Cahaba Heights Baptist Church (hereinafter “Church”) adopts this Facility Use Policy in order to inform interested parties as to who and under what terms and conditions the Church Facilities (hereinafter “facilities”) may be used.
The facilities of Cahaba Heights Baptist Church are provided through the generosity of Church members, present and past. As such, the Church desires that its facilities be used in a manner consistent with the Church’s doctrine and practice. While the facilities are not generally open to the public, the facilities may be made available to non-members for activities that do not contradict the church’s doctrine and practice.
The Church does not allow use of its facilities by persons or groups holding, advancing, or advocating beliefs or practices that conflict with the Church’s historic faith or moral teachings, which are summarized in, among other places, the Church’s Constitution and Bylaws and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
The Church’s restricted Facility Use Policy is necessary for two important reasons.
First, the Church may not in good conscience materially cooperate in activities or beliefs that are contrary to its faith. Allowing its facilities to be used for purposes that contradict the Church’s beliefs would be material cooperation with that activity, and would be a grave violation of the Church’s faith and religious practice (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Second, it is very important that the Church presents a consistent message to the community, and that the Church staff and members conscientiously maintain that message as part of their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Allowing facilities to be used by groups or persons who express beliefs or engage in practices contrary to the Church’s faith would have a severe, negative impact on the message that the Church proclaims. Therefore, in no event shall persons or groups who advance or advocate beliefs or practices that contradict the Church’s faith or moral teachings 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 connected to the Church’s auditorium/sanctuary, because the Church sees all of its property as holy and set apart to worship God (Colossians 3:17).
Facility Use Guidelines
1. All facility use applicants must complete and sign the “Facility Request & Agreement Form” and pay all deposits and fees prior to reservation of Church facilities. Upon notification of approval all users shall ensure all requirements are satisfied at least 10 days prior to the proposed use. Funerals and necessary emergency uses are to be coordinated as soon as practicable.
2. No alcohol or controlled substances may be processed, consumed, or used in any manner on the grounds and within the facilities of the Church.
3. The use of tobacco products in any manner is prohibited on the grounds and within the facilities of the Church. Smoking, chewing, dipping, E-cigarettes, vaping, and similar materials/products are equally prohibited.
4. Groups/Users are restricted to only those areas of the facilities and/or grounds that have been reserved for the approved event dates and times.
5. Church facilities must be returned to the condition in which they are found:
· church equipment and furniture, including but not limited to tables, chairs, and stands
· plumbing, including but not limited to toilets and sinks
· electronics, including but not limited to sound system components and microphones
· facility structure, including but not limited to floors, doors, and walls
Any equipment approved for use must be returned to original condition. All users are expected to return the facilities/grounds used to an “as found” condition. All trash, waste material, and debris shall be collected and properly disposed of. Failure to comply with this requirement and/or failure to return all keys will result in forfeiture of the security/cleaning deposit.
6. All signage, decorations, event notification, and advertising must be used and displayed as to not damage the physical property of the Church. All such materials must be removed and disposed of at the conclusion of the event or activity. No signage or decoration may be displayed on the grounds or the exterior of any portion of the facilities/grounds without the approval and written consent of the Director of Facilities.
7. Abusive or foul language, violent behavior, and any inappropriate conduct are strictly prohibited on Church premises. Any person exhibiting such behavior will be required to leave the premises. All users shall be considerate of others on the premises and adjacent properties with respect to the behavioral conduct and noise levels.
8. No materials, decorations, signage, or advertising shall include or infer reference to any message, belief, or practice not consistent with the policies and beliefs of the Church.
9. Weapons of any type are prohibited on the premises.
10. The use of open flames or any potential source of ignition (including but not limited to candles, torches, fire pits, grills/smokers, fireworks, pyrotechnic devises) are prohibited without the approval and written consent of the Director of Facilities.
11. The use of glitter, confetti, chalk, chalk paints, water guns or balloons, odor or vapor producing devices and any other product requiring additional custodial services are prohibited without the approval and written consent of the Director of Facilities.
12. All facility users must be supervised by not less than two adults 21 years of age or older. Children under 12 years of age must be in line-of-sight supervision of an adult at all times. All facility users and guests are restricted to the area of the facilities reserved.
13. The use of amusement devices, inflatables, playground/sports equipment, energized or motorized equipment, equipment for games or entertainment devices proposed are subject to approval. Any permits required for the same are the responsibility of the user and must be obtained with proof provided to the Church, not less than 10 business days prior to the event. The Church reserves the right to request a certificate of insurance or be named as additionally insured on any policy required prerequisite to permit issuance. Requests including such equipment or devices should be placed no less than 30 business days prior to the event and must be detailed on the “Facility Request & Agreement Form.”
14. All facility users are encouraged to use parking most adjacent to the facility they are using. All parking signage and facility site signage must be obeyed. Parking must be in designated parking spaces only. Towing may be enforced at the vehicle owner’s expense.
15. The user is responsible for security and facility access during their event. At the conclusion of the event all lights and equipment must be turned off, restrooms/plumbing fixtures checked to assure they are turned off/not running and the facility locked and secured.