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 […]
How to Be an Engaging Church The experiences I share in this book More Than 52 Churches are just that: my experiences. Other people will have different observations when visiting a church. I am an introvert, as is a slight majority of the population, but my reactions are not unique to or representative of introverts. […]
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 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 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 […]
Should Your Church be Best in Class? 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 #50. This church holds five services each weekend, and we attended the first one. I was disappointed over the lack of college students present, […]
Lead Well 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 #49. Out of several hundred people, only one greeted us before the service. His name was John, and we later learned he was the senior pastor. For an extra-large […]
There are Different Ways to Worship God 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 #47. The people at this church are considerate of visitors. Their embrace of us, in a casual, open way, encourages me. This, however, belies […]
Comparing Two Church Services 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 #45. This church had two church services. One was traditional and the other contemporary. The two options presented a nice contrast of styles. However, the style of […]