Purpose 

The members of Elon First Baptist Church seek the heart of Jesus through a personal relationship with Jesus; that, in turn, leads to our being His hands in EFBC and beyond. Indeed, it shapes everything about our lives, how we live each day, how we love other people, and how we serve those around us, all of which we do in Jesus’ name.

To fulfill this Christian commitment to serve, following the example of Christ, Elon First Baptist Church (EFBC) will make its facilities available to church and service groups both inside and outside of our congregation. The facilities may be used by non-member use as part of the church’s service to the community. The Church Administrator reserves the right to consult with the Executive Board as to whether or not a group may use its facilities. Use of church facilities by outside groups on a regular basis must receive the approval of the Senior Pastor or Executive Board.

Building Use

Use of the church facility shall always be scheduled with the Church Administrator. This policy will outline who may use the facility, rules for use of the facility, and fees and deposits for building use. Background information and references beyond that described in this policy may be requested if needed.

 The following guidelines are set forth for building and facilities usage:

1.     Who may use the Church (in order of priority)

a.     EFBC ministries or church member using the facilities as part of the ministry of the church. This would include those supported through the Diaconate, Life Empowerment Groups, and EFBC ministries. No charge.

b.     Groups that come as invited guests of the congregation of Elon First Baptist Church. No charge.

c.     Service and charitable organizations (Hospice, Blood Banks, etc.) will be considered for use without change for short-term use only.

d.     Outside social, civic, educational, and non-service groups, or individuals using EFBC facilities for activities may be charged facilities usage fee, custodial services fee and a Trustee fee. Fees for non-member groups may be reduced or waived at the discretion of the Senior Pastor.

e.     EFBC church members may reserve church facilities per the approval process.

2.     Who may not use the Church

a.     Partisan political groups

b.     Groups operating for commercial gain

c.     Organization whose activities are in conflict with the mission and doctrine of Elon First Baptist Church

3.     Procedures and Guidelines for Scheduling Facilities

a.     Potential groups wishing to use church facilities should contact the church at 336-584-5657 for building use packet. (Packet material are also available online.) Review the packet and submit the Building Space Application Form, at least 45 days in advance

b.     Scheduled meetings of EFBC will take precedence over all other requests.

c.     Member and non-member groups and individuals will be assigned a trustee for the event.

d.     The Church Administrator will approve requests for building use. Those approved for building use will subsequently need to submit the Building Use Contacts and Hold Harmless Agreement and the declaration of policy page from their insurance policy when fees are paid.

e.     Responsible adult supervision must be with the group at all times when facilities are in use.

f.      All minor children must be supervised by an adult.

g.     Smoking and non-prescriptive drugs are prohibited on the church grounds.

h.     Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted on church grounds.

i.      As a general rule, facilities may not be reserved more than 30 days in advance, except for weddings.

j.      Liability insurance (minimum $1 million) will be required by organizations and businesses.

                                               i.     Conducting business unrelated to EFBC on church property

                                             ii.     Engaged in group activities where fall or injury hazards are a risk

k.     Should the individual/organization not have liability insurance, an event insurance policy (minimum $1 million) must be purchased.

4.     Kitchen Use

a.     In case of breakage or damage to kitchen material, the responsible party is expected to correct or pay for that damage, with building damage deposit applying

b.     Every group including catering services is expected to leave the kitchen and its equipment clean and in place as it was found.

c.     Individual member or responsible organization should be responsible for tablecloths, dishes, etc. Dishes, utensils and glasses should be cleaned and returned to the appropriate storage before leaving the facility after the event. Tablecloths (if applicable) are to be properly cleaned, pressed and returned within 1 day. (Members only)

d.     Non-members are responsible for providing linens, utensils, glasses and dishes, etc.

e.     The Trustee or their designee must inspect the kitchen following use for cleanliness and damage and for the release of funds to be returned.

5.     Use of Equipment

a.     Any use of audio-visual equipment in the sanctuary requires a member of the media team from EFBC. The audio-visual equipment will only be operated by a member of the EFBC Media Team. (Rate $25 an hour with a minimum of 2 hours, including setup and breakdown will be charged)

b.     The TV in the Fellowship Hall may be used without a member of the audio-visual team. This includes the use of the cable box.

c.     The use of additional audio visual equipment, including the availability to use a computer and/or PowerPoint will require the use of a member of the EFBC Media Team or a qualified staff member. For member and non-members, a fee will be incurred for the use of an audio tech.

d.     No furniture (tables, chairs, etc.) or equipment belonging to the Church may be loaned or removed from the building except for official Church functions.

e.     Non-member groups using the facility may use table and chairs, as their set-up requires.

Costs

 For non-members and organizations a refundable $500 building damage deposit will be required when facility space is reserved. The fee is to be applied against damage if applicable but otherwise is returned to the facility user at the end of their occupancy agreement.

2.     Fees to defray cost of building maintenance and operation for outside groups and non-members will be as follows:

a.     $300 for the use of the sanctuary (for a max 4 hours)

b.     $150 for the Fellowship Hall

 Use of the Sanctuary is left to the discretion of the Senior Pastor, Church Administrator and if needed, approval from the Executive Board.

3.     Trustee – Member and Non-Member

a.     $25/hour for the Sanctuary

b.     $25/hour for the Fellowship Hall

4.     Audio-Visual technician fee:

a.     $25/hour for the Sanctuary – Member and Non-member (min. 2 hours)

b.     $25/hour for the Fellowship Hall – Member and Non-member (min. 2 hours)

5.     Custodian Fee (Applies to non-members)

a.     $40 for the Sanctuary

b.     $40 for the Fellowship Hall

6.  All fees for use shall be paid in advance to Elon First Baptist Church.  The $500 deposit for non-members and organizations is due at the time of booking. All other fees are due at least 48 hours in advance of event.

Some fees may be waived or reduced at the discretion of the Senior Pastor and/or the Church Administrator.

7.    ** Fees will be refunded if the facilities are not available or if the reservation is cancelled twenty-four (24) hours prior to scheduled usage.