Movie theater owners have been searching for ways to increase their revenue as the public has generally stopped going to movies as much as they used to. In response there have been some insightful owners that are looking for new ways to use their building when its not being used to watch movies.
One of the growing trends has been to allow the use of the theaters for church services. It's turning into something of a coffee shop and religious message combined with stadium seating.
One pastor, David Payne, that has started to do this said that with his yearlong lease is included a discount on items offered at the concession stand.
Pastor David Payne
Allan Jung photo
To let people know about having the service at the theater, Payne sent out 64,000 fliers similar to movie fliers saying things like, "Coming soon to a theater near you"; movie credits such as "A David Payne Production"; and an "R" rating for "recommended."
From the business side of it, this is a good strategy. With the continuous disruption in the entertainment industry, theater owners can't assume any year will be financially successful anymore based solely on people coming to watch a movie.
With that big building sitting unused many times during the week, this is a good way to get a steady, fixed income to supplement its uncertain theater revenue.
There are an estimated 260 churches across the nation that use theaters at this time. The theater owner National CineMedia, representing 13,000 screens says they have approximately 100 churches renting their buildings at this time.
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