My wife and I visited 52 churches in a year. Then we attended a bunch more. Here is what we learned.
I’ve heard a great deal about the minister and this church. I’ve wanted to visit for a long time. I have high expectations. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #42: 1. Inside we weave through a throng of people, but no one acknowledges us. We’re invisible. Do they even care about newcomers, or are […]
The newer building doesn’t look like a typical church. The sanctuary is open and inviting, with a comfortable feel. But what we will soon learn is that people make the difference. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #41: 1. “Hi, are you the DeHaans?” The usher’s question surprises me. Either he looked up Candy’s […]
Our destination is a church we’ve heard of often but know little about. Our favorable impression suggests a thriving, dynamic congregation. After the service they invite us back. I want to say yes, but our schedule won’t permit it. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #40: 1. As we walk inside, a young man […]
With Sunday falling between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I have low expectations for their year end service. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #39: 1. Yet inside, friendly faces and hearty handshakes greet us. People acknowledge us as first-timers, without fawning over us. How can you better embrace newcomers without making them uncomfortable? […]
The church meets in a middle school’s all-purpose room. Large portable signs direct us to the entrance. We enjoy a refreshing church service. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #38: 1. People mill about: talking, sipping coffee, or munching snacks. They represent all age groups, with many kids. Younger people are the future of […]
This church looks abandoned. With only two other cars, today promises to be another tiny gathering. In terms of attendance, it’s a small church. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #37: 1. The interior offers nothing to counter my gloomy assessment. A missing ceiling tile in the entryway reveals a giant cobweb moving at […]
We walk inside to an empty lobby and head toward an amplified sound. We slink into a back row. Sunday school must be running late, but we find out that they cancelled church. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #36: 1. The speaker acknowledges the presence of visitors. He apologizes that there will be […]
This church didn’t come up in our online search or in the local directory of churches. We stumbled upon them while driving to another church. Their existence is a well-kept secret. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #35, which I’ll call a well-kept secret: 1. Once we know their name, we find their Facebook […]
Today’s destination is a charismatic church. We’ve not been to many so I’m excited for the experience. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #34: 1. We arrive ten minutes early. With only two cars in the lot, my anticipation sags. We walk in, surprising six people who aren’t expecting visitors—or anyone else. Yet Jesus […]
Discussing Church 33 Even though this church is only nine miles from our house, the contrast between their lives and mine is stark. These people live in poverty. And their shepherd cares for his flock. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #33: 1. We struggle to sing hymns. The organist learned to play because […]