Sponsored Use: Activities sponsored or directly overseen by Grace Baptist Church ministries may use the facilities without fees, subject to scheduling and approval.
2. Member Use: Members of Grace Baptist Church may request facility use for appropriate personal or ministry-related events, subject to approval.
3. Non-Member Use: Non-members may request use of the facilities with the following conditions:
   • A current member of Grace Baptist Church must be listed as a reference.
   • A $100 refundable security deposit is required.
   • A $50 facility use and maintenance fee per event will be charged to help offset utility and facility expenses.
   • All fees may be waived with the approval of the Pastor.

 
Scheduling and Approval
All facility use must be scheduled in advance and approved by church leadership or their designee. Priority will be given to regularly scheduled church services, ministries, and events.
Approval may be withdrawn at any time if the terms of this policy are not followed.
 
Conduct Guidelines
All individuals using Grace Baptist Church facilities are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that honors Christ and reflects Christian character.

• Profanity, abusive language, harassment, or disruptive behavior is not permitted.
• Alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, vaping, or any controlled substances are prohibited on church property.
• Gambling and activities of a sexual, immoral, or explicitly violent nature are not permitted.
• All activities must be conducted in a safe, orderly, and respectful manner.

The sponsoring individual or group is responsible for the conduct of all participants.

Scriptural Foundations:

• “Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40
• “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.” — Ephesians 4:29
• “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:22
• “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16

 
Dress Guidelines
Dress for all activities held in Grace Baptist Church facilities should be modest, appropriate, and respectful of a church environment.

• Clothing with vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language, images, or messages is not permitted.
• Attire should reflect Christian modesty and respect for others.

Grace Baptist Church reserves the right to address dress concerns if they are deemed inconsistent with the church’s values or reputation.
 
Care and Use of Facilities
Users are expected to treat all church property with care and respect.

• Decorations must be approved in advance and may not cause damage to walls, floors, furniture, or fixtures.
• Nails, screws, tape, or adhesives that may damage surfaces are not permitted without approval.
• Furniture and equipment may only be moved with permission and must be returned to its original location.
• Kitchen facilities, if used, must be left clean and orderly.

 
 
 
Cleaning and Restoration Responsibilities
All groups using the facilities are responsible for leaving the space in the same condition as it was found.
This includes, but is not limited to:

• Removing all decorations and personal items
• Cleaning tables, chairs, countertops, and used surfaces
• Sweeping or spot-cleaning floors as needed
• Properly disposing of trash and replacing trash liners if provided
• Returning furniture and equipment to original locations

Failure to properly clean and restore the facility may result in forfeiture of the security deposit and/or denial of future use.
 
Fees and Deposits

• Security Deposit (Non-Members): $100 refundable deposit required prior to facility use.
• Facility Use & Maintenance Fee (Non-Members): $50 per event.
• Waiver of Fees: All fees and deposits may be waived with the approval of the Pastor.

Deposits will be refunded after inspection of the facility, provided no damage or excessive cleaning is required.
 
Liability and Responsibility
Grace Baptist Church assumes no responsibility for injuries, accidents, or loss of personal property occurring during facility use. The individual or group using the facility assumes full responsibility for the conduct of participants and any damage to church property.

Agreement and Acknowledgment
Use of Grace Baptist Church facilities constitutes agreement to comply with this policy. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in immediate termination of facility use and denial of future requests.