Churches are unique organizations with a clear mission: to serve God and their communities. But behind every thriving church is a well-maintained facility that must be stewarded with care and excellence. That’s where the Facility Manager—or should we say, the Facility Steward? Or maybe the Operations Director?—comes in.
If you’ve spent any time in church leadership, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: churches use a wide variety of titles for the person responsible for maintaining and overseeing their facilities. While the core responsibilities often overlap, the title can say a lot about a church’s culture, size, and approach to facility stewardship.
Let’s take a look at some of the common (and not-so-common) titles churches use—and what they might mean.
1. Facility Manager
This is the most common and straightforward title. A Facility Manager typically oversees building maintenance, vendor management, and facility-related systems (HVAC, plumbing, security, etc.). They ensure the church building remains safe, functional, and prepared for ministry activities.
2. Building and Grounds Supervisor
This title highlights the dual focus on both interior maintenance and exterior upkeep. Churches with large campuses often use this term to emphasize the care of green spaces, parking lots, and outdoor structures in addition to the main church building.
3. Director of Operations
A more executive-sounding title, the Director of Operations often manages facilities, security, and sometimes IT or HR functions. Churches that run multiple ministries or have extensive administrative needs may use this title to reflect broader responsibilities.
4. Campus Manager / Campus Director
For multisite churches, Campus Manager or Campus Director is a popular title. This role typically extends beyond facilities, involving event coordination, volunteer management, and operational oversight for a specific campus location.
5. Church Sexton
A traditional term with historic roots, a sexton is responsible for the church building’s maintenance and custodial duties. While this title isn’t as common in modern churches, it is still used in some liturgical denominations, especially in Episcopal, Anglican, and Catholic settings.
6. Church Administrator
Smaller churches often consolidate facilities, scheduling, and administrative functions under the role of Church Administrator. While this position isn’t exclusively focused on facilities, it often includes building management, event scheduling, and vendor coordination.
7. Property Manager
This title is more common in churches with rental properties, additional buildings, or investment real estate. A Property Manager may oversee leased spaces, manage tenant agreements, and ensure facility-related income is properly stewarded.
8. Maintenance Supervisor
If the role is more hands-on and technical, some churches use Maintenance Supervisor or Building Engineer. These titles emphasize HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and repair work rather than broader operational oversight. Unfortunately, many churches employ a Maintenance Supervisor but give them the title of Facility Manager, which may not accurately represent the desired role.
9. Facilities Coordinator
A Facilities Coordinator often works under a Facilities Manager or Operations Director and handles day-to-day scheduling, event setups, and vendor communication. This role is common in churches that separate strategic management from daily execution.
10. Custodial Supervisor / Lead Custodian
In some churches, facility management is primarily a custodial role. Titles like Lead Custodian or Custodial Supervisor emphasize cleaning, sanitation, and upkeep but may not include broader facility systems management.
11. Worship Environment Director
This is a newer title in some modern churches where the focus is not just on maintenance but also on creating an engaging worship space. A Worship Environment Director may oversee lighting, seating arrangements, stage design, and acoustics in addition to general facilities.
Why Does the Title Matter?
The title a church assigns to its facility leader does more than just look good on a business card. It reflects:
- The Scope of Responsibilities – A Director of Operations will likely have a larger strategic role than a Maintenance Supervisor.
- Church Culture & Theology – Some churches prefer stewardship-oriented language, while others lean toward corporate-style titles.
- Staff & Volunteer Structure – Larger churches with dedicated maintenance teams may have multiple facility roles with distinct responsibilities.
At the end of the day, no matter the title, every one of these roles is an act of stewardship — faithfully caring for the spaces where worship, ministry, and community happen. The person entrusted with this responsibility plays a vital part in creating a safe, welcoming, and well-prepared environment for all who enter.
