Are there any disadvantages in NOT owning a church building?

Isn't rent money 'dead' money?  Isn't it more prudent to invest and buy your own building that's available 24/7 for ministries?


1) For a large church it's a fair point, it may be advantageous to own a building.  But Gateway's vision is to plant lots of small churches during the next 25 years across Barnsley.  Small churches grow much faster proportionally.
2) In the end, does it matter whether rent money is 'dead' money?  Those of us at Gateway can't take the money with us when we, in turn, go to be 'with the Lord Jesus', whichever way it's invested.  Nevertheless, we're are still to be prudent and wise stewards of the resources the Lord Jesus does give us.
3) Are we not blessing people in Barnsley by hiring/renting?  Plus, we're not leaving a burden ie PROPERTY to our spiritual descendants.
4) Gateway has a principle of never entering debt.  Having a church mortgage is a massive debt.
5) Don't we believe in a God who can touch people who may even offer us rent-free accommodation for Gateway activities.  Barnsley people can be generous people when they want to be.


Gateway's vision is to reach every person in Barnsley with the good news of Jesus, in partnership with other local churches.