Planting or relocating a church often means going mobile before securing a permanent location. Portable venues offer flexibility, affordability, and unique outreach opportunities—but choosing the right space can dramatically influence your church’s growth and impact. Here are ten (with a bonus one thrown in) of the most popular options for portable churches, each with its own strengths and limitations.
1. Public Schools
Pros:
- Large auditoriums and gyms accommodate big crowds
- Classrooms make ideal spaces for children’s ministry
- Central locations and parking availability
- Affordable rental rates in many districts
- Built-in outreach opportunities to school
Cons:
- Restricted use of religious signage and materials
- Limited access for mid-week activities
- Setup and teardown every week
- School holidays and events may create scheduling conflicts
Summary: Schools remain a top option due to their infrastructure and community roots, though they come with regulatory and logistical hurdles.
2. Movie Theaters
Pros:
- Built-in stadium seating and excellent AV capabilities
- Comfortable and familiar environment for visitors
- Located in commercial areas, making them easy to find
Cons:
- Limited space for children’s ministry
- Rental access typically restricted to mornings
- Higher cost per hour in many locations
Summary: Movie theaters create a modern, immersive experience, especially for tech-savvy congregations, but space and cost can be limiting factors.
3. Community Centers
Pros:
- Affordable and often available on weekends
- Already serve as gathering places in neighborhoods
- Include multipurpose rooms and kitchens
Cons:
- May lack a “sacred” or worshipful feel
- Can be noisy or shared with other groups
- May not have adequate AV equipment
Summary: Ideal for outreach-focused churches, community centers offer flexibility but may require creativity to transform the space.
4. Hotel Conference Rooms
Pros:
- Clean, climate-controlled, and well-maintained
- Access to professional event support and furniture
- Often include AV packages
Cons:
- Limited space for children’s programs
- Higher rental fees, especially in urban or seasonal locations
- Availability varies based on hotel events and bookings
Summary: Hotels provide a polished, guest-friendly environment great for first impressions, but space and budget are key concerns.
5. Performing Arts Theaters
Pros:
- Professional lighting, acoustics, and seating
- Great for worship bands and media-rich services
- Prestigious and appealing for new visitors
Cons:
- Limited access during rehearsal or performance seasons
- Lack of fellowship or ministry support spaces
- High rental costs
Summary: A great venue for excellent worship services, but not ideal for full church programming (e.g. children’s ministry) without additional space.
6. Civic or Municipal Buildings
Pros:
- Accessible and recognizable public spaces
- Reasonable rental rates
- Typically include meeting rooms and parking
Cons:
- Restrictions on religious expression or signage
- Often require lengthy approval processes
- Lack of church “atmosphere”
Summary: Good for visibility and accessibility, but churches may face policy and branding limitations.
7. Warehouse Spaces
Pros:
- Open floor plans allow for customization
- Can accommodate larger gatherings
- Often located in commercial zones with good parking
Cons:
- May require significant effort to create an inviting atmosphere
- Usually lack HVAC, restrooms, and sound systems
- Not always ADA-compliant
Summary: Warehouses offer blank-slate potential for creative congregations with the manpower to convert raw space into a worship area.
8. Event Centers or Banquet Halls
Pros:
- Designed for groups, with ample seating and AV equipment
- Often include kitchens and restrooms
- Professional staff on-site
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- May not feel like a church space
- Decor may be unsuitable or distracting
Summary: Event centers offer convenience and professionalism, but branding and spiritual ambiance may be lacking.
9. YMCA or Recreational Facilities
Pros:
- Family-friendly, with built-in outreach potential
- Multipurpose rooms and gyms available
- Partnership opportunities with the organization
Cons:
- Availability may be limited to off-peak hours
- Competing events or noise from other areas
- May lack seating or presentation technology
Summary: A great venue for churches focused on youth and families, especially when relationships with staff are strong.
10. Retail Spaces (Strip Malls or Storefronts)
Pros:
- High visibility and easy access
- Often customizable and flexible lease terms
- Good for small-to-mid-sized congregations
Cons:
- May require renovation and permits
- Parking can be limited
- Higher rental costs depending on location
Summary: Storefronts are a practical stepping-stone to permanent facilities, ideal for church plants wanting a semi-permanent presence.
Bonus: Private Homes
Pros:
- Intimate and personal, ideal for authentic community
- Zero cost or very low overhead
- Flexible schedule and fewer limitations
Cons:
- Limited space for growth, especially for families
- May not feel like “real church” to visitors
- Parking and privacy concerns
Summary: Homes are the original model of the early church (Acts 2:46), perfect for planting, small groups, or micro-churches—but not always scalable for large congregations.
A Few More
In case the above options won’t work for your church consider these as potential options:
- Funeral Home
- VFW Post, Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, American Legion Post
- Historical Societies
- Art Galleries
- Manuscript Museums
- Night Club/Concert Venue
- Other Church Buildings
- Casino
- Coworking Space
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right venue for a portable church isn’t just a practical matter—it’s a theological and missional decision. Your space shapes how you do ministry, who you reach, and how effectively your people can worship, grow, and serve.
Here are some guiding questions to ask:
- What are our non-negotiables? (e.g., children’s ministry space, AV capabilities)
- What impression will this space give to newcomers?
- Can our team handle weekly setup and teardown?
- Is the space available during holidays and for midweek events?
- Is there onsite storage? (tip: When touring a possible venue, don’t ask if they have storage ask how much storage they have for you to utilize)
- Will we be able to grow here—or outgrow it quickly?
Portable church doesn’t mean second-class church. Many thriving congregations have launched, grown, and reproduced while meeting in unconventional spaces. The key is to make the most of your venue’s strengths while mitigating its weaknesses with strong systems, creative design, and a clear mission.
Regardless of where your church gathers, God can do extraordinary things in ordinary places.