My wife and I visited 52 churches in a year. Then we attended a bunch more. Here is what we learned.
A few months ago, we went to church on Saturday morning. Now we head off for a Saturday evening mass. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #50: 1. The worship leader directs us to “page one in the white book,” but what we find doesn’t match what they say. We’re confused and can’t follow […]
This church is huge, the largest so far. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #49: 1. I wonder if I’ll find a space in their packed parking lot and fight off the urge to flee in panic. Large churches need parking attendants. What can you do to help people find a place to park […]
The church’s pastor is out of town, and the laity leads the entire service. One thing they do is “prayers for the people.” Consider these four discussion questions about Church #48: 1. Someone asks us to sign their guestbook but then scrambles to find a pen. Though once common, guestbooks now seem archaic and carry […]
My pre-church prayer seems mired in the rut of routine. So it is when we pray this morning and head out for today’s church. Even so, I pray for significant interactions. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #47: 1. When my wife confirmed the time for this church, they invited us to arrive early […]
The sprawling facility provides an impressive view from a distance. Their larger, new building suggests a thriving, dynamic community. But our experience there does not align this this, but the teaching about church discipline really connects with me. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #46: 1. Yet no one responds to Candy’s phone messages […]
Experiencing a Traditional Service and a Contemporary One Today we’ll enjoy two services, another doubleheader: a traditional service followed by a contemporary one. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #45: 1. As we wander inside, several people acknowledge our presence, thanking us for visiting. But beyond that no one says anything more, so we […]
Our visiting churches journey is winding down. Consider these two discussion questions as we move into the final phase of our adventure: 1. Visiting churches has been insightful, but our exploration has worn on us too. We carry both attitudes. Similarly, each person at your church comes with baggage and something they want to achieve […]
As we wind up this phase of our journey, our experiences are starting to blur. Yes, I still notice kindnesses offered and innovations presented, but I worry I’m now more apt to notice the negative. I pray against that. Consider these two discussion questions about the third leg of our journey: 1. I’ve noted the […]
We attended this church years ago. This won’t be a visit as much as a reunion. It’s a familiar place. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #44: 1. The building is twenty-five years old and well-maintained. Too many church buildings show neglect, repelling people instead of inviting them. What are some low-cost ways you […]
Located in a building with shared tenant space, this church has an inviting location, easily accessible, with nearby parking. They are a most welcoming church. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #43: 1. With little room to mingle, we sit down. Several people come over to greet us. They give a heartfelt thanks for […]