Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church

Smithfield, Rhode Island

Church Facility Use Policy

The Pastor, or his official designee, must approve all uses of Our Redeemer’s property and facilities. 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 congregation.

Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church believes that its property and facilities are to be used for the fellowship of the Body of Christ and to bring glory to God. Although the facilities are not generally open to the public, we sometimes make our facilities available to approved non-members as a witness to our faith, in a spirit of Christian service that is consistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Facility use will not be permitted to persons or groups holding, advancing, or advocating beliefs or practices that conflict with the church’s faith or moral teachings, as summarized in the congregation’s constitution and bylaws, in various places on the church’s website (orelc.org), and on the website of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (lcms.org).

This facility use policy is consistent with our belief that allowing our property and facilities to be used for purposes contrary to this church’s beliefs would be an endorsement of those purposes and a grave violation of the church’s faith and religious practice (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Thess. 5:22). It is important that Our Redeemer present a consistent message to the community, and that church staff and members conscientiously maintain that message as part of their Christian witness.

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 physically connected to the sanctuary, because Our Redeemer understands all of its property as a gift from God, to be received with thanksgiving and set apart to the honor of Jesus’ name in ways consistent with our faith in Him (Col. 3:17).

Consistent with this policy, church property, facilities, and equipment will be made available to non-members or outside groups that affirm, in writing, that their beliefs, practices, and planned uses of the facilities are consistent with the church’s faith and practice.

Facility Use Hours

Facilities are generally available Monday through Saturday. Use outside normal hours may be approved by the Pastor or his official designee. All facility use must conclude in time to allow adequate preparation for Sunday worship.

Scheduling Events

Facility use requests must be submitted to the church office using the “Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement” form, available at orelc.org or from the church office. An event will be reserved and placed on the church calendar only after the Pastor or official designee approves the request.

Fees

Church members are not required to pay a facility use fee, as maintenance of the facilities is supported through member tithes and offerings. Non-member groups or individuals may be assessed a nominal cleaning or maintenance fee at the discretion of the Pastor or official designee. A refundable security deposit may also be required to cover any damage to the facilities.

Note: Our Redeemer does not charge market-rate fees for facility use. Below-market or no-fee arrangements help the congregation avoid classification as a “public accommodation” under state or local law, thereby preserving the church’s right to exercise its religious discretion in approving facility use requests.

Facility Use Guidelines

1. Alcohol Policy: No alcohol may be served or consumed in any church facility or on church grounds.
2. Smoking Policy: Smoking and the use of tobacco or vaping products are prohibited inside all church facilities. Smoking outdoors must occur at a respectful distance from building entrances.
3. Groups are restricted to only those areas of the facility that have been reserved and approved for their use.
4. Food and beverages are permitted only in designated areas (e.g., Martin Hall, kitchen). Food and beverages are not permitted in the sanctuary or classrooms without prior approval.
5. Church equipment, such as tables and chairs, must be returned to their original arrangement following the event, unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.
6. All lights must be turned off, thermostats returned to default settings, and all doors locked upon departure.
7. The group using the facility is responsible for clean-up following their event. The facility must be left in the same or better condition as it was found. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of any security deposit.
8. Abusive or foul language, violent behavior, and the use of illegal substances are strictly prohibited on church premises. Any person exhibiting such behavior may be required to leave immediately.
9. A responsible adult representative of the requesting group must be present and supervising at all times during the event.
10. Note that certain unanticipated events (e.g., a funeral or pastoral emergency) may require rescheduling or relocation of your event. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
11. Our Redeemer is not responsible for theft of or damage to personal property brought into the building.
12. No dangerous items, weapons, or hazardous materials may be brought onto church premises.

Insurance

For all events not sponsored by Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, the requesting group or individual must provide evidence of general liability insurance coverage in an amount deemed appropriate by the church. The requesting party must also execute a Facility Use Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement prior to use of the facilities.

Affirmation of Compliance

By submitting a facility reservation request, the applicant affirms that the group’s beliefs, practices, and intended use of the facilities are consistent with the faith and practice of Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and that the group agrees to abide by all policies and guidelines set forth in this document.

This policy has been adopted by Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church and is informed by guidance provided by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the Alliance Defending Freedom. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the church office.

orelc.org  •  Smithfield, RI