Hiring a facility manager is a necessity. Throughout my career, I have been asked why this role is important. Hiring a pastor is a no-brainer. Hiring someone to run the youth ministry is also an easy ‘yes.’ But hiring someone to maintain and oversee your facility is also essential.
Facilities represent a large part of any church’s asset base and annual expenses. While our buildings are our tools, they still require care and attention. And, let’s face it — it’s a tool you probably do not want to lose.
A while back, a facility manager asked me what “case” he could make to his leadership to emphasize the importance of his role. While I could harp on this all day, here are five quick reasons facility management professionals are essential to your ministry.
1. Manage Your Largest Asset
Facilities are one of your church’s largest assets. They represent a high cost to operations. Therefore, a facility management professional can provide your church or organization with the knowledge to maximize value and minimize costs.
Your facilities can require considerable effort to manage effectively. Therefore, having one person dedicated to their maintenance and management frees up other resources to entirely focus on why you do what you do.
2. Efficiency
Facilities have an enormous impact on productivity — of its environment, staff, congregation, etc. A facility manager understands the church’s mission and strives to maximize efficiency to align with that goal and purpose.
3. Right Direction
Whether in growth mode or not, facility accommodations require strategic planning to minimize costs and maximize value. Facility managers have the proper background and experience in all areas of the complex issues and services needed to provide effective stewardship to your assets. Therefore, having someone on staff who can offer strategic direction and development guidance can help your organization fulfill its vision and mission.
4. Risk mitigation
The environmental and legislative complexity of owning or leasing a facility represents a huge risk. Someone in the facility management profession — with the proper training — can navigate the requirements and mitigate any unforeseen risk.
Facility stewards have the experience and oversight for facility issues, enabling them to see patterns, track changes, and identify risks that may have a future negative impact. Their knowledge enables them to take corrective action to reduce your risk and costs.
5. Resourcefulness
Your buildings require an entire team of generalists and specialists to provide services — think about your HVAC, roof, or bathrooms. Facility managers understand how to identify and assemble a skilled team to maximize value, reduce risk and minimize costs. And, frankly, they know who to call and who not to call when a job needs to be done.
Bottom Line: You Need A Facility Manger
You need someone on your team whose sole job is to maintain and manage your facility — someone truly equipped for the job.
Our team is here to help steer you in the right direction. For more information, reach out to our team for a free 15-minute consultation.
