Make Sure Your Church is Clean and Looks Nice
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 #37.
This small church likes to sing, and they’ve built a strong community that cares for one another. However, this church stands out for two other reasons.
First, as exemplified by the ragtime vibe of the music, it felt as though we were transported to another time. Candy called it a hoedown. This experience was one of our more unusual ones in all fifty-two churches.
The other issue was the appearance and condition of the building. From the road it looked abandoned. The inside showed signs of neglect and disrepair; the facility felt dirty.
Despite wearing blue jeans, I was reluctant to sit down on the grimy, stained padding of the pews. I didn’t even want to touch anything, and the first thing I did when I returned home was to wash my hands.
I’m sure the regulars overlook the filthy conditions, but dirt was the main thing I saw. And if formed my chief memory of my visit. There are so many ways that a church can scare off a visitor. Don’t let a dirty building be one of them.
Give your facility a serious church cleaning. Your visitors will appreciate it.
[See my reflections about Church #36 and Church #38 or start with Church #1.]
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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