My wife and I visited 52 churches in a year. Then we attended a bunch more. Here is what we learned.
Discussing Church 24 This church resulted when three dying congregations merged a quarter century ago, but with a worship team of teens brought in, today isn’t a normal gathering. I suspect it’s a more atypical church service. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #24: 1. Most of the congregation are senior citizens, with few […]
Discussing Church 23 Last Sunday was their minister’s last day. Other area clergy have high respect for him. I wish I could have met him. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #23: 1. Today ends their summer schedule with one contemporary service. Next week they’ll switch to their winter format with two services: one […]
Discussing Church 22 This church meets in a newer, contemporary building. It’s most inviting. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #22: 1. Many people introduce themselves. Their genuine interest, without being pushy, refreshes me. They ask our names, which they repeat with care. When they share theirs, they pause, giving us time to hear […]
Discussing Church 21 Most of this church’s ministry happens on Saturday. The Sunday service is for those they meet during their Wednesday evening street ministry. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #21: 1. We turn to Hebrews 6, but as the pastor begins her message, the Holy Spirit sends her to Ephesians 4. We […]
Discussing Church 20 This week is another doubleheader, but with a twist. First is a Mandarin worship service and English Sunday school, followed by an English worship service and Mandarin Sunday school. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #20: 1. We email to ask if non-Chinese are welcome. We are. Some non-Chinese attend the […]
Discussing Church 19 With no website and a phone line that doesn’t work, we assume this church, listed only in a computer-compiled online directory, either no longer exists or never did. The church sign in front of their building is the only reason we know the service time. Consider these four discussion questions about Church […]
Discussing Church 18 Today we visit our second Roman Catholic Church. I’m excited—and nervous. We are revisiting Roman Catholicism. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #18: 1. The large sanctuary is grand without being ostentatious. Contemporary and airy, it seats several hundred. It’s the largest we’ve seen so far. Does your building facilitate worship […]
Discussing Church 17 This church has a contemporary service followed by a traditional one. It’s a church doubleheader. We’ll go to both. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #17: 1. Their idea of contemporary is vastly different from mine, with this service being one of the more reserved ones we’ve attended. If you state […]
Top Church Attendance Tips In my post “How to Be an Engaging Church” I shared from my book More Than 52 Churches. Now we’ll look at three tips on how to go to church. When going to church—whether as a visitor or a regular attendee—there are three keys to having a successful, meaningful, and spirit-filled […]
Discussing Church 16 This nondenominational church meets in a public school auditorium. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #16: 1. Renting space saves the church from purchasing and maintaining a facility. Whether you own your building or rent space, how can you maximize your outreach and better impact your community? 2. They use more […]