Choosing the right facility management training is crucial—especially in a church context, where stewardship, safety, and long-term planning all intersect. Therefore, we created a list of some of the most well-rounded and accessible facility management courses and certifications available, including one of our own, eSPACE University.
What is a Church Facility Management Course?
A church facility management course is a training program designed to equip church staff, volunteers, or facility managers with the skills needed to effectively maintain and oversee a church property. Unlike general facility management courses, these programs often address the unique challenges of church buildings—such as multi-use spaces, intermittent occupancy, limited budgets, and the need for ministry alignment.
These courses can cover a range of topics, including:
- Preventive maintenance planning
- Budgeting and capital forecasting
- Work order management
- Vendor and contractor coordination
- Safety, security, and compliance
- Energy efficiency and sustainability
- Scheduling and space utilization
Some church-specific programs also incorporate principles of Biblical stewardship and ministry-minded decision-making. Others, while not faith-based, still offer valuable skills that can be applied to the unique needs of church campuses.
1. eSPACE University – Smart Church Solutions
Best for: Church-specific facility management training
eSPACE University is an online learning platform developed by Smart Church Solutions to provide practical, church-specific training in facility management. Launched in 2025, it was created to fill a critical gap in the world of church operations, offering accessible, role-based education that goes beyond simple checklists and equips ministry teams to steward their buildings well. The program is designed specifically for the church context, addressing the unique challenges of intermittent building use, tight budgets, volunteer involvement, and ministry alignment.
The course catalog covers topics like preventive maintenance, custodial standards, capital budgeting, HVAC systems, and communication strategies. Each course is self-paced, includes downloadable tools, and comes with a certificate of completion, making it easy for churches to train staff and volunteers on their own schedule. The content is designed to align with Smart Church Solutions’ eSPACE software, allowing churches to immediately apply what they learn within the same platform they use for scheduling, work orders, and capital planning.
eSPACE University is ideal for onboarding new staff, training long-time volunteers, and equipping church teams with strategic facility knowledge. With content rooted in ministry values and practical application, it offers the kind of church-tailored education that most general facility management programs simply don’t provide—all from a team that understands both ministry and maintenance.
2. Pryor Learning: Facility Management 24-Hour Training
Best for: Quick, affordable professional development
Pryor Learning offers a 24-hour online course bundle that covers key areas of facility management, including building systems, safety, energy efficiency, and preventative maintenance. It’s budget-friendly and self-paced, making it ideal for church staff who need foundational training without a major time commitment.
The course includes a certificate of completion and is great for onboarding new team members or brushing up on key concepts.
3. IFMA Facility Management Professional (FMP)
Best for: Comprehensive, industry-recognized certification
The FMP credential from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is a globally respected certification program. It consists of four modules:
- Operations & Maintenance
- Project Management
- Finance & Business
- Leadership & Strategy
This program is more intensive than others and is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise. While not church-specific, the foundational knowledge is highly transferable to large church campuses.
4. APPA’s Facilities Management Certificate + CEFP Exam
Best for: Campus-style churches and multi-facility ministries
APPA serves facilities professionals in educational institutions, but its training applies well to large churches, especially those with schools, camps, or retreat centers. It’s Facilities Management Certificate Program covers leadership, strategic planning, sustainability, and operations.
Participants can pursue the Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) designation after completing the coursework, which validates their expertise in managing large, multi-building facilities.
5. 360training: Building Maintenance and Management Package
Best for: Practical maintenance and operations skills
This self-paced course bundle is a solid introduction to the mechanical and operational side of facility management. It includes topics like HVAC, plumbing, energy management, safety protocols, and system troubleshooting.
While it’s not specific to churches, 360training’s package is helpful for facility techs and maintenance staff who need to understand the nuts and bolts of keeping buildings running smoothly.
6. NACFM’s Certified Church Facilities Manager (CCFM)
Best for: Church leaders looking for a faith-based certification
The National Association of Church Facilities Managers (NACFM) offers the Certified Church Facilities Manager (CCFM) designation—a credential developed by and for church facility professionals. The program combines Biblical stewardship principles with practical training in areas such as risk management, facility planning, budgeting, and vendor relations.
It’s a great choice for those who want their training rooted in ministry values while gaining essential facility management skills.
7. Arizona State University – Facilities Management Certificate
Best for: Academic-level training with a flexible schedule
Arizona State University offers an online Facilities Management Certificate Program through its continuing education division. It covers a wide range of subjects: maintenance planning, sustainability, real estate, and leadership.
This university-backed program is ideal for church staff or volunteers who want more rigorous academic training but need the flexibility of an online format.
Conclusion
Church facilities are more than just buildings—they’re spaces for worship, ministry, and connection. Managing them well requires intentionality, knowledge, and the right tools. Training through a course or certification program can empower your team to approach facility stewardship with confidence and skill.
From church-focused options like eSPACE University to broader industry credentials like IFMA’s FMP, there are programs designed to meet your specific needs and goals.
