The ISM has challenges when it comes to finding places to have service. The first of which is the fact that we are small. Small groups mean small pockets. So buying a giant cathedral with a parking lot is of course right out. So instead rental is usually the way to go.
There are different options when it comes to rental, each of which has its own headache.
The first is to rent space from another church. As many mainstream churches (although certainly not all) have the attitude that they are the true church, and everyone else is being mislead by the devil, often times they are not willing to host other congregations. But occasionally the necessity of keeping their coffers full will encourage them to allow another group in. The scheduling of your services will have to go around that of the host, however, and usually ends in some off time and off day celebrations. Which is certainly fine, and in some cases may even be a point of advertising (God says you can sleep in on Sunday! Mass is at 2pm). However I have heard of host churches forbidding the renters from having a Eucharist, or other strange restrictions that make the rental infeasible.
Your next option is the yoga/new age market. As long as you're not operating a church that is fire and brimstone (which fortunately most ISM churches seem to be free of), and you're inclusive of various viewpoints and lifestyles and just generally not jerks to everyone, you can probably find a home with this type of place. Often these shops have small areas devoted to classrooms or ritual performance. In my area there are several of these kinds of stores and all of them have wiccan ceremonies at various times. As quite a few ISM churches either are accepting of, or directly embrace esotericism, it should be feasible to get along with your neighbors and ask to use the space, making a rental agreement or love offering, or what have you. The good thing about this kind of place is that they are usually ok with open flame, so altar candles and incense is generally acceptable (just check with the first for the love of God). Your biggest key to success with this kind of place is going to be what I mentioned early. Don't be a jerk. In face you'll find success in pretty much all avenues of life if you live by that rule.
Next you have your lodges. Masonic lodges, Moose/Elks, American Legion halls, and all those kinds of places. They are usually big, almost always looking for renters, generally have good parking situations, and the VFWs/Legions/Moose etc. usually have either a bar or restaurant built into the building. So you have an instant fellowship after service sandwich option. The biggest drawback of them is that they are usually quite expensive.
And finally you have your park districts. Or parks and recreation buildings, depending on the vocabulary of your particular area. In the town I live in there is a very nice civic center that has a variety of classrooms for rent. Residents get a discounted rate, as well as non-profits. If you count as both, you get an even bigger discount. My particular local building happens to be home to a couple of different church groups that meet there, one of which is closing up shop very soon. Often these places are conveniently located, affordable, and have good parking. The biggest drawback is that these places are usually not too fond of candles, which is why I bought a bunch of really nice led candles (that is a blog for another time).
So since there was a vacancy, and the prices were affordable, I went ahead and bit the bullet (or perhaps jumped the gun) and signed my life away.
I am happy to announce that the above is the new home to our ministry in the suburbs of Chicago. Starting next month the Open Rite of the OACD will be expanding. I'll post information in the future. :)
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