Having a permanent building for church services is becoming a thing of the past! An increasing number of churches are realizing that a permanent structure not only limits their reach, but also begins to define their vision.

So, what’s new? Going portable! After all, churches can only “go and make fishers of men” by meeting people where they are. And, this means going to public, everyday spaces. In fact, here are 15 churches that have broken stereotypes and used unusual venues to reach out to the community:

 

1. One Place Church, ID – This church uses the Regal Theater at Riverstone as a common ground for everyone, regardless of their story, to meet and unite with Jesus. The casual, welcoming environment makes it easy for church members to invite others.

2. Redeemer Church, TX – Following their burning desire to transform lives in Midland, TX, Jason Hatch and Cameron Brown decided to set up church in Midland Christian School. This venue complements their vision to create a gospel-centered community.

3. The Simple Church, LA – By using the largest convention center in the tri-state area, The Simple Church draws in over 5,000 worshippers every weekend.

4. City Place Church, FL – People come as they are to enjoy a friendly atmosphere and heart-felt worship and teaching every Sunday morning at the Odyssey Middle School.  

5. Rolling Hills Baptist Church, GA –  Burning to go ‘wherever there is a need,’ this church sold their 20-acre campus and relocated to the NCG Cinemas. Being entrenched in the community has enabled the church to faithfully serve those around them.

6. Renovation Church, NC – The Topsail Middle School turns into a house of worship every Sunday to ‘help reconcile people to God.’ What’s more, the cafeteria doubles up as a colorful and safe environment for kids.

7. White Pine Community Church, ME – A dream turned into reality when the North Yarmouth Memorial School opened its doors to the White Pine Community Church. This move enabled the church get better involved in the community.

8. Connexus Church, ON – Another successful movie theater church, Connexus has transformed the Galaxy Cinema into a creative and fun space for children – right from preschoolers to college students.

9. The Gathering’s BarChurch, MO –  Worshipping God at a bar did not seem like an outrageous idea to this church. And, why not? With the vision to reach the new generation, it only made sense for the church to gather where young people meet the most.

10. The Meeting House, ON – With 18 campuses across Ontario, CA, this church has set out to break ‘churchy’ stereotypes and help people see Jesus without the religious baggage. Meeting at casual and friendly portable venues is just one of the ways this church is doing that.

11. South Hills North Church,TX – Don’t you think that church should be more enjoyable and less intimidating? Well, South Hills North Church shares the same idea! That is why they meet at a relaxed theater environment where it is easy invite the community to join their fellowship.

12. The First Church, OK – Being embedded in the community certainly helps churches have a greater impact. And, The First church is a living testament to that. Since its launch in 2015, the church has been a blessing to the school system and the city.

13. Refuge Church, MI – This movie theater fits in perfectly with the church’s family-friendly vibe. You can grab a cup of coffee and get ready to explore the Bible at Celebration Cinemas.

14. Chase Oaks Church, TX – Chase Oaks’ 544 Campus worships at the Grand Screen in the B&B Theaters. The theater allows the church teams to creatively use six additional theater rooms for the kids’ and students’ ministries.

15. The Bridge Fellowship, TX –  Kids need a creative environment to thrive in, don’t they? Well, this church has pulled off setting up different engaging and age-appropriate areas in the Palladium theater. 

Are you wondering why these churches decided to use alternative venues? Well, here are five good reasons why portable churches rock:

 

1. Welcome the unchurched:

Most of the 156 million unchurched in the US want to stay away from a traditional church setting. So, how can church be less intimidating and more welcoming? By launching in everyday spaces like a bowling alley, school or pizza parlor! In other words, portable churches offer a huge advantage in equipping churches to fulfill the Great Commission!

 

2. Foster better engagement with community:

All of the churches listed above share the common vision to reach out to the community. And, that’s exactly why Rolling Hills Baptist Church sold their 20-acre property and decided to go portable.

 

3. Reduce costs:

One of the major advantages of going portable is the cost factor. Launching in a portable venue saves you from worrying about sky-high construction and mortgage rates, maintenance and cleaning costs. These expenses would otherwise drain your bank account and burden your church with debt.

 

4. Channel more money for ministry:

It’s a simple equation: less money spent on your building = more money for ministry! So, why spend on a permanent facility when you can invest the same amount in empowering the ministries in your church? After all, a building won’t grow your church, will it?

 

5. Allow flexibility:

Go portable and enjoy unparalleled flexibility. Portability lets you either upsize or downsize to suit your church needs, at anytime! A permanent building means that you can get stuck with too little or too much space.

 

Are you looking to launch in a portable venue? Well, our experts can help you do that just like they helped the 15 churches that are listed above.  

In fact, we have been helping churches successfully launch in all kinds of venues for the last few decades. Give us a call today at 800.939.7722 and we’ll help you find the perfect church location for your weekend services!