POLICY FOR USE OF FACILITIES 

A. Our Philosophy of Facility Usage

Oakland Baptist Church (OBC) is pleased to make portions of our facility available as part of our commitment to serve our neighbors and strengthen relationships within the greater community. We believe our church campus can be a place of hospitality, fellowship, learning, support, and care beyond Sunday worship, and we seek to offer our spaces at reasonable and accessible rates whenever not being utilized by the church. The use of church facilities is intended to reflect the mission, values, and spirit of Oakland Baptist Church. All individuals and organizations using the property are expected to respect the church’s facilities, furnishings, equipment, staff, and surrounding property throughout the duration of their event.

Areas that may be available for special use include the Chapel, Fellowship Hall, Gymnasium, and various educational rooms throughout the campus. Use of the Sanctuary requires approval from the Senior Pastor. Use of the Day School classrooms is not permitted.  

B. Guidelines Governing All Use of Facilities

1. All church groups, church members, and organizations must complete an application (including a Hold Harmless Agreement) for facilities use and receive approval prior to using the facilities. All rental fees associated with the space must be paid in advance before approval will be granted. Cancellations must be made ten days in advance in order to receive a refund on the rental fee.

2. While OBC does not discriminate in the use of our facilities on the basis of race, color, sex, ethnicity or national origin, only uses consistent with OBC’s mission and vision will be considered. OBC retains the right to refuse or cancel the use of facilities by any group or organization.

3. Use of all space is only for the approved purpose and scheduled time.

4. All supplies, to include food, beverages, condiments, tableware, and linens are to be provided by the user.

5. Vulgar or profane language and inappropriate behavior and/or dress are not acceptable.

6. User is aware that worship accoutrements such as drapes, banners, and staging could change throughout the church year. Generally, the church will not consider requests to alter or change these items for a particular event.

7. Smoking, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms, and weapons (including concealed-carry) are not permitted on church property at any time.

8. No pets except bona fide service animals are permitted inside church buildings.

9. No tacks, nails, or staples are permitted on the walls, doors, ceilings, or woodwork of the church without permission. Only blue painters tape is allowed.  

10. OBC is not responsible for items left behind, lost, or stolen.

11. User is responsible for any loss or damage to church property or facilities that occur during the time of use. It is expected that all rooms and common areas will be left in a clean and orderly condition.

12. On Sundays from 8:00AM-2:00PM and 5:00PM-8:00PM, the church facilities, property, and equipment are not available for use other than those associated with OBC Sunday services and activities.

13. User agrees to provide appropriate supervision for participants and guests.

14. User accepts responsibility for excessive cleaning needs or policy violations.

C. Scheduling

The church office is responsible for scheduling use of church facilities. The Office Manager maintains a calendar that shows when church functions and events are scheduled. The following steps are involved in scheduling use of church facilities (with the exception of weddings).

1. Reservations may be made by phone, but must be followed up with a written application. If the application is not received within three days, the reservation will be cancelled.

2. Applications via our website are not considered accepted until follow up from the church office has occurred.

3. Rental fees must be received by the church office before the application will be approved.

4. An email confirmation of the application, rental fees, date and time will be sent to the user once the event has been approved.  

D. Access

Access to the building will be granted through the OBC security system. Specific doors will be assigned for entry to the building at specific times on the day of the event. No door is allowed to be propped open at any time.  

E. Facility Fees