Commentary: Is it time for a facility check-up?

Matthew Gibbs

An annual check-up or audit is a great way to avoid potential problems and concerns and ensure that the church facility or facilities are in good shape.”

Most of us have an annual check-up with our doctor.  This is important and part of staying healthy and catching potential health concerns early.  Every year, my doctor orders bloodwork and conducts a full physical.  He asks lots of questions and encourages me to engage in healthy activities such as exercise, healthy eating habits, and proper amounts of sleep and rest.  All of this is a way to maintain good health and avoid bad health.  The same mindset should guide how churches care for and maintain their facilities.  An annual check-up or audit is a great way to avoid potential problems and concerns and ensure that the church facility or facilities are in good shape.

Our church facilities and buildings are resources to help us in our work of reaching people with the gospel and helping them grow spiritually.  Church facilities are one of the great resources that we have to help us minister to people, and we need to make sure that we give them proper attention to maintain them well.  A simple annual evaluation plan can help churches to not only save money but also to discover problems and concerns before they become major expenses or hinder the work we are called to do.  Facility check-ups are just good stewardship of our resources.

It’s also important to note that well-maintained facilities also communicate the right message to our members and guests who attend.  They let people know that we take care of our physical resources and will also take care of them.  Annual facility audits keep us from ignoring and overlooking problems and issues.  When I was growing up, the refrigerator in my family home had an odd and loud noise every time the compressor kicked on.  Our family had become so used to the noise that we didn’t even notice it, but guests noticed it as soon as it started up.  Annual facility check-ups will help the church keep from getting used to problems and issues that need to be addressed instead of being ignored to the point of not even noticing them anymore.

So, how do you go about an annual facilities Audit?  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Schedule a facility/campus walk-through with staff and key leadership. Allow each individual to do a personal walk-through of the campus and to make notes of any problems or issues that they notice.  Compile the notes and then create a plan of how you will address the issues discovered.
2. If you have employees responsible for your facilities, schedule annual or bi-annual facility check-ups. Bi-annual check-ups help you prepare the facility for seasonal changes and the impact they have on your buildings.  Consider conducting a pre-winter and early spring check-up.
3. Hire a secret visitor to come to church on a Sunday or at another time. Ask a friend or member of another church to come to your church on a Sunday or at another time to walk around and give you feedback on your facilities and things they see that need to be addressed.  Missing ceiling tiles, broken light fixtures, and other things that they notice.  Remember the refrigerator story?  They will see things that you, your staff, and members have learned to ignore.
4. Hire an expert. When you go to the doctor for a check-up, you are seeing an expert.  Someone who is trained to see things that you do not.  Consider hiring an expert who is trained to inspect buildings and to give you expert advice.  Make sure to do your due diligence in finding the right person.  Get references and check their credentials.
5. Use a facility inspection checklist. These types of lists are available from several sources and offer you a guide to not only a physical facility evaluation but also cover things like building records, hazardous substances, building codes, safety plans, fire and lighting prevention, safety plans, insurance and other items.  Your church insurance company probably has one that is available on their website.  Here are a few examples:
   1. https://www.churchmutual.com/search?query=building+inspection+form
   2. https://www.churchmutual.com/resources/ultimate-guide-to-facility-maintenance-ensuring-safety-efficiency-and-longevity
   3. https://adventistrisk.org/Adventist_Risk/media/ARMSiteContent/Safety%20Resources/English/FRM_Church_Self-Inspection_NAD-CAN-EN.pdf?ext=.pdf
   4. https://www.agfinancial.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/0e1887141_insurance-churchinteriorselfinspectionchecklist091510.pdf

When conducting a church facility audit, the goal is to assess the overall condition of the property, its functionality, and how well it supports the church's mission and ministry. Here are 30 essential questions that should be answered as part of the audit:

General Facility Conditions

1. What is the overall condition of the building? Are there any visible signs of deterioration or damage?
2. Are the exterior and interior of the facility accessible to individuals with disabilities (ADA compliance)?
3. Are there any safety hazards, such as loose flooring, exposed wiring, or unsafe stairways?
4. Are fire exits clearly marked and unobstructed?
5. Are the smoke detectors and fire alarms functional, and when were they last inspected?

Building Structure

1. Are the roof and foundation in good condition? Are there any leaks or signs of water damage?
2. Are the walls and ceilings free from cracks, holes, or water stains?
3. Is the building properly insulated to maintain energy efficiency?

Electrical Systems

1. Is the electrical system up to code and capable of handling the church’s needs (e.g., lights, sound systems, HVAC)?
2. Are all electrical outlets and light switches functional and safe to use?
3. Are there any exposed or frayed electrical wires?
4. Does the church have an adequate and properly maintained lighting system, both inside and outside?

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

1. Are the HVAC systems properly maintained, with regular servicing?
2. Is the temperature regulation consistent and comfortable throughout the building?
3. Are air filters being changed regularly, and is the ventilation system working effectively?

Plumbing

1. Are the plumbing systems (including sinks, toilets, and water heaters) in good working order?
2. Is there adequate water pressure throughout the building?
3. Are there any leaks or signs of mold and mildew in bathrooms or other wet areas?

Safety and Security

1. Are adequate security measures in place (e.g., lighting, locks, security systems)?
2. Is there a clear and effective emergency evacuation plan, including signage and training for staff and volunteers?
3. Are first aid kits readily available and stocked?
4. Does the facility have a functioning alarm system and surveillance cameras for security?
5. Does the church have AEDs on the campus?  Are there an adequate number of AEDs strategically placed on the campus?

Parking and Outdoor Areas

24. Is there sufficient parking for the congregation and visitors? Is it clearly marked and accessible? Sufficient Guest Parking?  Sufficient Handicap Parking?

1. Are the outdoor areas, including walkways, parking lots, and landscaping, well-maintained and free of hazards?
2. Is there sufficient signage outdoors?  Directional Signage? Road Signage?
3. Is there sufficient outdoor lighting in the parking lots and around the buildings?

Ministry and Program Support

28. Does the facility support the current needs of various ministries (e.g., children’s areas, fellowship spaces, Student areas, classrooms, etc.)? Are the spaces functional and well-designed for these purposes?

Next Steps/Action Plan

29. What items need immediate attention? What Items need attention in the next 6 months? Next 12 Months?
30. What additional improvements are desired in the next few years?

These questions help the church identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and opportunities for improving the environment. The answers can guide decisions regarding repairs, upgrades, budgeting, and future facility planning.

Our facilities are a significant financial investment, and we must be a good steward of them.  This means taking care of them and evaluating and inspecting them regularly.  They provide the place where much of our ministry and work is done, and how we take care of them will have a direct impact on our effectiveness for the Kingdom of God.

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Matthew Gibbs is the regional discipleship consultant for East Central Georgia of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. He can be reached at matthewgibbs@gabaptist.org.