My wife and I visited 52 churches in a year. Then we attended a bunch more. Here is what we learned.
Discussing Church 8 This week we visit our third new church. It’s a grand experiment, one quite radical from their conservative denominational roots. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #8: 1. A greeter welcomes us and explains what to expect during our visit. How can you help visitors at your church know what will […]
Discussing Church 7 I suspect this church is only a couple years old. I later learn they’re an outgrowth of a small group. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #7: 1. Their meeting space looks abandoned. We approach with uncertainty. I hesitate to walk inside. It wouldn’t take much to make the entrance more […]
Discussing Church 6 This small country church didn’t come up in our online research, but we have driven past it. All we know is their name and service time. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #6: 1. A wheelchair ramp suggests the way inside, but we’re surprised when it doesn’t lead to the main […]
Discussing Church 5 When I tell people we’re visiting area churches, I specify Christian, but they often hear Protestant. It surprises them to learn we’ll visit Catholic gatherings too. After all, Catholics are Christians too. Today is our first visit to a Catholic church. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #5: 1. A flurry […]
Discussing Church 4 This church’s Facebook page—they have no website—says their “services are informal with a blend of hymns and contemporary music.” I expect service melding contemporary and traditional aspect of worship. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #4: 1. I suspect the service will match what I see in the facility, a merging […]
Discussing Church 3 The third church is more established like Church #1 but more midsized like Church #2. It is a caring church. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #3: 1. Many pages on their website are “under construction” or “coming soon.” The sections for members have information, while the pages for visitors are […]
Discussing Church 2 The church is three years old and meets in a strip mall. Their goal is to “grow deeper, not wider.” Everything about this church is the opposite of last week. Consider these four church discussion questions for Church #2: 1. I park near the door. I later realize they leave the prime […]
Discussing Church 1 The church has no online presence, as well as an uninviting exterior. But the people inside are friendly, and we feel at home—mostly. But overall, they are a friendly church. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #1: 1. An unwieldy wheelchair ramp tacked onto the front of the building desperately needs […]
Discussing Church Visits I’m preparing to go to Church #1. The enemy harasses me. I don’t want to go. I now understand why the non-regular church attender can so easily stay home despite their best intentions. The living room recliner and television remote are much more inviting and much less threatening. Consider these two church […]
Don’t Misrepresent Your Church Service With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #52. This church offers two services. They call the first one blended, combining traditional and contemporary elements, whereas the second one is promoted as contemporary. Both […]