I think it’s a great idea; I’ve been around a few churches that have moved into a facility like a dealership and you’re spot on with all the pros.

Don’t know that it will help the misconception of preacher’s sometimes being seen as used car salesmen but there are some synergistic opportunities that could make it attractive. For example we could now legitimately advertise ‘trade in your old life for a new one’ etc etc.

I also think draining the used baptism water into the bad fluid storage could turn that pro into a con  : )

I’ve always thought it was brilliant to use movie theatres for church. Beautiful buildings, great theatre seating, excellent sound / light space, airconditioning, heating, etc.  Very comfortable and often non-threatening to a guest.  In fact, I converted to Christianity in a Calvary Chapel located in a movie theatre in San Diego.

But of course, that’s also the downside, isn’t it?  It only reregisters some of the things we are re-evaluating about church these days.  Too comfortable, set up for lecture style meetings rather than interaction, unavailable for inviting the community in to provide resources for them, etc.

So, here’s what I like even better about your idea.  Somehow, car dealerships (either by where there located, how they’re built, or something I can’t identify?) don’t have that "here, settle in and get comfortable and prepare to "watch" church" stigma.

Somehow, car dealerships, for whatever reason, seem far better at removing the "luxury" of church attendance and getting down to some of the other business the Church could be accomplishing…….  

Another brilliant example that springs to mind would be Matthew Barnett’s Dream Center – feeding & housing & training 1000′s weekly BECAUSE IT WAS A HOSPITAL so it’s basically set up to do that. 

I want Mel McGowan (VisioneeringStudios.com) to come weigh in!

The
church I currently attend in Dallas holds their contemporary service in an old
car dealership across the street from the main church building. Originally they
used the space for Sunday school classes and smaller events like an annual art
show but decided to start a contemporary service and figured it would be the best
place to hold it. So far, it hasn’t been the most ideal situation.

While
the space is nice and open (minus a few support columns), the entire area is
covered with tile, which creates an audio nightmare. There are also a lot of
windows that have to be covered up in order to make the space warmer. There are
other little problems too that you’ll have to deal with so be ready to spend
some money and do some work to make the space more conducive to the church environment.

A lot of it comes down to the individual dealerships cause they’re all different. 

I
did have another idea of another building option. What about old Circuit City
buildings? They seem to usually be made of two parts: the showroom and the
warehouse. The showroom could be used for a welcome center and children’s
ministry while the warehouse, typically taller and larger, could house the main
worship service. These buildings, which are vastly available, could be great
alternatives to small church plants looking for a permanent location. Just a
thought.

Let’s
just be careful we don’t turn in to used car salesmen when it comes to the
Gospel.