Facilites Policies and Procedures

FACILITIES POLICIES & PROCEDURES

General

These procedures are not designed to make administering our programs and ministry more challenging; they will help us use our limited resources efficiently to support our congregation. In addition, we need to ensure that we have taken the necessary precautions to limit our liability in areas such as fire, safety, and security. Each staff member should communicate the facility use policies to Salem Baptist Church congregants and our guests.

Facility Use

In general, the following priority schedule is followed when our facilities are requested for use:

Priority 1: Ministry activities of Salem Baptist Church (those ministries directly overseen by SBC, i.e., Sunday Morning Services, Midweek Activities, Church Ministry Events, and other SBC-sponsored events).

Priority 2: Salem Baptist Church-related organizations (Connect Groups, Tenant, etc.) and ministry partners.

Priority 3: Member events (activities such as weddings, anniversaries, etc.) and funerals.

Priority 4: Outside Organizations – groups not ministry partners with Salem Baptist Church.

While the above hierarchy lists the general priority for resolving conflicts regarding requests for building use, SBC reserves the right to reject any individual or group should another event of higher priority arise.  If an individual or organization has a special request hindered by this policy, they can inform the Facilities Manager or Executive Assistant to the Pastor.

Our Criteria to Determine Building Use are:

• Is the activity consistent with who we are and what we believe?
• Is the space available?
• How does the use impact on our church programs/activities?
• Are there safety/legal issues?
• Does the person/group understand and respect the primary purpose of the property requested?

Building/Room Use Guidelines

1. Upon approval notification, the user should decide to discuss any support details associated with event requirements. The user must ensure all requirements are made known and resolved at least ten days before the event's commencement.

2. The conduct of all people attending events is expected to respect the property, maintaining noise levels that respect others in adjoining spaces.

3. Events, programs, and activities are limited to the space that is assigned only.

4. Smoking and the use of illegal substances are not permitted in any church facilities.

5. No weapons are allowed on church property.

6. No open flames are permitted at any event.

7. The user is expected to leave the building in the same condition as before the event and must remove all items associated with the event upon conclusion.  

8. Any new or pre-existing damage to facilities, equipment, or furnishings should be reported to the Facilities Manager.

9. The user will ensure the area is clean, all trash is removed, and all items associated with the event (signs/posters/items/approved tape/decorations/etc.) are removed. 

10. If furniture or equipment is to be moved, it must be pre-arranged and approved in writing with the Facilities Manager's permission to maintain its quality and prevent damage.

11. The facilities manager must approve all decorations, signs, and posters on and off SBC's grounds.

• NO items may be affixed to any surface without written consent.
• NOTHING may be tacked or nailed/screwed into any surface, including walls, ceilings, woodwork, or fixtures.
• Scotch/Duct Tape is NOT to be used on walls, ceilings, or any other area that may leave unwanted marks.  Painter tape and poster putty are the only approved hanging items on any surface.  Ceiling clips and monofilament may only be used for hanging items from the ceiling.
• Signs on the exterior doors or grounds are only permitted with prior approval.
• Any decorations or signs deemed inappropriate can be removed at the discretion of any church staff employee.

12. Events in any area requiring audiovisual equipment must have one of the church’s designated AV Technicians on duty.

13. Children must always be supervised by their parents or a designated adult when they attend any event and are not permitted to roam freely on church property.

14. At least two (2) adults over 21 must constantly supervise all children's or youth activities.

15. Food consumption is only allowed in designated areas. Exceptions must be approved before the event.

16. No church furnishings/equipment/supplies (F/E/S) may be removed from the campus/facilities unless it is a church-sponsored event and only with approval from the Facilities Manager.  Personal use of any church F/E/S is strictly prohibited.  

17. Unless otherwise arranged, each event group is responsible for its supplies. 

18. Any storage of materials for an event will need prior authorization and approval by the Facilities Manager.

19. No group or individual soliciting business for personal or company profit may use the church facility/equipment unless authorized by the church’s Executive Assistant.

20. Selling merchandise or charging admission to an event must be approved in advance and consistent with the law establishing the church as a non-profit.

21. Loitering, soliciting donations, or accosting patrons or staff for any purpose that disrupts their facility use is not prohibited.

22. Non-SBC advertising materials may only be displayed or distributed with authorization from the Facilities Manager.

23. No activities inconsistent with Christian principles are allowed.

24. The user assumes liability for injuries to people attending the event and damage or loss of the user’s property.  A damage loss insurance waiver must be provided before use, and a certificate of liability insurance may be required for specific events.

Willful violation of any guidelines or regulations could lead to the loss of eligibility to use the church facility.