If you are leasing space for your church, the deadline for your lease payment in the midst of COVID-19 has likely arrived. While your budget may have remained stable initially, many congregants have since faced furloughs or significant income loss due to social distancing guidelines. Consequently, meeting lease and mortgage obligations has become a challenge. Navigating this situation requires a strategic approach to seeking church lease or mortgage relief from your landlord.
Many landlords are willing to negotiate with tenants, though their flexibility often depends on their own financial obligations. It is also common for landlords to view religious organizations differently than traditional commercial tenants. Regardless of whether this perspective is justified, it is a reality you must manage. If you need to request relief, taking proactive steps is essential. Furthermore, exploring how financing a church through partnerships can provide long-term stability beyond the current crisis.
1. Approach your landlord with a specific request. As Matthew 7:7 suggests, we are encouraged to ask; however, James 4:3 reminds us that we must not ask with the wrong motives. When seeking help, be prepared to provide transparent financial records that justify your request. Clearly communicate the specific percentage decrease in your monthly giving and detail the other cost-cutting measures you have already implemented. This transparency is a vital component of a broader strategy for saving funds for facility needs.
2. Communicate what your church is doing to help and assist those in need. Ministry does not stop when the church is not gathering. In fact, in many cases, the church is stepping up to serve the community.
3. Be gracious and patient. Some landlords are in a good spot to handle a month of reduced income. Others may be over leveraged, and any financial pressures that tenants request may be difficult for them. This landlord may be one of your mission fields. Be gracious, patient, and Christlike. This may be the only witness the landlord will encounter during this crisis.
4. Offer a solution. Ask the landlord to pass on 2 months of rent now and offer to extend your lease an additional 2–4 months. This way the landlord gets the lease income back at the end of the lease, and you get relief today when you need it.
5. Have a plan. The landlord may question if you are going to be able to pay in the future. Communicate to the landlord that when the church can gather again, you have a plan to engage your members and the new members that will visit and possibly join. Let them know that you understand that the new normal will bring opportunity and that you have a plan in place.
Today, more people are watching your services online than normally come through your doors. When this crisis is over and we gather in person again, every church will need a specific plan to engage the new people that will walk through the doors. That plan or strategy cannot look like it did in the past. These people found you in a time of crisis and as you intentionally connected with them online. When we gather again, we must have a plan to intentionally connect with people in new ways. It may take several months before online worshipers become in the building worshipers. Start planning for that engagement now and stick to it.
This article originally appeared on NewChurches.com and is reposted here by permission.