POLICY ON THE USE OF THE BUILDINGS
AND PROPERTY OF SOUTH WATERBORO BIBLE CHAPEL
Adopted May 2007

1) Because the South Waterboro Bible Chapel buildings and property have been dedicated for the purpose of Christian witness and bringing glory to God, all activities must be consistent with what is honoring to the Lord and is obedient to the Bible. In addition, use of the church facilities must be consistent with the statement of faith, purpose, and testimony of the South Waterboro Bible Chapel.

2) Those who are members of South Waterboro Bible Chapel may use the church facilities for such personal events as weddings, receptions, showers, birthday and anniversary parties, recitals, music lessons, etc. provided that:

  • - There is no interference with a scheduled church event.
  • - Permission is granted by the elder board of the church.
  • - All conduct & activities are consistent with a clean Christian testimony.

3) Those who are members of South Waterboro Bible Chapel may use church owned items such as tables and chairs (but not sound, video or technical equipment - see #9) for personal events away from the church property so long as the request is coordinated with an elder, there is no interference with church events and the items are returned as soon as possible in the same condition as before they were borrowed.

4) Those who are not members of South Waterboro Bible Chapel may only use the church facilities if the event is approved by the elder board, personally supervised by an active member of South Waterboro Bible Chapel and all other conditions of this use policy are met.

5) Other churches or Christian ministries of like faith and practice may be allowed to use the South Waterboro Bible Chapel buildings and property upon the discretion of the elder board.

6) For wedding ceremony and/or reception requests...

  • - Use of the church facilities for a wedding must indicate the commitment on the part of the prospective bride (woman) and groom (man) to Christ, the Word of God, and His church.
  • - Either the pastor(s) of South Waterboro Bible Chapel or another male evangelical pastor approved by the South Waterboro Bible Chapel elder board must officiate wedding ceremonies conducted in the church building or on the church property.
  • - A wedding will be conducted only after all requirements of the officiating pastor have been satisfactorily met including marriage preparation meeting(s) between the pastor and couple to be married.
  • - Music used for the wedding and reception must be Christian or traditional in nature.
  • - Dancing will not be allowed.
  • - Rice, confetti or similar material may not be used due to difficulties in cleanup. However, bird seed used outside is acceptable. Please feel free to ask about other alternatives.
  • - The fee for use of the church building by nonmembers will be arranged with the elder board.

7) Ceremonies or events conducted by any secret society will not be permitted on church property.

8) Any person or group (apart from regularly scheduled church services / events) who uses the church building bears the full responsibility of building access, setup, supervision, cleanup, and replacement of all items used or damaged so that the church building, property and supplies are left in the same or better condition and quantity as before use.

9) Sound, video and technical equipment is not allowed to leave the church property (except for official church events held off site).

10) There is to be no profanity, coarse language, inappropriate conduct, smoking, alcoholic beverage, or illegal drug substance anywhere on the church property.

11) Donations to cover the cost of utilities, etc. used in the course of personal events are encouraged and will be gratefully accepted.

12) Requests for the use of the South Waterboro Bible Chapel building and/or properties should first be directed to an elder.

13) The elder board reserves the right to make final decisions in all matters concerning the use of the South Waterboro Bible Chapel buildings and property. Also, the elder board reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

14) As a summary policy, non-Christian related use of South Waterboro Bible Chapel properties is generally not permitted. Justifiable exceptions may be allowed by the elder board when circumstances would clearly benefit the community and/or church congregation (such as a funeral, emergency situation, etc.).